Can I set my firewall to allow access my laptop with dynamic IP

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Today I networked my Desktop & Laptop (both WinXP Pro) via a wireless Linksys
router. Both can access the internet & the Desktop can access the Laptop.
However, when I try to access the Desktop from the Laptop, My McAfee firewall
blocks access. To get around this I did the obvious & added my Laptop's IP to
the trusted list. However, my laptops IP seems to change... I geuss this
means it has a dynamic IP. My question is how do I allow my firewall on the
desktop to allow access to my laptop (or any device with a dynamic IP). If
this is not possible, how do I change my laptop to a static IP. And BTW, if I
do this, am I exposing myself to any security risks? If I am not exposing
myself with a static IP, then why aren't all computers set up to use a static
IP?
 
Your router has the ability to hand out IPs using DHCP, and this is what is
most likely happening. The router has a range of IPs it can assign to
computers when they connect to your router. This is what its suppose to do.
You can limit the range of address handed out by logging into the interface.
You can also tell your router to use static IPs for certain MAC addresses.

To do this log into your routers configuration and setup static IPs for your
computers that log into your router. Consult Linksys or your manual if you
cant figure out how...

Robert....
 
Today I networked my Desktop & Laptop (both WinXP Pro) via a wireless Linksys
router. Both can access the internet & the Desktop can access the Laptop.
However, when I try to access the Desktop from the Laptop, My McAfee firewall
blocks access. To get around this I did the obvious & added my Laptop's IP to
the trusted list. However, my laptops IP seems to change... I geuss this
means it has a dynamic IP. My question is how do I allow my firewall on the
desktop to allow access to my laptop (or any device with a dynamic IP). If
this is not possible, how do I change my laptop to a static IP. And BTW, if I
do this, am I exposing myself to any security risks? If I am not exposing
myself with a static IP, then why aren't all computers set up to use a static
IP?
Click to expand...

Put the whole IP address range in the trusted list. For example, if
your router assigns addresses like 192.168.1.2, trust the entire
192.168.1.x range (1<x<255).

Using a static vs. dynamic IP on your LAN has no effect on security.
The whole range is reserved for private networks and can't be accessed
by Internet hackers.

If you want to use a static IP address, assign it in the network
connection's TCP/IP properties. You'll also have to assign Default
Gateway and DNS Server addresses -- set them to the router's LAN IP
address.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
If you want to use a static IP address, assign it in the network
connection's TCP/IP properties. You'll also have to assign Default
Gateway and DNS Server addresses -- set them to the router's LAN IP
address.
Click to expand...

I use the laptop (w/ a liinksys Wireless-G card) at home & in two different
offices. It works OK in the offices now, but should I expect any problems at
these locations if I assign a static IP in the network connection's TCP/IP
properties. (I am using the same network connection for all three locations
at this time).
 
I use the laptop (w/ a liinksys Wireless-G card) at home & in two different
offices. It works OK in the offices now, but should I expect any problems at
these locations if I assign a static IP in the network connection's TCP/IP
properties. (I am using the same network connection for all three locations
at this time).
Click to expand...

Assigning a static IP address would probably cause problems at other
locations. Since a static IP address doesn't give more security,
there's no reason to do it.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
I am writing this letter to ALL Wireless Router manufacturers.
I have a Linksys Wireless Router Model:BEFW11S4. It is 7 years (yes, count
them, all of seven little years) old. I have visited the Linksys website
numerous times trying to set up the WEP/WPA security on that wireless router
(as all responsible wireless router owners should!). I found that there are
no links to any wireless router setting websites that are congruent with the
screen shots from Linksys' own self help technical support site. I have had
to call Linksys several times to resolve this issue only to be placed on hold
for lengthy times (sometimes my call was dropped and I had to start over ....
how sad for such a large company to have such poorly trained phone
receptionists!), then be transferred (see previous comment about the phone
receptionists) to a supposed supervisor, only to finally be transferred to
someone who tells me that the warranty has expired and wants me to pay $40.00
for the technical support to do the right thing that I want and need to do.
First, the device works fine (as evidenced by this e-mail that you have
just received)!
Second, why should I have to pay for doing the right thing?
Third, if I am going to be EXTORTED into buying a new wireless router so
that I can do the right thing and set up an encryption key for a secure
network, what on Gods' Green Earth makes anyone think that I would CHOOSE to
buy another Linksys product when ALL that I have ever received from them is a
functional wireless router (yes, even after seven whole years) and the
crappiest Customer Service/Technical Support I have ever had the displeasure
to encounter!
I shall copy this letter and try to find as many Chat Rooms as possible in
order to spread the word of ALL that I have gone through with the Chain of
Command at the Linksys phone center, well above and beyond what any
reasonable person should expect to go through, and still have NO RELIEF
concerning my singular issue with their product and its capabilities that I
SHOULD be able to enjoy as the owner of said product! What has happend to
"The Customer Is Always Right" Customer Service mantra (I can't say "In
America" because the call was handled in India)? Is the Customer, the ones
that makes the company what it is through the purchase of products, so
worthless to the company that they can just be treated with abject contempt
and scorn? Is the Customer to thus be trampled underfoot? Are we paying to
be so abused? I, for one (yes, one, the beginning of all), shall NOT be
treated in such manner, and CERTAINLY shall NOT PAY to be treated as such!
In this world of expanding technologies, it shall be those with the
GREATEST Customer Appeal that shall continue to be found worthwile in the
publics' eyes (and pocketbooks) and shall grow to meet the demands of a
growing world - ESPECIALLY in the Electronics Department!
It is now my strongest desire that the Linksys Corporation suffers
irreparable damage and goes out of business for their Crappy Customer
Service! I can only hope that I reach enough people around the world to bring
this desire true!
 
I am writing this letter to ALL Wireless Router manufacturers.
I have a Linksys Wireless Router Model:BEFW11S4. It is 7 years (yes, count
them, all of seven little years) old. I have visited the Linksys website
numerous times trying to set up the WEP/WPA security on that wireless router
(as all responsible wireless router owners should!). I found that there are
no links to any wireless router setting websites that are congruent with the
screen shots from Linksys' own self help technical support site. I have had
to call Linksys several times to resolve this issue only to be placed on hold
for lengthy times (sometimes my call was dropped and I had to start over ....
how sad for such a large company to have such poorly trained phone
receptionists!), then be transferred (see previous comment about the phone
receptionists) to a supposed supervisor, only to finally be transferred to
someone who tells me that the warranty has expired and wants me to pay $40.00
for the technical support to do the right thing that I want and need to do.
First, the device works fine (as evidenced by this e-mail that you have
just received)!
Second, why should I have to pay for doing the right thing?
Third, if I am going to be EXTORTED into buying a new wireless router so
that I can do the right thing and set up an encryption key for a secure
network, what on Gods' Green Earth makes anyone think that I would CHOOSE to
buy another Linksys product when ALL that I have ever received from them is a
functional wireless router (yes, even after seven whole years) and the
crappiest Customer Service/Technical Support I have ever had the displeasure
to encounter!
I shall copy this letter and try to find as many Chat Rooms as possible in
order to spread the word of ALL that I have gone through with the Chain of
Command at the Linksys phone center, well above and beyond what any
reasonable person should expect to go through, and still have NO RELIEF
concerning my singular issue with their product and its capabilities that I
SHOULD be able to enjoy as the owner of said product! What has happend to
"The Customer Is Always Right" Customer Service mantra (I can't say "In
America" because the call was handled in India)? Is the Customer, the ones
that makes the company what it is through the purchase of products, so
worthless to the company that they can just be treated with abject contempt
and scorn? Is the Customer to thus be trampled underfoot? Are we paying to
be so abused? I, for one (yes, one, the beginning of all), shall NOT be
treated in such manner, and CERTAINLY shall NOT PAY to be treated as such!
In this world of expanding technologies, it shall be those with the
GREATEST Customer Appeal that shall continue to be found worthwile in the
publics' eyes (and pocketbooks) and shall grow to meet the demands of a
growing world - ESPECIALLY in the Electronics Department!
It is now my strongest desire that the Linksys Corporation suffers
irreparable damage and goes out of business for their Crappy Customer
Service! I can only hope that I reach enough people around the world to bring
this desire true!
 
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