Assigning IP's at home

[zmaster]

Hi there,
I have the following set up at home:

1 Desktop PC running Windows XP SP3
1 24 port switch
various laptops that connect to the switch


What i need is a program that will automatically assign IP addresses to any laptop that connects to my switch so we can lan easily.

Is there such an app? Something similar to a DHCP server on Windows servers but that doesn't require me to install a whole new operating system.
Freeware or otherwise.

Thanks so much for the help.
Z

 

[keeleysam]

Why don't you just use internet connection sharing built into windows?

 

[tomt4535]

TFTPD32 has a dhcp server in it. Install and run this on one of the PCs and it should take care of what you need. Download it here: http://tftpd32.jounin.net/

 

[JackMDS]

http://ruttkamp.gmxhome.de/dhcpsrv/dhcpsrv.htm

 

[Lemon law]

If nothing else, check out microsoft KB309642.

At one time I had an intermittent NIC on a client computer, or so I theorize, as a result I would get a your network cable is unplugged message occasionally, followed a few seconds later by a message the cable was replugged. And often this would break my network. Wasting five minutes or better to set it up again. Got really annoying fast. After using KB309642 instructions, I set up a static address on my client computer, I kept getting the cable is unplugged message, but my network never broke down like it did before. Later that client computer died, and I never got the message again. Telling me there was nothing wrong with cable itself.

But since its so easy to set up static addressing using KB309642, I always do it now. And if you combine it with the JackMDS method on the server side, all computers instantly know who they are on the network. Just make sure you never assign any two computers the same address.

 

[imagoon]

Without internet access, using a $40 "router" will tend to be more reliable than a User's PC to hand out DHCP information. Just buy a cheap one, plug it in. The default will often start giving out DHCP addresses. If you need internet access then just plug in the WAN side. This is assuming you don't have a USB modem or some other issue that prevents you from using the modem. Home peer to peer networks will work fine with DHCP as they generally use broadcasts to locate each other.

 

[kevnich2]

Just buy a regular SOHO router and use it's DHCP server. Plug one of the LAN ports of the router into your 24 port switch and voila, just restart the computers and your up. SOHO router costs anywhere from $10-$40. Pretty cheap IMO

 

[JackMDS]

Yeah, using Wireless Router makes more sense.

Otherwise you have to be sure that the PC with the software DHCP server is allways On, and it might end up taking more Electricity than a simple Router.

The Wireless can be comfortable to use too when it comes to Laptops.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...egory=145&N=2052810145

 

[zmaster]

Jack thanks so much.
Will test that program tonight.

Tom, i have tried that one, but it keeps crashing on me.

Last few guys:
The idea is to use existing hardware, not to invest in a new router.


Keep well guys.

 

[kevnich2]

Well if you can get a new router that will handle DHCP for you for $40 or under, where's the problem? And as Jack pointed out, the money you'll end up wasting in electricity to run a PC 24/7/365 will pay off $40 in a month or two. You really have no idea how much power a typical computer uses.

 

[mxnerd]

I have tried those DHCP servers before and they are not very reliable.

DHCP sever on the router is much better. And my ASUS 500gp router uses less than 15W, my computer use 120W, 8 times more electricity. You can make those money back in one or 2 months if you buy a new router.

 

[zmaster]

while you guys do raise a valid point, the pc in my house is on 24/7.
And i dont pay for electricity as im renting.
Sorry, forgot to mention that.