How is an IP Address assigned to a device?

An IP address can be assigned to a device either manually or automatically, making the chosen answer accurate. In a manual assignment, also known as static IP addressing, a user or network administrator specifies the IP address and configuration settings within the device's network settings. This approach is often used for devices that need to maintain a consistent address, such as servers or printers.

On the other hand, automatic assignment is typically facilitated through a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which dynamically allocates IP addresses to devices on a network as they connect. This method is convenient for devices that join and leave the network frequently, as it reduces the administrative burden of managing IP addresses and helps avoid conflicts by ensuring that each device is assigned a unique address.

The other options suggest that IP addresses are assigned exclusively in one method or by the manufacturer, which does not account for the flexibility in IP address assignment methods available in networking. Therefore, recognizing both manual and automatic assignment as valid methods of IP address configuration highlights the versatility of network management.