How can I change the IP address or hostname of my Mac OS X Server?

Like most other server OSes, this isn't as simple as it sounds. The IP address and hostname are stored all over the place. Luckily Apple has made it pretty easy for you!

On 10.3.x there is a tool called changeip you can run as root. The syntax is fairly simple:

For if you have an OD domain:
changeip dir node path, oldIP, newIP, [oldHost, newHost]

eg: changeip /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1 11.0.1.10 11.0.1.12 server10 server12

For if you just have the local node:
changeip - 11.0.1.10 11.0.1.12

After the script runs go change the address in the network preferences and reboot. Why Apple didn't just script networksetup here is beyond me.

If you are on 10.2 you can download a similar script from Apple KB#107637

FAQ Manager » OS X Server » How can I change the IP address or hostname of my Mac OS X Server?