Why does "ipconfig /all" on my laptop not display a DHCP Server?
My little home network consists of a Desktop PC, a Laptop, a Netgear DS106 hub (not a switch or a router - just a hub) and a broadband cable modem. The computers both run Windows XP Professional.
My PC's motherboard used to have 2 LAN ports - one connected to the hub, the other connected to the cable modem. The laptop was connected to the hub. This configuration allowed the computers to see each other and for both to access the internet simultaneously (the laptop presumably going through the PC).
My PC has just come back from the repair shop with an "upgraded" motherboard that only has a single LAN port. I have therefore had to connect the PC, laptop and cable modem all into the hub. The problem now is that the compters don't see each other and only one can ever access the internet - the first one to be switched on.
When I use the "ipconfig /all" command on the PC, I am shown an IP address, a DHCP Server address and 3 DNS Servers. "ipconfig /all" on my laptop only shows an IP Address but no DHCP or DHS server addresses.
When I try keying in the same DNS address into my laptop's TCP/IP settings, they appear when "ipconfig /all" is run, but still no mention of a DHCP server.
Why does my laptop not see a DHCP Server address?
Where is the "DHCP server" in this simple network - my desktop PC, my cable modem, or my hub?
Is this simple "hub" connection capable of providing shared internet access or do I need to replace my simple "hub" with a "router", or get a second LAN card for my PC and try to go back to my original configuration? (I'm currently debating this with my repair shop but getting nowhere fast).
Any advice gratefully received.
My PC's motherboard used to have 2 LAN ports - one connected to the hub, the other connected to the cable modem. The laptop was connected to the hub. This configuration allowed the computers to see each other and for both to access the internet simultaneously (the laptop presumably going through the PC).
My PC has just come back from the repair shop with an "upgraded" motherboard that only has a single LAN port. I have therefore had to connect the PC, laptop and cable modem all into the hub. The problem now is that the compters don't see each other and only one can ever access the internet - the first one to be switched on.
When I use the "ipconfig /all" command on the PC, I am shown an IP address, a DHCP Server address and 3 DNS Servers. "ipconfig /all" on my laptop only shows an IP Address but no DHCP or DHS server addresses.
When I try keying in the same DNS address into my laptop's TCP/IP settings, they appear when "ipconfig /all" is run, but still no mention of a DHCP server.
Why does my laptop not see a DHCP Server address?
Where is the "DHCP server" in this simple network - my desktop PC, my cable modem, or my hub?
Is this simple "hub" connection capable of providing shared internet access or do I need to replace my simple "hub" with a "router", or get a second LAN card for my PC and try to go back to my original configuration? (I'm currently debating this with my repair shop but getting nowhere fast).
Any advice gratefully received.
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Thanks for all your help folks, I appreciate the time you are taking over this.
Yes my hub is an "old" one - more than 5 years at least I think.
Also, I have had my cable modem for more than 4 years.
When both computers are configured for "Automatic" IP Address assiging, the "successful" computer (Iie the first one switched on after (yet another) full shutdown and switch off, gets the following :
IP Address : 77.99.104.1
Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway : 77.99.104.1
DHCP Server : 62.31.64.115
DNS Servers : 62.31.64.39
62.31.112.39
62.31.144.39
(The IP Address has also been 77.99.105.4, with a gateway of 77.99.105.1, but always with a "77,99" prefix)
The "unsuccessful" (second switched on) computer gets given the following sort of addresses
IP Address : 169.254.246.101
Subnet Mask : 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway : 169.254.246.101
with no mention of "DHCP" or "DNS" servers in response to "ipconfig /all".
The "unsuccessful" computer also tends to have "Limited or no connectivity" on the LAN network connection.
I do have my modem connected to port 6 on my hub. Although that socket is not labelled as a "WAN" socket. It does have a "Normal/Upload" button and I have tried both settings (powering down everything between attempts), but always with the same results.
I will pursue Darr247's line about the functionality of my modem. In the meantime, any other suggestions?
Many thanks. Colin.
Yes my hub is an "old" one - more than 5 years at least I think.
Also, I have had my cable modem for more than 4 years.
When both computers are configured for "Automatic" IP Address assiging, the "successful" computer (Iie the first one switched on after (yet another) full shutdown and switch off, gets the following :
IP Address : 77.99.104.1
Subnet Mask : 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway : 77.99.104.1
DHCP Server : 62.31.64.115
DNS Servers : 62.31.64.39
62.31.112.39
62.31.144.39
(The IP Address has also been 77.99.105.4, with a gateway of 77.99.105.1, but always with a "77,99" prefix)
The "unsuccessful" (second switched on) computer gets given the following sort of addresses
IP Address : 169.254.246.101
Subnet Mask : 255.255.0.0
Default Gateway : 169.254.246.101
with no mention of "DHCP" or "DNS" servers in response to "ipconfig /all".
The "unsuccessful" computer also tends to have "Limited or no connectivity" on the LAN network connection.
I do have my modem connected to port 6 on my hub. Although that socket is not labelled as a "WAN" socket. It does have a "Normal/Upload" button and I have tried both settings (powering down everything between attempts), but always with the same results.
I will pursue Darr247's line about the functionality of my modem. In the meantime, any other suggestions?
Many thanks. Colin.
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ASKER
Thank you all for your time and advice. Although I didn't fully understand the deeper technical points I know I needs a second NIC in my PC or a new router.
I have tried to split the points fairly but know some must look a bit paltry, but I think the A rating means they will be multiplied up.
Thanks again.
I have tried to split the points fairly but know some must look a bit paltry, but I think the A rating means they will be multiplied up.
Thanks again.
ASKER
As I said in my original posting, my hub is just that - a hub.
It is a Netgear DS106 6-port Dual Speed Hub. It does not mention "switch" or "router".
My cable modem is a Scientific Atlanta WebStar DPX100 Series Cable Modem.
I have no idea what the "ipconfig /all" results were before my motherboard change. Everything worked and I never needed to look.
Thanks for your interest. Colin.