The network is on an oil rig, i guess its so that all IPs for different devices are the same from rig to rig as there are standard IP addresses assigned for each device no matter rig its on.

AFAIK there isnt a server or router, there are a number of SBC's which communicate with one another, then things like HMI's, remote I/O modules and VFD's on the ethernet network also.

Im certain im changing the ip address correctly, the hmi/touch screen is basically a computer with windows os on so im basically changing the ip address as i would on my laptop when im plugging into the network. Theres just something changing the IP address on boot up, the HMI is currently fitted and working but if i restart the IP will be reverted back to what it was and conflict.

Hope this makes sense,