setup a network of fixed IPs

Setting up a network with several PCs using fixed IPv4 addresses involves configuring each PC with a static IP address within the same subnet. Here's a step-by-step guide to do this:

1. Determine IP Address Range and Subnet Mask:

• Decide on the IP address range and subnet mask for your network. For example, you might use the IP address range 192.168.1.0/24, which allows for 254 usable IP addresses (from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.254) with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0.

2. Assign Static IP Addresses:

• Access the network settings on each PC. In Windows, you can do this by going to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings.

• Right-click on the network adapter you want to configure (usually Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and select Properties.

• Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click Properties.

• Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter the IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server information.

• Assign a unique static IP address to each PC within the same subnet. For example:

  • PC1: IP Address: 192.168.1.1, Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway: [Router IP], DNS Server: [Router IP]

  • PC2: IP Address: 192.168.1.2, Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway: [Router IP], DNS Server: [Router IP]

  • PC3: IP Address: 192.168.1.3, Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0, Default Gateway: [Router IP], DNS Server: [Router IP]

  • and so on...

3. Configure Router:

• Access your router's administration interface via a web browser. Usually, you enter the router's IP address into the address bar.

• Navigate to the LAN settings or DHCP settings section.

• Reserve IP addresses for each PC by associating the MAC addresses of their network adapters with the corresponding static IP addresses you assigned earlier. This ensures that the router always assigns the same IP address to each PC.

4. Test Connectivity:

• Once all PCs are configured with static IP addresses, ensure they can communicate with each other and access the internet.

• Ping each PC from another to verify connectivity. Open the Command Prompt and type ping [IP Address].

• Access shared files or resources on other PCs to ensure proper network functionality.

5. Document and Maintain:

• Keep a record of the assigned static IP addresses and associated devices for future reference.

• If adding or removing devices from the network, update the configurations accordingly.

By following these steps, you can set up a network consisting of several PCs with fixed IPv4 addresses, ensuring stable and predictable connectivity within your network environment.