If no DHCP server is found for automatic IP addressing, what is the backup plan?

In a scenario where a DHCP server is not found to provide automatic IP addressing, the backup plan is to use Link Local addressing. Link Local addresses are special types of IP addresses that are configured automatically by devices when they are unable to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. These addresses are in the range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254 and are designed to allow communication between devices on the same local network segment. This ensures that even without DHCP, devices can still communicate with each other effectively within the local network.

Link Local addresses provide a reliable method for devices to connect when there are no DHCP services available, facilitating basic networking functionality. This is particularly important in environments using protocols like DANTE, which rely on networked devices being able to communicate with one another seamlessly for audio routing.