Do I need a DHCP server in this case?

By deep1234
in Smart Home, Network & Security

 Share

Recommended Posts

Mentor

deep1234

Posted
Posted

Hi guys, for connecting 12 computers with windows to a switch (26 port) to be able to print on two printers. As far as I know, IP addresses should be assigned statically to each device (ex, 192.168.1.X with the same gateway 192.168.1.1) for them to be able to connect to printer.

In the case of formatting these computers or adding new ones to the switch, is it required to assign the IP address staticlly again for these devices? If the answer is yes will an DHCP server make things easier by making the IP address dynamic with a specific range? provided by Windows Server or Linux?

Thanks.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/881740-do-i-need-a-dhcp-server-in-this-case/
Share on other sites
Collaborator

Max_Payne_UK

Posted
Posted

As far as I'm aware, yes you would have to set them with a static if you rebuilt them as there would be no record of what IP the MAC address had held on the switch.

DHCP would make it easier, but it's a bit overkill for 12 computers imo.

Happy to be corrected though

Grand Master

ANON86364

Posted
Posted

The PCs IP addresses do not need to be statically assigned to be able to use the printers. The PCs can be assigned IPs automatically via DHCP service and the printers should have their IPs statically assigned. As far as management, it is purely preference whether the PCs are static or automatically given IPs.

As far as I'm aware, yes you would have to set them with a static if you rebuilt them as there would be no record of what IP the MAC address had held on the switch.

DHCP would make it easier, but it's a bit overkill for 12 computers imo.

Happy to be corrected though

If you do not have a DHCP service running, then yes you would have to manually set the IP in whatever PC you reformat. But to say DHCP is overkill is not really accurate being that any standard router hands out IP addresses and there is free software that runs as a service on a PC to run DHCP. DHCP does make things a lot easier.

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

Posted
Posted

Fair point. I did forget that most (if not all) routers now have a DHCP function. I simply read it as he was going to build a server specifically for DHCP on the network. :laugh:

This! IMO seems the OP is out of the loop a bit? Though I've had routers for a couple of years 6+ and almost all of them had DHCP function inbuilt? A normal Linksys54WRT54g should be fine, they go for around $20ish...

Mentor

deep1234

Posted
  • Author
Posted
This! IMO seems the OP is out of the loop a bit? Though I've had routers for a couple of years 6+ and almost all of them had DHCP function inbuilt? A normal Linksys54WRT54g should be fine, they go for around $20ish...

Wireless routers usually have DHCP support build in. But I am asking here about the 26 port switch as I don't know if it has DHCP support build in, which as far as I know it don't.

Grand Master

Draconian Guppy

Posted
Posted

OOHHHHHhhhhhhhh my bad... we all understood you were trying to build a DHCP server, really sorry..

Switches just relay in a smarter way then HUBS eg. no packet crashing, but normally unless specified, they don't act as a DHCP server. If you already have something like this:

DHCP server (router or whatever ) -> switch -> All computers unless limited by the user in TCP/IP, will be assigned IP automatically by the server. But in the end you can have basically as many switches as you want AFTER the DHCP server. If you don't have one, static IP's will work just fine for LAN. I've worked in scenarios with up to 16ish computers and all of a sudden the router would die... Assigned static IP's manually and for LAN purposes it would work perfectly, internet however, was a whole other headache, for me at least ( this when the router went kaput, else everything is fine).

You should assign the printer a static IP even if you have a DHCP or not, to avoid confusion or the IP getting assigned to another computer which would cause hell when trying to print

Edit: Also a freshly formatted machine will usually have "detect LAN automatically" and receive IP dynamically assigned by the DHCP.

But basically you should have no issue on IPs if your setup is DHCP(again router/computer/whatever tickles your fancy) -> switch, as long as the router/etc. can handle the load , which i've seen those commercial linksys routers handle up to 50+ users without a hiccup.

So yes, having a router (wireless/wired) with DHCP (Which most do) will make things easy as pie!

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • The Light of Life? We actually do glow till our Death, study finds

      By Liberi_Fatali · Posted

      Interesting image choice... reminds me of the human centipede poster
    • Why you need to take back control of your synced passwords and how to go about doing that

      By +Warwagon · Posted

      I love syncback!
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • Get $50 of aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim credit for just $24.97

      By News Staff · Posted

      Get $50 of aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim credit for just $24.97 by Steven Parker Today's highlighted deal comes via our Apps + Software section of the Neowin Deals store, where you can save 50% off aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler Lifetime eSim Credit: Pay $24.97 for $50. Stay connected affordably in 120+ countries/regions with your own lifetime eSIM! An eSIM is a digital SIM card. It's basically just mobile data. Once it's activated on your device, it can connect you to data networks in other countries – giving you an internet connection with NO roaming charges. With aloSIM, you can load prepaid eSIM data packages onto your phone, tablet, or computer. Your lifetime eSIM never expires, so it's yours forever and there are never any monthly charges. You'll get $50 in eSIM data credit, which is almost always enough to cover all your data roaming needs for a full year. But if you run out of data, you can always top up your lifetime eSIM and stay connected internationally. Pay $24.97 for a lifetime eSIM with $50 in travel data credit Use your eSIM to join data networks in 120+ countries Install your lifetime eSIM on a compatible device to roam on local data networks Your lifetime eSIM never expires, and can be topped up with more data anytime Many data packages cost as little as $4.50 and last 7 days. Depending on the package you choose, the length of time varies. Good to know Length of access: lifetime For NEW customers only Instant digital redemption Once you add your $50 credit to your aloSim account you have up to 12-months to use it — after that your credit will expire When you pay for a data plan you also get a free phone number (via Hushed) for the same duration of your plan that was purchased - IE 7 day eSim plan gives you a free 7-day phone number Purchased coupon must be redeemed and used within 12 months This deal is not stackable (one offer per aloSIM account) A $4.50 data package will last 7 days The data DOES expire, and you WILL NOT have any leftover data for your next trip unless it takes place within the validity period. While the eSIM never expires, the actual data package is only valid for the length of time stated at purchase (i.e. seven days after activation, 30 days after activation, etc.) So if you buy a seven-day package and only use a tiny bit, that package is still going to expire after seven days. Access options: mobile (check compatibility) Max number of device(s): 1 Updates included Here's the deal: This aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim $50 Credit normally costs ... $50, but it can be yours for just $24.97 for a limited time, a saving of $25 (50% off). For specifications, and license info please click the link below. Get this aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler eSim for just $24.97 (was $50) Although priced in U.S. dollars, this deal is available for digital purchase worldwide. Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • The Microsoft Office feature that time forgot

      By Fraud OS 11 · Posted

      WordArt was cool. We now have color fonts as a substitute although Word only supports COLRv0 and COLRv1 (Fraud OS 11 only). The OpenType SVG color font format needs to be supported by Office. Adobe's apps support it

  • Recent Achievements

    • First Post
      DrWankel earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      DrWankel earned a badge
      Reacting Well
    • Week One Done
      Supreme Spray LV earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Genuinetonerink- Dubai earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      497
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      158
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      90
    4. 4
      Steven P.
      74
    5. 5
      Michael Scrip
      72
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!