According to best practices, which method should be used to configure the IP address on a server after replacing a NIC?

Configuring a static IP address on a server after replacing a NIC is considered a best practice for several reasons. Static IP addresses are manually set and do not change over time, which is particularly important for servers that provide services to clients, such as file sharing, web hosting, or database access. By assigning a static IP address, you ensure that the server can always be found at the same network location, avoiding potential connectivity issues that could arise if the IP were to change.

Additionally, in a DHCP environment, servers often require stable communication for management and access purposes. While DHCP can be used to assign dynamic IPs automatically, this can lead to scenarios where the IP address may change after a lease period, potentially causing disruptions. Static addresses help in maintaining consistency and reliability, especially in business-critical applications where uptime and accessibility are paramount.

Using DNS reservation and DHCP reservation are alternatives that offer some stability, but they still depend on the DHCP server's operation. In contrast, a static IP configuration does not rely on any external server for connectivity. This direct assignment eliminates unnecessary complexity that can be caused by dynamic IP assignment, particularly in an enterprise server environment.