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Need Help accessing switch

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by squirrelgirl

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I have been hired to do some upgrading on a small business network using ICS and a Starband satellite connection.This operation is a total nightmare. Basically there are 6 PCs running a hodgepodge of XP,98,and 2000 all connected to a "server" (which is not really being used as such). This "server" PC runs ICS to share the satellite connection with the 6 PC's and handles the DHCP.The box uses 2 NICs ,one connects the sat modem and the other the switch uplink. The setup was done by someone who is no longer in business and I am having quite a time learning how this system was configured.He apparently did the setup as a "favor", knowing that Starband doesn't allow ICS for a network. Anyway, my problem is that I cannot access the Netgear FS308 switch at all. There are 2 users who cannot access the network since the password was long forgotten. The IP for the switch was reset by the original admin, who is unreachable. Any suggestions?

8 replies

by maniskid

Was the network working previously?

So the satelite connects straight into one NIC, the computer then shares, via ICS into a switch, which then has 5 other computers connected to it?

In this scenario the switch is not being used for anything but connectivity and is a low priority. To find the ip of the switch. Later try using tracert "tracert www.microsoft.com", or finding the manual and loading its console.

2 computers cannot connect, any particular os? Firstly, ensure they are all on the same workgroup, with the same default gateway, and have at a minimum "client for microsoft networks", "file and print sharing for microsoft networks" and "internet protocol (tcpip)".

Ensure that dhcp is selected on the problematic computers, then use "ipconfig /renew"

Your users shouldn't need to access the network, ICS allows connectivity through a default gateway, they should only need to connect to their own computers. What password is being asked for??

by squirrelgirl

The network is functioning fine on the ICS front.The 6 PCs are networked via the "server" (and this is what the original net tech told the owner of the company what it was although it is not realy set up as one)which is acting as a router and all of the PCs can access each others' shared files. The problem is that 2 PC's (one XP and one 98) suddenly cannot share files and the users are being prompted for a network password (that nobody knows). My need to access the switch is an attempt to gain total control over this network before I begin any work on it at all. The client is moving to another building and I want to record the config of the network so I can re-create and make it more functional (turning the server/router into a real server) in his new office.

by willcomp

The simplest solution may be to connect Starband "modem" to a router and bypass ICS.

Here's a link that may have info of use. Couldn't check it out since I'm not a Starband subscriber.

http://www.starband.net/support/helpandhowto.asp

I set up a shared Starband connection on a small network with NT4 server several years ago. At that time only connection option from modem was USB. Used WinProxy to provide sharing. Royal pain in the rear end.

Dalton

by squirrelgirl

Clarification:
ManISKid's description of the network is correct. And I have tried all of those suggestions and confirmed config options (Print/File Sharing on, TCP/IP on, Client for MS Nets on, DHCP on, tracert,etc.)
And Yes, users access ICS thru a default gateway, BUT the "server" PC uses routing capabilities and the PCs do share files.I am unfamiliar with that setup to the extent that I cannot find the IP of the switch to get the configurations from it.
Hope that clears it up a little.

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