Static IP Settings for just one network connection?

[ameeqasrar]

According to my understanding, when i go to the network settings and tell it to use specified IP and DNS settings instead of using Automatically Assigned IPs, it sets that standard for ALL the wireless connections stored on my computer, and all the networks start using those IP settings.

Is it possible to set only one wireless or network profile to use this setting? For example, can i set my laptop to use manually assigned IPs on the office wireless, but use automatically assigned IPs in the home network? Am i even being clear with the question?

 

[DirtRider]

So the way I understand it you want the one PC to work on static and the other on dynamic IP, if so yes. The question is why do you need to run it this way?

 

[ameeqasrar]

no,its one laptop being used at two different locations. I need the office network to have static IPs because I have to enforce some firewall rules on that. But i don't want to go Home and change the network settings every day, and then back at the office and do the same thing. does that clarify?

 

[DirtRider]

Then you should just be able to setup the wireless using a static IP and your normal LAN using a dynamic. This can be done in your network CP by selecting the Wireless and connection and imputing the IP into it that you want it to use.

 

[ameeqasrar]

well, yes, but they're both wireless connections. now what?

 

[ZaLiTH]

I have another idea; when you set an IP to automatically assigned, a second tab should appear at the top labelled "Alternate Configuration". Set the alternate network address as "User Configured".

Essentially what this will do, is first attempt to contact the DHCP server and get an auto-assiged address, and if that fails it will attempt to connect with the alternate configuration (which you would have set manually).

At the same time though, the alternate configuration will only be used if a DHCP server is not found.. You say you want manually configured at work, and auto assign at home? Does your work network not have a DHCP server..?

 

[DirtRider]

Oh ok then I would go with what ZaLiTH said

 

[ameeqasrar]

thanks zal, this seems like a workable idea with some tweaking. the thing is, i need manual IPs in the office to be able to enforce some firewall rules on the network with SonicWall. it works like this. I tell it to NOT block access on certain static IPs, and tell it to block them on all the rest of the dynamic IP range. For that, i will limit the DHCP range to, for example, 192.168.1.51 - 192.168.1.254. and then i'll set static IPs manually from 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.50 to specific computers on the network. But with the current setup, when these people take their laptops back home, they will have to change the IP settings again to match those in their home wifis, and then back again when they are in the office. i want to avoid this switching, because it is a potential screwup in the network configuration, and i will need someone setting things up on a daily basis on every machine.

with your proposed solution, the first priority will be to DHCP, and the laptop will just take in the office and run with it lol. on the other hand, if i put manually in first, it still wont work when they get home. see the mess up? any suggestions?

 

[DirtRider]

This may also be something to look at, never tried it but have a look Free IP Switcher – Switch Network IP Between Different Network Settings

 

[ZaLiTH]

with your proposed solution, the first priority will be to DHCP, and the laptop will just take in the office and run with it lol. on the other hand, if i put manually in first, it still wont work when they get home. see the mess up? any suggestions?

I see what you mean, unfortunately with the way Windows handles network addresses then, I think the IP address settings do need to be altered each time...

I would suggest trying the application that DirtRider mentioned in the previous post, that will allow he user to switch settings without having to manually enter the addresses each time.

 

[ZaLiTH]

This may also be something to look at, never tried it but have a look Free IP Switcher – Switch Network IP Between Different Network Settings

I'm not at my Win7 PC at the moment (work is only XP Pro), does that IP Switcher work with 7 as well...? I only see 2000, XP and 2003 listed as supported operating systems.

First thing I do when I find a new app like this, is check out AlternativeTo.net, maybe that would help you ameeqasrar: http://alternativeto.net/desktop/free-ip-switcher/

 

[DirtRider]

LOl also only on my XP box so I cannot test that one but if it does not I am sure there must be a similar one that would work

 

[ZaLiTH]

LOl also only on my XP box so I cannot test that one but if it does not I am sure there must be a similar one that would work

I looked through the others listed on AlternativeTo.net, and found two that are free (one only free for non-commercial use) that look to be pretty good:
NetSetMan - Network Settings Manager | LAN & WLAN | Freeware & Pro
Smart IP Profiler

I bring my PC to work as well quite often, so I'm going to give both of these apps a good test tomorrow.

 

[DirtRider]

Here is another one to look at Change ip address downloads - TCP Profiles Manager freeware download - Best Freeware Download

NetSetMan looks good

 

[pricen2]

Note: I understand that this is a very old thread but for the sake of completeness and someone looking for the "answer" - like I was - then this is a potential solution.

If the 2 networks are using separate routers, like 1 at home and 1 at uni/library etc then it is likely that you can effectively give your device a static IP via DHCP Reservation.

DHCP Reservation is a setting available in most router config settings and works by reserving an IP for a specific mac address.

When a device tries to connect to the router and its mac matches one in the reservation table then the reserved IP is allocated to the device.

If the device connects to a different router it will be served a dynamically allocated IP as expected.