what should I do to make my switch worK?

Question

there are two LANS in my computer. The other LAN is used by my sister. Of course, she will have not have any access to the internet without my PC on. To save electricity, I decided to buy a switch so that the dependence of the other computer will be minimized.

But why do I seem to lose my connection with the switch? The computer taskbar tells me that I have a limited or no conectivity. I tried restarting the computer after the operation but nothing changed.

I tried to renew my IP Address with the command prompt but it didn't give any results after 5 minutes. Do I need to wait for more? How does a switch or a router give IP Address?

Thanks a lot for your answers....

Answer 1

It sounds like you do not have a DHCP server running.

Can you give some more information about your network?
Did the 'switch' you buy also have a router? Is that 'switch' connected to your internet connection (modem?)

Your machine will not aquire an IPv4 address without having some sort of DHCP server running, unless you statically assign it.

some advanced switches can run a DHCP server, but without knowing the make / model# of the 'switch' you have, I do not know how it would be done.

Answer 2

I'm no geek. So what I did is, I called up the hardware fellow and got him to install the LAN system. I've three computers in three rooms and all works well. Check whether your TCP/IP addresses and names are correctly done. Auto detect doesn't always work well in XP. Best wishes.

Answer 3

Too vague: Wired OR Wireless? XP or Vista? DSL or Cable Modem?

Read the Switch / router User Manual, cover to cover, FIRST. Then, follow all instructions to the letter. It should work properly.

If not, call the Switch manufacturer for tech support. Then, call your ISP.

Answer 4

a switch doesn't give you ip address. you can either set your pc ip address or let it auto (dhcp). set your modem or router to connect automatically.

Answer 5

You can not use a switch. You need a router.