What happened here? (static IP question)

[sarta]

I changed my windows XP workstation to have a static IP of 192.168.0.70 (I've never used that IP before).

So I was then able to access my netgear router (an el cheapo MR814v3) to turn on its DHCP function.

However, I then clicked on "connected devices" and saw my IP (192.168.0.70) .... AND also shown was my computer's name.

Since I did not negotiate DHCP, how did the router get my IP and computer name?

 

[IRudebwoy]

Uh, because you opened up the management web page on your router thereby establishing a connection to your router.

 

[sarta]

That does make sense for detecting the active connection.

But what I'd like to know is did my computer send the computer name to the router at that time? I didn't think a machine on a static IP would send the machine name.

Or (something I just thought of) maybe the router used the computer name associated with the MAC address from a prior DHCP request?

 

[Noway2]

What do you have listed for the DNS?

That is what resolves the names. It is not uncommon to have the DHCP and DNS linked so that you can lookup a system by name.

It is also possible, if not likely if I remember my reading on Samba, that as a part of the Windows network identifies itself by name and address as a routine part of a broadcast.

 

[IRudebwoy]

Aside from the static IP, is the option still set for obaining the DNS servers automatically?

If so, then that's your culprit. The XP client still using DHCP requests to get the correct DNS info. The DHCP client will include the Computer Name with the request.

If not (static DNS server entries), then I'm not too sure at this point. You could always put wireshark on the XP client and watch what gets communicated.