Scrapster needs networking help... (UPDATED)

[Scrapster]

I'm want two (or more) computers to share my single ethernet connection in my dorm room. I already have a 5port switch w/ uplink. I'm not exactly sure if they will allow us more than one ip. If this helps any, I notice that I ALWAYS use the same IP when I'm online. This happens automatically, b/c I've never had to manually input the IP. First day of school I just plugged in my computer and from then on I've automatically used the same ip. BUT I've heard most dorms with roommates (I live in a single room) need to use a hub if they want both computers connected to the internet, i've never heard they needed a router. In that case, the school is able to assign more than one IP (i think). I bought the switch for further networkability in the future. Do you guys think I will be just fine with the switch? Or will I need any extra hardware?

BTW, thanks to everyone that has offered me advice in previous threads. The drift is slow, but I'm catching on.

Scrapster

 

[Snoop]

I am no expert at networking but by 5port switch, do you mean a router with with a 5 port hub and a switch? If that is what you mean you should be ready to go ahead and hook it up.
What type of 5port switch is it you have???

 

[LevcoS]

If you got your IP address initially through DHCP and didn't have to report your nic's MAC address to the networking people in order to get service, you ought to bve able to plug uplink-->wall jack and however many machines you want into the other switched ports- and away you go!

LevcoS

 

[ERJ]

Have you tried just plugging in both machines and see what happens? I would go ahead and plug in both computers and run a cable from the switch to the box on the wall. You might or might not need to use the uplink port to the wall depending on how your school has it wired.

As for the same IP, the way that our school did it (when I was in the dorms, FREEDOM!!) was that IP's were assigned by DHCP but the DHCP server would remember you MAC address of your ethernet card (unique signiture of every ethernet card) and maintain that IP for you for a certain amount of time. Throughout a semester we would maintain an IP but after winter brake (4 weeks) you might not get the same IP address because they had been released due to inactivity. I can't guarentee that this is the way your school does it but it could be....

Good luck,

ERJ

 

[Scrapster]

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I should get the switch with dsl/cable router capabilities. I was dead set on getting just a plain switch, but the dsl/router has more diverse capabilities.


Scrapster