169254255255

169.254.255.255 is the broadcast address of the IPv4 link-local address range 169.254.0.0/16, a special address space used for Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). This range is reserved for devices that cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server on a local network.

APIPA allows devices to configure their own IP addresses when a DHCP server is unavailable or unreachable. In typical implementations, devices assign themselves addresses from 169.254.0.0 to 169.254.255.254 and use ARP to discover other APIPA hosts on the same local link. The address 169.254.255.255 serves as the broadcast address for that subnet, meaning a packet sent to it is delivered to all hosts on the local network segment.

The APIPA mechanism is defined in the IPv4 link-local addressing framework, notably by RFC 3927, Dynamic Configuration of IPv4 Link-Local Addresses. Addresses within this range are not routable on the wider Internet; they are intended solely for local communication on a single local area network segment. If a device successfully obtains a routable IP from a DHCP server, it stops using APIPA addresses.

In practice, encountering a 169.254.x.x address (including 169.254.255.255 as the broadcast) usually indicates a DHCP problem or network connectivity issue. Troubleshooting steps include checking the DHCP server and network cables, ensuring network interfaces are configured to obtain an IP automatically, and renewing the DHCP lease. If a non-routable APIPA address persists, manual configuration or repairs to the local network may be required.