IP Authentication

How do I configure IP range authentication in the DCS?

To configure an IP range, for example for student authentication of content when they are on campus, you must be a 'DCS admin' within your HEI user role. You can check this in the Users page. 

DCS admins can set up IP range(s) as follows:

• Go to the My Institution page in the left hand panel
• Select the Authentication tab at the top of the page
• Check 'Use IP authentication' is toggled on in the first section. If not, click 'Edit' to turn it on, and then click 'Save.
• You will now see a section for IP Range. 
• Click 'Add new range' to add a new IP range:
  • Select 'IPv4' or 'IPv6' (IPv4 is more common and is selected by default)
  • Add the start of the IP range (you can type or paste)
  • The 'end type' is recognised automatically
  • Add the end of the IP range (this may be identical to the start, or different)
  • Add a description - for example 'City campus' or 'Library office'

You can add up to 30 IP ranges. 

What does the * mean in an IP range and how do I enter it in the DCS?

The * character in an IP range is shorthand to note the minimum (0) or maximum (255) of the range.

Some examples are:

• 195.0.0.* should be entered as:
  • 195.0.0.0 – 195.0.0.255
• 176.0.*.* should be entered as:
  • 176.0.0.0 – 176.0.255.255
• 183.50-52.*.* should be entered as:
  • 183.50.0.0 – 183.52.255.255
• 176.50.0-115.* should be entered as
  • 176.50.0.0 – 176.50.155.255