1 computer allowed on ethernet, need to connect 2

[frankstarling]

For some strange reason, the IS/IT people at my work will only allow me to attach one computer to the ethernet connection in my office. They said it has to do with security, but that makes no sense to me because I have two desktops (neither of which the IS folks admin, both of which I maintain as admin), and they don't care which one I use so long as they "register" it.

There are two ethernet jacks on my wall, both for computer inputs. The IS person told me that if I attach the unregistered computer to the second jack, it will work but they will recognize it and block access after a while. He told me to use the wireless "guest" access for the second computer, but I don't get a good signal in my office.

The guy in the office next door to me uses two computers plugged into his two ethernet wall ports, only one of which IS has registered, and so far no one has noticed and blocked his access from the second computer.

Those of you who know about these things, what is the best way for me to connect both computers to the ethernet wall ports without being noticed and blocked? Can I somehow share one ethernet port with a splitter/hub without them noticing the presence of the second computer? Plug the second computer into the second jack and clone the MAC address to be the same as the first computer? Or should I just plug the second computer in and take my chances?

Thanks for any advice. I'm not doing anything here that could pose any sort of security risk to my company. I really can't imagine a logical reason for this one computer rule.

Frank

 

[frankstarling]

Additional info: 1 computer is running XP Pro, the other is Vista Ultimate. Each has just one ethernet port on the back of the computer. Thanks again.

 

[USAFdude02]

Well if the employee in the next office is doing it I am guessing he is either cloning macs or they are just blowing smoke. If they had it locked down on the switch by mac-address then the other computer wouldn't work. They also might get an SNMP message stating their is an un-authorized computer and lock that switch port.

You won't know until you hook it up.

 

[kevnich2]

Your not going to get an answer for this, most people on this forum are the ones in the IT dept blocking stuff for this exact purpose. And yes, what your doing COULD be a security risk for your company, that's why they are forcing you to register the computer. They have guest wifi setup for this strict purpose, use it. Get a wireless extender or something if you need to. Yes, they have it done this way for a specific reason. Having rogue computers out there that employees just bring in is a HUGE security risk for a corporate LAN

 

[frankstarling]

Thanks for your reply. If I clone the MAC, can they see that there are two computers on the network with the same Mac address, or will it look like just one computer?

 

[frankstarling]

Kevnich, I would like to register both computers with them. I don't want a "rogue" computer. It would make sense to me if the IT dept wanted only machines they admin to be on the system. However, my primary computer, the one they registered, is not admin'd by them. How could a second registered computer represent an additional security threat?

 

[frankstarling]

Thanks for the replies. I just spoke to another person in our IT, and he said the first fellow had misunderstood. They are going to register both my computers after all, so I'm all set. I'll tell my colleague down the hall so he can get taken care of as well .

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

You're going to need a switch. Your DHCP server for your company should give out two addresses.

 

[USAFdude02]

Well if they do mac-address filtering the switch won't matter. The port on the main switch will just deny and shut down.

 

[n0cmonkey]

Originally posted by: frankstarling
Thanks for the replies. I just spoke to another person in our IT, and he said the first fellow had misunderstood. They are going to register both my computers after all, so I'm all set. I'll tell my colleague down the hall so he can get taken care of as well .

Sometimes it's amazing what happens when you ask.

 

[kevnich2]

Originally posted by: frankstarling
Thanks for the replies. I just spoke to another person in our IT, and he said the first fellow had misunderstood. They are going to register both my computers after all, so I'm all set. I'll tell my colleague down the hall so he can get taken care of as well .

Looks like your good to go then.