Stands for Automatic Private IP
Addressing
A feature of Microsoft Windows, APIPA
is a DHCP
failover mechanism for local networks. With APIPA, DHCP clients can
obtain IP addresses when DHCP servers are non-functional. APIPA
exists in all modern versions of Windows except Windows NT.
When a DHCP server fails,
APIPA allocates IP addresses in the
private range 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254. Clients verify their
address is unique on the network using ARP.
When the DHCP server is again able to service requests, clients
update their addresses automatically.
In APIPA, all devices use the default network mask 255.255.0.0 and
all reside on the same subnet.
APIPA is enabled on all DHCP clients in Windows unless the
computer's Registry is modified to disable it. APIPA can be enabled
on individual network adapters.
NOTE: APIPA is a feature generally only
useful on home or other small intranet LANs.