Netswitcher

[Zonie]

Does anyone know if there is someting like netswitcher but in a free version?

[NooNoo]

Zonie, it's $19.95 with 3 years support... that's pretty close to free.

What exactly do you want to achieve?

[Zonie]

I know NooNoo, the client, (Doctor), is cheap and doesn't want to pay for it. What I am trying to accomplish is: I have an office with approx. 40 PC's 5 printers, and 6 lappies on the network. They have all bee setup with static IP's. This one doc goes home snd changes the IP back to auto since his appartment complex suppies wireless but different ip config. so when he comes back to the office, I end up with a call for IP conflict. I figured something like netswitcher would help eliminate the problem.

[NooNoo]

No, the problem is that you have set static ips for the laptops. Only things like the printers need static ips, the rest should be on DHCP. 40 PC's is alot to go around and mess with... that's why DHCP was invented!! What was your reasoning for setting up the network that way?

[Zonie]

I have all of the equipment on the network set to static because a problem started developing after the last (7) pieces of equipment was added. I was receiving problems with IP conflicts on a daily basis from all over. These PC's, Printers, and Laptops are scattered between (2) buildings.

All are hardwired except the laptops, which are wireless. These laptops are caried by the Docs to (2) other office locations as well. So therefore I have had to set these offices up to be mirrored images of the main office including the printer IP's. Everything was tried to use DHCPbut in the end it became a real problem. After talking to a couple of local network experts, it was decided static was the best route to use for this situation.

[NooNoo]

So just make a dhcp scope for the laptops only..
Tell him either either pays $20 for the netswitcher, or you will have to bill him for 2 hours to set the laptops (only) to dhcp.

[NooNoo]

BTW, why doesn't the alternate tcp/ip configuration work?

[CeeBee]

Most routers have an option for setting DHCP reservations (assuming a router gives the IP's). If it's a server then it's even better...
You definitely have an issue there, what you're trying is a kind of band-aid over an infected wound.
Set up all printers and routers with static IP's and let DHCP do its magic.

[Zonie]

BTW, why doesn't the alternate tcp/ip configuration work?

Becaause the Doc's Appt opertes on 10.x.x.x and the office is set to 129.x.x.x

[Zonie]

[QUOTE=CeeBee;674449]Most routers have an option for setting DHCP reservations (assuming a router gives the IP's). If it's a server then it's even better...


First the network is a workgroup no server. The router is a newer bsiness router and prbably does have DHCP reservation. I will have to see if I can get some ome to come in during off hours to make any changes since most of the work is done on-line and cannot interupt them during the work hours.

[Zonie]

You definitely have an issue there, what you're trying is a kind of band-aid over an infected wound.
Set up all printers and routers with static IP's and let DHCP do its magic.

Again, this was tried, but, due to some reason a situation developed where every work day, once or twice a day, there would be a tcp/ip conflict. As you know, some of the equipment goes into standby mode which means there is no network activity. If a pc is turned on using DHCP, it can grab an IP address from a unit in standby therefore causing a conflict, hence the assignment of IP's not to mention (3) different office locations.

[slgrieb]

No question in my mind that doctors are frequently the cheapest *&%##'s in the world. Still, he's way past the point where a peer to peer network is no longer cost effective to maintain. You should set him up with a small server. It will save him money in the long run, put some decent cash in your pocket, and make your life, and his, much easier. Yes, I know it's a little off topic, but you should sell this guy on the merits of a centrally managed system.

[NooNoo]

Becaause the Doc's Appt opertes on 10.x.x.x and the office is set to 129.x.x.x

That's fine read this (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283676)

[Zonie]

No question in my mind that doctors are frequently the cheapest *&%##'s in the world. Still, he's way past the point where a peer to peer network is no longer cost effective to maintain. You should set him up with a small server.

I quite agree with youbut there is only one small problem. Multiply that by 14 and that is how many Docs I have in that office to convince. A fighting battle. I do appreciate all your input though.

[Zonie]

That's fine read this (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283676)

Thank you NooNoo, that's one for the toolbox. I did find This (http://www.eusing.com/ipswitch/free_ip_switcher.htm) in addition. It looks like I will be able to fix this problem without too much feedback from them.

[CeeBee]

Again, this was tried, but, due to some reason a situation developed where every work day, once or twice a day, there would be a tcp/ip conflict. As you know, some of the equipment goes into standby mode which means there is no network activity. If a pc is turned on using DHCP, it can grab an IP address from a unit in standby therefore causing a conflict, hence the assignment of IP's not to mention (3) different office locations.
Increase the lease time. Most companies use DHCP and have no issue. If you have 3 office locations consider using different subnets for each.