My Blog » networking http://www.techforthemasses.net Just another WordPress site Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:36:16 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 How to detect rogue DHCP servers on your network http://www.techforthemasses.net/2010/02/08/how-to-detect-rogue-dhcp-servers-on-your-network/ http://www.techforthemasses.net/2010/02/08/how-to-detect-rogue-dhcp-servers-on-your-network/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:37:35 +0000 James Wright TftM http://www.techforthemasses.net/2010/02/how-to-detect-rogue-dhcp-servers-on-your-network-3/ image This article may be a bit more technical for most people, but anyone who ended up here probably knows all about DHCP servers.  Commonly, a DHCP server gives out IP addresses to your network and there is often only one server to do this job.

DHCP – There can be only ONE!

Well not really, there can be others but that out of the “scope” of this article. Once in awhile a problem comes into the network, either through a hacker or uneducated user, that they add a device (router, personal server, Linksys wireless router, etc) to the network.  What happens then is a conflict between your original DHCP server and the newly added device.

When this happens certain things may occur…

  • Your workstations will get a IP from either your authorized DHCP or the rogue device.
  • Workstations will not be able to connect to the Internet
  • Workstations or Server may have duplicate IP addresses which means, no connectivity!
  • Your authorized DHCP may get intermittent problems, such as not receiving pings.

Anyway, all of the above was such my case one fine Monday morning.  It isn’t fun because it wasn’t until I replaced network cables, switched NICs, and did a few other tests that I realized a rogue device was on my network.  So let me help you skip past all this mess and download a Microsoft tool to detect Rogue DHCP servers.

Rogue DHCP Server Detection

In short, there are a few other resources you can lean on for more in depth detection but I’ll suggest a tool for now.  DHCP Server Prevention is an entirely more difficult task and more complex, so I wont cover that in this article.  For the time being, and for diagnosis I suggest Microsoft’s Rogue DHCP Server Detection Tool.  You can download it below.

http://blogs.technet.com/teamdhcp/attachment/3260962.ashx

I’d like anyone else’s advice or experience with these problems!  I know we’re all in the same boat once in awhile when it comes to DHCP issues and connectivity!

]]> http://www.techforthemasses.net/2010/02/08/how-to-detect-rogue-dhcp-servers-on-your-network/feed/ 0 Easy Remote Access with LogMeIn http://www.techforthemasses.net/2009/05/25/easy-remote-access-with-logmein/ http://www.techforthemasses.net/2009/05/25/easy-remote-access-with-logmein/#comments Tue, 26 May 2009 00:34:16 +0000 James Wright TftM http://www.techforthemasses.net/2009/05/easy-remote-access-with-logmein/ image Don’t run away just cause you saw the word “Remote Access”!  Remote Access is a method used to connect to and use your computer from anywhere – remotely.  For any IT Professional, this is the main method we use to fix computer problems and diagnose issues.  Do you think we want to actually get up and walk somewhere to fix something? No way!

However, this can be used easily by just about anyone to connect to their home pc (or work PC) from anywhere in the world.  Please note, your systems administrator may not allow you to install this on your work PC though for security reasons.  But for your home PC, its invaluable.  Heck, nowadays you can pretty much get to your home PC from your iPhone or Blackberry!

Interested in Remote Access? Well…

Who should use this

Business: As an IT Professional, I use this profusely to monitor several servers in different places.  I also use it to access my own home computer.  If you do not want to use clunky VPN setups and configurations in business, just to get access to a server – then use LogMeIn.  Besides, it’s free anyways even if you use it for business.  Although the business packages aren’t expensive and have some nice features.

Personal: For you addicted at-homers, you too can use LogMeIn.  If you’re away and want to check your computer, you can do so with LogMeIn pretty easily.  It’s pretty painless even for newbie’s.

Tech Support:  I’ve seen several people add quite a few pcs to their account in an attempt to provide dirt-cheap remote desktop support.  This does work.  Personally. I have my friends and parents computers on my account, so I can fix any annoying problems from time to time.  Being in the Caribbean makes it difficult to fix family and friends computers back in the US!

 

Why it’s so great!

Hands down – Number 1: It’s easy to use!

The 2nd reason:  Easy Setup – It blasts through all firewalls and network configurations by using LogMeIn servers as an intermediary.  No more port-forwarding or making special rules in your router to accommodate for this software.  Most remote access software is a pain because of intricate network configurations – LogMeIn solves that by using their secure servers as a middle-man and both the client and host computers meet right in the middle.  Pretty awesome huh?

Number 3:  Yes it is secure.  They use 256bit encryption when sending any data back and forth not to mention SSL.  For those of you that don’t know what that means – it mean’s its a good thing! Entirely unlikely any hacker could be snooping your business.

 

Like it?  Go Sign-Up

Again, it’s free. What can it hurt? And you can access your servers or PC’s from anywhere with a laptop and an internet connection.  Check out their site.

http://www.logmein.com

 

Tutorial of LogMeIn

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea5snGizfCs

Tech Blog PCMech posted a nice YouTube video on the basics of LogMeIn.  You should definitely check it out.

 

Have you used LogMeIn? Have an alternative or easier solution? Let us know

Related Blog’s on the Topic: GoToMyPc vs LogMeIn – LogMeIn coming to Blackberry Storm – AskTheAdmin – Review on LogMeIn

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