DHCP server

[Spark123]

Hi
I am wondering what is the best way to add a DHCP server to a stand alone network (no internet access)?

The network currently consists of 3 PCs, 2 DVRs, a NAP, 8 way switch and a sound desk. I currently just use fixed IP addresses but is a nuisance when attaching an ipad / ipod / iphone / laptop etc.

I'm thinking of replacing the switch with a router like this: http://www.ebuyer.com/262956-tp-link-tl-r860-8-port-router-tl-r860 which can act as a DHCP server and issue the remote accessories with an IP address, leaving the computers / sound desk / DVRs with fixed IP addresses. I need to enter their IP address into the ipad to remote control them so I'm thinking fixed IPs will be better than DHCP ones.

Any other options? Is there something out there I can just plug into the current 8 way switch to give it a DHCP server? The NAP doesn't have a DHCP server

 

[skhudy]

One of the PCs can act as a DHCP server. Not sure what OS you have installed on them, looks like windows 7 has some options with ICS, if not 3rd party software e.g http://sourceforge.net/projects/dhcpserver/

 

[skotl]

You could buy a 2nd hand wireless access point / router off of ebay for single figure ££squids££, plug its ethernet port into your existing switch, then simply ignore (or use) its wireless and ADSL connection.

The WAP (wireless access point) won't care much that you haven't set up the ADSL and wireless connections, so just use it as a cheap DHCP server.

Or download a free DHCP server and install it on one of your PCs, as skhudy suggests.

 

[Spark123]

Thanks, I may even have an old netgear ADSL router up in the loft so will try to hunt it out.

 

[Monkeh]

What AP do you have?

 

[Spark123]

http://cpc.farnell.com/netgear/wn604-100uks/access-point-wireless-n150/dp/CS23537
I looked in the settings but only seems to be a DCHP client, not a server.

What do you think to the router I linked to above? I hunted through the loft and can't find the netgear router, more annoyingly I found the box with the PSU!
I think with the TP-LINK it will just be a case of swopping the switch out with it and setting it up. http://www.ebuyer.com/262956-tp-link-tl-r860-8-port-router-tl-r860 , in order to keep it tidyish!

 

[Monkeh]

http://cpc.farnell.com/netgear/wn604-100uks/access-point-wireless-n150/dp/CS23537
I looked in the settings but only seems to be a DCHP client, not a server.

What do you think to the router I linked to above? I hunted through the loft and can't find the netgear router, more annoyingly I found the box with the PSU!
I think with the TP-LINK it will just be a case of swopping the switch out with it and setting it up. http://www.ebuyer.com/262956-tp-link-tl-r860-8-port-router-tl-r860 , in order to keep it tidyish!

urrgh.

http://www.ebuyer.com/259789-tp-link-tl-wr740n-wireless-router-4-port-switch-tl-wr740n

http://wiki.openwrt.org/toh/tp-link/tl-wr740n

Have some flexibility.

 

[Spark123]

I think I'll just get a cheap netgear adsl modem router and use it for DCHP (as skotl suggested), I have a spare PSU for one anyway
£8 off fleabay