Does a switch have its own IP address?

[Antoneo]

If so, how can I find out? I have a switch (wireless router with DHCP services turned off) behind a wired router and would like access to it sometimes to change the SSID or WEP key. So far the only way I have done that is by resetting the switch/wireless router.

 

[SaigonK]

Ok so you have a wired router, and you plugged in your wireless router to it.


If you didnt set a static IP it should get one of your DHCP addresses automaically.
So go into your wired router and list the DHCP clients connected to your wired router, the wireless router should be one of them.
Once there you could give the wireless router its own static IP and then manage it in the future form there.

 

[JackMDS]

Link: How do I use a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point?

 

[Antoneo]

Originally posted by: SaigonK
Ok so you have a wired router, and you plugged in your wireless router to it.


If you didnt set a static IP it should get one of your DHCP addresses automaically.
So go into your wired router and list the DHCP clients connected to your wired router, the wireless router should be one of them.
Once there you could give the wireless router its own static IP and then manage it in the future form there.

I checked the DHCP table in my wired router and it only lists IPs for my two computers that are connected to it (via ethernet) and none for my wireless router-turned-switch/WAP. I guess I have to set a static IP first then switch it off like the link in JackMDS' post.

 

[saimike]

Originally posted by: Antoneo

Originally posted by: SaigonK
Ok so you have a wired router, and you plugged in your wireless router to it.


If you didnt set a static IP it should get one of your DHCP addresses automaically.
So go into your wired router and list the DHCP clients connected to your wired router, the wireless router should be one of them.
Once there you could give the wireless router its own static IP and then manage it in the future form there.

I checked the DHCP table in my wired router and it only lists IPs for my two computers that are connected to it (via ethernet) and none for my wireless router-turned-switch/WAP. I guess I have to set a static IP first then switch it off like the link in JackMDS' post.

afaik, a switch shouldnt have its own ip because its OSI layer2.
a router, which is OSI layer3 would.

terminology aside, i dont think ur "wireless router turned AP" should have an ip.

 

[reicherb]

Originally posted by: saimike

Originally posted by: Antoneo

Originally posted by: SaigonK
Ok so you have a wired router, and you plugged in your wireless router to it.


If you didnt set a static IP it should get one of your DHCP addresses automaically.
So go into your wired router and list the DHCP clients connected to your wired router, the wireless router should be one of them.
Once there you could give the wireless router its own static IP and then manage it in the future form there.

I checked the DHCP table in my wired router and it only lists IPs for my two computers that are connected to it (via ethernet) and none for my wireless router-turned-switch/WAP. I guess I have to set a static IP first then switch it off like the link in JackMDS' post.

afaik, a switch shouldnt have its own ip because its OSI layer2.
a router, which is OSI layer3 would.

terminology aside, i dont think ur "wireless router turned AP" should have an ip.

I've got layer 2 switches that have IP addresses for configuration. They are Cisco 2500 series switches.

 

[skyking]

yes, but those are real switches
When using a router as an AP, you are a little limited for configuration. They are designed to be administered as the gateway. Often you must reset to factory defaults, do what you want to do to it, and disable dhcp.
That is why one of the dedicated AP's, with a different browseable control interface and often a USB management port work much better in that application.

 

[SaigonK]

Exactly, those are "rea;" switches.

like the 80+ Nortel 450BT's I have at work or the 4 Nortel Passport 1612G fiber switches i am setting up.

he is simply talking about a run of the mill home unit.

 

[saimike]

Originally posted by: reicherb

Originally posted by: saimike

Originally posted by: Antoneo

Originally posted by: SaigonK
Ok so you have a wired router, and you plugged in your wireless router to it.


If you didnt set a static IP it should get one of your DHCP addresses automaically.
So go into your wired router and list the DHCP clients connected to your wired router, the wireless router should be one of them.
Once there you could give the wireless router its own static IP and then manage it in the future form there.

I checked the DHCP table in my wired router and it only lists IPs for my two computers that are connected to it (via ethernet) and none for my wireless router-turned-switch/WAP. I guess I have to set a static IP first then switch it off like the link in JackMDS' post.

afaik, a switch shouldnt have its own ip because its OSI layer2.
a router, which is OSI layer3 would.

terminology aside, i dont think ur "wireless router turned AP" should have an ip.

I've got layer 2 switches that have IP addresses for configuration. They are Cisco 2500 series switches.

hmm, seems like they r EOL'd ... according to this page ... however i'd hardly call them switches ... apparently it speaks "IP, Novell IPX, and AppleTalk, and a wide range of routing protocols." sounds more intelligent to me than a switch ... but i may be wrong.

a switch is merely an intelligent hub.

 

[ScottMac]

Um, actually no; A switch is acutally a multiport bridge. It's one more layer up the stack (L2 vs a hub@ L1).

I know what you meant, but it's better to kill the confusion early....

FWIW

Scott