Getting Started with EZ IP: A Beginner’s GuideEZ IP is designed to take the pain out of IP address management and basic network configuration tasks for small teams, home labs, and businesses that don’t have a full-time network administrator. This guide walks you through what EZ IP does, why it can help, how to set it up, and how to use its core features step by step.
What is EZ IP?
EZ IP is an IP address management and basic network configuration tool that simplifies tasks such as assigning addresses, tracking DHCP leases, managing static device mappings, and documenting network topology. It’s aimed at users who want a lightweight, easy-to-use solution rather than a complex enterprise IPAM (IP Address Management) platform.
Key benefits at a glance:
- Simplified address allocation (static and dynamic)
- Centralized device inventory and documentation
- Basic DHCP/DNS integration for common environments
- User-friendly UI suitable for non-experts
- Quick reporting and export for audits or migrations
Who should use EZ IP?
EZ IP is a good fit for:
- Small business IT teams without dedicated network staff
- Home lab enthusiasts managing multiple devices and virtual networks
- Managed service providers who need a lightweight client site tool
- Project teams that require an easy way to document addressing plans
If you manage dozens to hundreds of IPs and want clear visual documentation and quick allocation tools without enterprise overhead, EZ IP is appropriate. For very large or highly regulated environments that need advanced automation, role-based access at scale, or integrations with complex orchestration systems, a dedicated enterprise IPAM might be preferable.
Prerequisites and planning
Before installing or configuring EZ IP, gather the following:
- A list of subnets you manage (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24)
- Current DHCP servers and DNS infrastructure details
- A simple device inventory (hostname, MAC, current IP if assigned)
- Administrative credentials for any servers you’ll integrate (if applicable)
Decide how you want to represent your network in EZ IP:
- Will you track by physical sites (office locations) or by logical groups (production/dev/test)?
- How granular should documentation be — just CIDR blocks or per-rack/device detail?
- Who will have admin vs viewer access?
Installing EZ IP
Note: The exact installation steps depend on the platform distribution used by EZ IP (standalone app, Docker, cloud-hosted). Below is a typical Docker-based install, which is a common option.
- Install Docker and Docker Compose on your host machine.
- Create a docker-compose.yml (example): “`yaml version: ‘3.8’ services: ezip: image: ezip/ezip:latest container_name: ezip ports:
- "8080:8080"volumes:
- ezip-data:/var/lib/eziprestart: unless-stopped
volumes: ezip-data:
3. Launch: ```bash docker-compose up -d - After startup, open your browser to http://localhost:8080 and follow the web UI setup wizard to create the initial admin account and basic site settings.
If you’re using a cloud-hosted or packaged installer, follow the vendor’s web instructions for account creation, DNS, and access.
Initial configuration — first 30 minutes
- Create your first “Site” or “Workspace” (e.g., “Head Office”).
- Add your first subnet(s). For example:
- Name: Office LAN
- CIDR: 192.168.1.0/24
- Gateway: 192.168.1.1
- Add device records for static devices: printers, servers, switches. Include hostname, MAC, intended static IP, and a short description.
- Configure DHCP integration if EZ IP supports it in your setup:
- For a local DHCP server, input API/credentials or set up a scheduled sync.
- For cloud-managed DHCP (e.g., cloud VPCs), connect via the provider integration.
- Import existing data if available: CSV imports of IP lists or device inventories can speed setup.
Core features and how to use them
IP Allocation and Reservations
- Use the address pool view to see free vs used addresses.
- Reserve static IPs for servers and infrastructure by creating device records with fixed IP assignments.
- For dynamic clients, mark ranges as DHCP pools so the system knows which addresses are allocated automatically.
Search and Discovery
- Use the search box to find IPs by address, hostname, or MAC.
- Some versions include network discovery; run it to populate devices but review matches to avoid duplicates.
Documentation and Notes
- Add notes to subnets and addresses to record special rules, maintenance windows, or VLAN assignments.
- Attach diagrams or configuration snippets to device records to document setup steps.
DHCP/DNS Sync
- When integrated, EZ IP can sync reservations and DNS records with existing DHCP/DNS systems. Use the sync feature to ensure the DB reflects reality, and schedule periodic reconciliations.
Exporting and Reporting
- Export IP lists to CSV for audits or migrations.
- Generate reports such as unused addresses, upcoming lease expirations, or device inventories.
User Management and Roles
- Create users with Viewer, Editor, or Admin roles.
- Limit who can change address assignments to avoid accidental conflicts.
Best practices
- Start small: import a key subnet first, verify processes, then add more.
- Treat EZ IP as the source of truth: update it as you change configurations to keep documentation accurate.
- Use reservations for infrastructure devices and track leases for user devices.
- Schedule periodic audits and reconciliations to catch drift between DHCP servers and EZ IP’s records.
- Keep backups of EZ IP’s data directory or use built-in export features before major changes.
Common troubleshooting
- Can’t access the UI: verify container/service is running and ports are open; check logs.
- Duplicate IPs reported: run a discovery scan and reconcile device records; ensure static assignments match actual device configs.
- DHCP sync failures: check API credentials, firewall between EZ IP and DHCP server, and ensure the DHCP server supports the required API or protocol.
Example quick workflow (10-minute walkthrough)
- Log into EZ IP.
- Add Site: “Branch-A”.
- Add Subnet: 10.0.2.0/24, gateway 10.0.2.1.
- Create device: Name=“AP-1”, MAC=aa:bb:cc:dd:ee:ff, IP=10.0.2.10, Description=“Lobby Wi‑Fi AP”.
- Mark 10.0.2.50–10.0.2.200 as DHCP pool.
- Export the subnet IP list to CSV for your records.
When to move beyond EZ IP
If your needs grow to include:
- Automated, high-scale orchestration tied to CI/CD
- Role-based access controls across many teams with detailed audit trails
- Deep integrations with dozens of cloud and on-prem orchestration tools consider migrating to an enterprise IPAM or network automation platform.
Closing notes
EZ IP empowers teams to manage address space and simple network documentation without steep learning curves. By adopting a small, consistent workflow—importing existing data, reserving infrastructure addresses, and keeping the tool updated—you’ll reduce IP conflicts, speed troubleshooting, and keep a clearer picture of your network.
If you want, I can write a printable quick-start checklist or a CSV template to import device data into EZ IP.
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