How can I automatically change the IP address of my laptop depending on my location/network?

Question

At work, I have a specific IP address that I need to use. However, when I go back home, I need to connect to my wireless network via automatic configuration (ie: obtain IP address automatically). As a result, everyday I have to go into Internet Connection Properties and enter the IP address if I'm at work, or delete it if I'm back at home. I've tried simply placing it in "Alternate Config" - but at work it won't work. Is there any program or way of just storing these settings, so when I connect to my network at work the computer will automatically use a specific IP address - but when I connect at my other network at home it will just switch back to automatic config?

Hey -

So I found an outstanding solution to my question - NetSetMan! It's a free program that will let you set up to 6 different configs. It's incredibly user friendly to use, and with 2 clicks you can switch over all the settings needed. Check out it's review and details at

http://www.softpedia.com/reviews/windows/NetSetMan-Review-45587.shtml

Answer 1

Under the "Internet Options" click on the "Connections" tab, then "LAN Settings". Under the "Advanced" button, it will allow you to set your proxy IP's, which your work would require for getting out through their network. Once you have them set up, you should only need to toggle between your manual "Use a Proxy server....." configuration and "automatically detect settings."

You will have to go between these two configurations depending on where you are trying to connect from. There is no mechanism for doing that automatically. Your settings are one or the other.

Answer 2

I have the same problem. Often I have to connect with a specific static IP address then I get to the office and I have to use DHCP. What I have done is set up a .bat file on my desktop. It is pretty easy to do.

Step 1. Create a new Text document on the desktop by right-clicking on the desktop and selecting new Text document from the menu.

Step 2. Paste one of the following into the body of the text document.

For DHCP address enter:
netsh interface ip set address local source=dhcp
pause

For a static IP address enter:
netsh interface ip set address local static x.x.x.x n.n.n.n
pause.
Step 3: Save the new document as "name.bat"

Note: replace x with the IP address and n with the subnet. You might still have to enter a command for the default gateway.

Answer 3

Case 1: If your IP address in the work is private:

Change the wireless router settings on the DHCP. Your wireless router at home should assign similar network address to your office.

Case 2: If your IP address in the work is public:

You may have to do it manually over and over or better yet, you may change your work IP address similar to that at home.


Sorry, I think the Case 1 is much positive approach.