Comment on Student dorm does not allow wifi routers
Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months agoI mean, it’s all right there in the first two paragraphs. Keep in mind that by DHCP server we aren’t talking about something specifically set up by people with malicious intent. A home router is a DHCP server when not configured for pass through. Students who don’t know how routers actually work (we can’t all be IT nerds, lol) plug them into their dorm Ethernet jack, and now you’ve got an unauthorized device offering IP addresses that conflict with the authorized DHCP servers, which can quickly start causing issues with any new devices trying to connect to the network, and existing devices as their DHCP leases expire. Also keep in mind that we’re talking about a college network that will likely have local network resources for students like shared drives that would not be accessible to anyone connecting through the rogue device. Your IT department will quickly start getting complaints about the network that are caused by an access point you have no control over.
Lojcs@lemm.ee 2 months ago
I see, I thought routers knew not to do dhcp on the Wan port
Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
Typically they do. Which is great until you get a student who doesn’t understand WAN vs LAN and plugs both connections into the LAN port. Never underestimate the power of a Stupid User.
AbidanYre@lemmy.world 2 months ago
They do.
flappy@lemm.ee 2 months ago
If you plug the dorm ethernet jack into the LAN side of a consumer router, there’s a chance they don’t.
AbidanYre@lemmy.world 2 months ago
I’m assuming OP is at least smart enough to know that the port that’s on its own/a different color/somehow different from the others is the one that goes into the wall. It sounds like they have at least that level of competence.
Confused_Emus@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 months ago
Which is all well and good until you get someone who plugs both connections into the LAN ports.
AbidanYre@lemmy.world 2 months ago
No. I’m downvoting because your first comments stated it will happen if the router is set up to offer leases. Not that it could happen if a user ignores the quick start guide that says “plug this port into the wall.” Then got all pissy with that other guy who pointed out that your article was about DHCP servers, not routers.