DHCP or Static for Home Network/IP Addressing

[edwardz85]

FYI:
Router - Linksys WRT54G
Client - Linksys Wireless A/G USB Network Adapter

I wanted to know if I should use DHCP or Static for a home network with one client. I haven't had a problem with DHCP. However, there is an option to limit the number of DHCP users and I have it limited to 2. Is that secure enough or should I try static.

Also, if I assign IP Addresses manually, what methods do I follow? I'm worried I'll assign someone else's IP address in the country and I'll be surfing on theirs. Is there a way to find out if the ip address is already taken? Thanks for your help.

 

[Netomaniac]

If you want to assign a static IP then you will have to speak to your ISP provider. They will have to assign you a static IP.

Neto.........

 

[edfair]

You have a router between your network and your ISP. DHCP as you describe it provides private IP addresses. They belong to you and are local to you. There may be millions of machines with the same addresses but they are hidden behind a router just like yours are.
DHCP or static are the same so far as security in your network. And you couldn't step on anybody else's IP address if you tried.



Ed Fair
Give the wrong symptoms, get the wrong solutions.

 

[stduc]

There are almost no good reasons for limiting the number of DHCP assigned address's your router will give out.

It can be convenient to know which IP address each of your PCs will have, but you can always check your routers routing table for that information to save walking to the PC in question!

On the security side - if wired - is someone really going to plug a PC into your network without you knowing about it? On the wireless side - proper implementation if WPA2 will stop all but the most determined hacker and without encryption a hacker can still sniff your packets - so is stopping them joining your network really the issue? If a hacker does gain access to your network then it is simple for them to change your router settings anyway.

To secure your home network.

Change your default router admin password to a strong password (> 9 characters containing numbers, upper/lower case and special characters)

Use WPA2 if available with a long key. Failing that WPA and if it's all you can use - WEP (but ensure WEP is using rotating not static keys) But WEP is pretty easily cracked today.

I have been known to be wrong.
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