I imagine that something like this exists, but I haven’t been able to find anything.
I have to change my IP address frequently in my job. Typically I find myself hopping between two or three different addresses.
What I’d love is something in the tray that I can right click that will give me a choice of predefined IP settings that I’ve configured, rather than going to the Control Panel, Network settings, blah blah blah.
Anyone know of anything like this?
-Joe
This works from the command line:
netsh interface ip set address name=“Local Area Connection” static 192.168.0.100 255.255.255.0 192.168.0.1 1
You could set up batch files with each IP address desired and put links to the batch files in your system tray.
I use IPSwitcher, it does exactly whatyou want. Pretty cool program. I think it cost ~$20.
Check it:
Cheers…
MtM
Ok, I am stumped. I work in IT but not exactly that sort of thing. Why would somebody need to keep switching their own IP address?
I use a program called Multi Network Manager to switch between different setups. I have to switch between customer networks on a regular basis. At any given time I usually have a dozen or so configurations I move between.
it switches all the network stuff, including the workgroup and domain names if you need it.
You can see it here:
It does seem odd at first, but I use it on my laptop every day.
I move from work where I have a wired gigabit connection, to home where I have a wireless 802.11g, to a customer site where it is wired again, to different customer who has wireless, to a hotel, to an internet café, etc.
Many networks do not use DHCP servers to auto-assign IP addresses. This is usually done as an additional security and control option (I usually don’t use DHCP in any of the networks I control). So you have to set an address manually, and they are all different.
I stradle three network ranges with firewall rules on each that prevent access from any other range.
I have a similar need & I just create shortcuts whose content is the relevant netsh command line. This avoids the intermediate step of creating a cmd file & then pointing a shortcut to it.
In fact I have a couple that change IP address & DNS server & /or activate dhcp & then throw up a ipconfig /all so I can confirm where I am. Not hard. I can provide examples if needed, but not from this PC.
E_C_G: I know how to put shortcuts in a tool bar. You mention putting them in the system tray. Did you really mean the system tray, and if so, how do you get arbitrary shortcuts into there?
Wouldn’t they all be different connections? Every time I’ve had different things I could connect to, I’ve had a different little “Connection” thing to double-click to start. And each has its own separate settings.
Because I do a lot of pre-configuration for all sorts of devices for clients on my work network. I deal with all sorts of different subnets, and I try to keep some subnets isolated from others.
Plus, I do a lot of switching from DHCP LANs to static LANs, and it’s not like a big deal, but it’s still just a pain in the ass. Especially on the static LANs where I need to look up what my IP is supposed to be before I can change it.
With something like what I described (and I’m hoping has been linked to), I can just have Client1, Client2, etc.
Are you thinking of dialup or VPNs? In that case, you’d be right. But I’m talking LAN - either plugged or wireless.
-Joe
I’m following this thread with interest. Thanks to the OP for asking something I’ve never thought to look for a better way.
Even if DHCP is available on the various networks to which one connects, it is often desirable to have a static IP on each. Port forwarding, and security purposes are examples.
McDeath_the_Mad
Does IPSwitcher provide a menu of previously used IP addresses, or do you have to type it in each time?
I’ll let you know in a few minutes. I’m hoping it will also somehow make it quick and easy to find out what scheme I’m currently set at. I just type ipconfig a couple times a day…
-Joe
It looks pretty basic.
You create a bunch of IP profiles, right-click on the tray icon, and then pick which one you want to use now.
On the downside, I’m not sure there’s a quick way to find out what profile you’re currently on short of double-clicking and opening the program.
The only other thing I’ve found that I don’t like (but I can see a reason for it) is that if you’re on profile X and right-click to choose profile X it will change your IP info from X to X, which will disconnect you from anything you’re in the middle of.
-Joe
Even LAN usually has its own connection icon. And when I’ve had wireless and wired, I’ve had two separate icons.
If you swap the Start menu back to the “Classical” view (assuming you’re using XP), then you can see all your connections under Start->Settings->Network Connections. I’m not sure how to find that under the regular XP start menu, since I abhor it.
Okay, I see what you’re saying.
Each interface (IE, on mine I have one wired, one wireless) has an icon. However, I want to quickly and easily change my IP info on my wired interface between one of dozens of different profiles.
No separate icons for doing that, as far as I’m aware.
-Joe
Picture testing with your laptop inside & outside the firewall. In the closet there isn’t much room to type, and an easy tool would make things easy.
There are also some (not many) companies that run multiple IP addressing schemes on the same local LAN. As said, it’s rare, but I’ve seen it a few times. (e.g. 192.168.1.x and 10.10.10.x on the same wire…) It can be a real PITA to work on, and they are usually using static IPs.
Otherwise, what other folks have said.