How do I set up a static IP address?
 

I have 5 computers on an ethernet network connected to the internet through a router. Each computer has it's own address that I have assigned; 120.66.130.242 and ...243, 244, 245 etc. These IP addresses don't change. I need to access my network from home. To do that, the printed instructions say I need the server to have a "static IP address". Apparently my assigned addresses are not "static".

Do I have to contact my ISP to get a static IP address? I am with SBC (DSL) and I have NEVER successfully contacted them in the past.

You probably have a DHCP external I.P. from SBC. Yes, you would need to call them up and change services from DHCP to static. Also, internal I.P. addresses should be 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255, 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255, 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255.

You need to call your provider and request a static address. I had to do this at my office.

It costs a few bucks extra a month.

It's an Alcatel Speed-touch router. I think it's an antique. Still works well, though.

Any suggestions on how to get to the appropriate subtexted submenu that will help me reach the appropriate subhuman at SBC?

Moses,

Couple of ways to skin this cat.

Your router does have a dynamic address. Simplest way to handle this is to sign up for a free account from someone like no-ip.com.

You will end up with a unique domain name that never changes.

On you Mac you run a little utility that will automatically update no-ip' database with your routers current address. You can set the update interval to whatever you like.

So to get to the router you enter xxxxxxx.no-ip.com

Now you need to get past the router. You can either open a port for the communication protocol or define a computer behind the router as a DMZ which would basically open the box up to the outside world.

i would recommend using a VNC client, look into Chicken of the VNC.

It's a remote desktop client, open source so it's free and does not require you to expose a computer to the outside world.

Or buy Apples remote desktop which is a great product as well.

PM me if you need help walking thru it.

Scott

EDIT: Mikester suggested dyndns which is a similar service to no-ip. It's a good suggestion as most current routers have support for it built in so you do not need to run a utility on your computer to handle the update.

All the computers on my network are Intel duo Mac Mini's.

I know, That's why this will be simple;)

http://www.whatismyip.com

This site will tell you what your current IP Address is with SBC. This will change from time to time, but it's how I have set up my wife to access her office from home.

Moses,

One of the other nice things about Apples remote desktop client is that you can define IP ranges that are allowed to access it.

so if you know you will only be accessing from your office you can restrict access to that IP address range which significantly enhances security.

OK, I had the IP format wrong. It's 66.120.XXX.242. It NEVER changes. I was given a range of 8 numbers (241-249) years ago by PacBell. I assigned each computer one of these IP addresses. Are you sure these aren't STATIC? They never change.

They are static.

Dave

Moses,

The IP addresses on your side of the router can be static or dynamic, if they never change then they are most likely static or they could change whenever the router or computer is rebooted.

It's the routers IP address that is presented to the internet that is almost definately Dynamic. Without knowing what it is you can't find your network.

Think of the router as an apartment building and the computers as individual apts. in the building.

It does you no good to know the Apt number without knowing the address to the building itself.

Scott

Sounds like you have the business package of DSL from SBC. Yes, those would all be static IP's. I am able to ping most of them too.

Moses,

You need to be very careful with this setup. How familiar are you with the Firewall configuration on the router and on your Macs?

Scott

I would suggest editing your posts above and removing that static IP info. I edited my post where I quoted you and removed it there as well.

The Mac firewall should only allow access/file sharing from my home IP address.

OK. So now I have determined the static IP of my router (apartment building :D ) and my server (apartment). How do I configure my Mac at home to dial into the office network?

Thanks. Done.

What's running in the office? All Macs from what I recall.

Really the simplest thing will be Apple Remote Desktop.

I think you can download a demo to try.

I have to run out in a bit but if you want I'll create an account for you on one of my boxes and you can log in and play around later.

Scott

Just checked. Don't see the demo but here's some info about Remote Desktop.

http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/appleremotedesktop31admin.html