What is the term used for changing a PLC's IP address?

The term associated with changing a PLC's IP address is better understood as "static." A static IP address is an address that is manually configured for a device and does not change over time, as opposed to a dynamic IP address, which is automatically assigned by a DHCP server and can change each time a device connects to the network.

In the context of PLCs, when a static IP address is intentionally set or modified, the intent is to ensure that the PLC maintains a consistent address for reliability in communication, especially in industrial environments where stable connectivity is crucial for operations. This is essential because it allows for predictable network configurations, easier troubleshooting, and ensures the PLC can be easily accessed for monitoring and control.

Understanding the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses is important: while a dynamic IP address can change, a static IP address will remain until it is manually altered. As such, making changes to a PLC's IP address typically reflects the static nature of how these devices are configured to be addressed on the network.