An IP address conflict occurs when two communication endpoints on a network are assigned the same IP address. Endpoints can be PCs, mobile devices, or individual network adapters. IP conflicts between two endpoints normally render one or both endpoints unusable for network operations.

Two computers or other devices can receive conflicting IP addresses in several ways:

Other forms of IP conflicts can occur on a network. For example, one computer can experience an IP address conflict with itself if that computer is configured with multiple adapters. Network administrators can also create IP conflicts by accidentally connecting two ports on a network switch or network router together.

The exact error message or other indication of an IP conflict varies depending on the type of device affected and the network operating system running on it.