Moving a computer between ResNet and another network

This document applies to the situation where you would like to move your computer between ResNet (which uses dynamically assigned IP addresses) and another network (which uses statically assigned IP addresses).

If the other network is a wireless network you don't need to do this, as wireless and wired ethernet settings are stored separately.

If the other network also uses dynamically assigned IP addresses (most home networks using a router) you don't need to do this. If the other network uses static IP address you do need to do this.

Using these instructions you can set your Windows XP portable computer to automatically configure its network settings when connected to ResNet and to use alternative settings on the other network. This way it will work in both situations without the need to change any settings each time you move location.

Record your current settings

1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Network Connections.
2. Double click Local Area Connection icon, then click Properties.
3. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
4. If you see Obtain an IP address automatically is selected, or you know your manual network settings are not working in your office or department, you need to obtain the IP address information required for your office network from your departmental network administrator before you can continue.
5. If your laptop has already been set up for your departmental network you will see Use the following IP address is selected and you should be able to retrieve all the information needed to continue from the current settings.
6. To record the settings you currently use for your departmental network, write down the values listed for IP address, Subnet mask, Default gateway, Preferred DNS server and Alternate DNS server.
7. Click Advanced...
8. Select the WINS tab at the top of the window and record any WINS addresses that are listed and note the order in which they appear (there may not be any entries if your departmental network does not require them, or there may only be one).
9. Click Cancel.

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Change your settings

1. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and then Obtain DNS server addresses automatically.
2. Select the Alternate Configuration tab that should just have appeared at the top of the window.
3. Select User configured, enter the IP address, Subnet mask, Default Gateway, Preferred DNS server, Alternate DNS server, Preferred WINS server and alternate WINS server that you noted previously, or which your departmental network administrator has given you. If you do not have any WINS server addresses, your network does not require them, if you only have one, enter that and leave the alternate blank.
4. Click OK and then Close.

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What is this actually doing?

When the laptop is connected to a network, Windows XP will first attempt to obtain an IP address by DHCP (this is the method used to connect to ResNet), if Windows fails to obtain an IP address in this manner the alternate configuration is invoked and the specified static IP configuration is used.

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Troubleshooting

If you encounter problems connecting to the network after changing locations, especially after bringing the laptop out of standby or a suspended state, try shutting down and restarting the computer. This will force Windows to search for a DHCP server again and thus determine the appropriate settings for the current environment.

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