Multiple NIC's, switch, one router.

[Kairu]

Okay, this is probably a little weird, and it seemed like a good idea at the time. First, let me explain the current network map around my server:

■ISP is DHCP, no options there. Can be assigned four separate IP's without issue.
■Switch goes to the server twice, to two different NIC's.
■Switch also goes to the router, and the router goes to both internal PC's and the server.

The server needs two external IP's (IIS and Apache running on different domains, same port), and one internal IP. There are services running internally that I do not want exposed directly, and I want it only configurable internally.

The main issue I am having is that I cannot connect all NIC's at the same time. Only one will connect (The internal one if it matters), the others are "Limited or no connectivity".

This is an XP Pro machine (will be Server 2008 R2 Data Center x64 within a couple weeks though).

I think I know the issue (the second and third NIC's are trying to get their automatic info through the NIC's information because of the conflicting gateways?), but I am looking for some enlightened help. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[Emerald]

Can you reach you websites via URLs on your server?

I would assign a static IP to your internal server NIC without a Gateway and see what happens.

Even though your ISP has DHCP, did you hard code the IPs into the router and server?

 

[Kairu]

Hard coding does nothing externally. I don't know which IP's are already assigned and while it works internally, nothing is accessible externally.

I will try assigning statically to the internal NIC later today and get back to you.

 

[Kairu]

I tried setting NIC1 (The internal one) to a static IP with proper Subnet Mask and DNS, leaving the gateway blank. But neither NIC2 or NIC3 can get an IP or any of the automatic settings from the ISP.

 

[Emerald]

What is this ISP-DHCP device? a modem or a modem/rouer?

What device is the switch connecting to connect to your ISP?

 

[Kairu]

It's an all in one Phone/Internet box running through the internet. It's just a modem. The IP's are assigned directly from the ISP dynamically, and I have no control over anything beyond the ISP device. (I suppose I could call and ask, but I doubt they would do anything. This is a home network and servers are not appreciated)

The switch is a Five Port Gigabit switch. Regular old linksys. Theres no configuring, no specific plug associations. Just plug it into the wall, plug devices into it and go. I know it works because I am able to get access when I plug only NICA into the switch (The router is plugged in and working as well.)

The router is a DLink that I have had for a month, but the only issue I have had with it is device specific and has been worked around.

 

[Emerald]

by now I have the feeling that you have a regular DSL which will only give you one IP.

The IP seems to be assigned to you router since you are able to browse.

If that is so, you will not be able to receive any additional IPs for your server.

You should contact your ISP to verify how many IPs you are able to receive. A regular modem usually only provides one IP.

 

[Kairu]

I am sure I can receive multiple IP's, I did it just to check before I started hunting down extra network cable and cards. It is also mentioned in the documentation of my ISP online, so it wasn't a fluke.

 

[Kairu]

I actually resolved this on my own.

The modem does indeed allow multiple IP's (3, they haven't updated their website), but it was not properly releasing unused IP's, and it was attempting to use one for it's own MAC address.

A manual reset after a call to tech support and a full support ticket later, everything is working as it should.

I'll give best answer to EMERALD since their advice would have been spot on otherwise.

 

[Kairu]

Best answer selected by Kairu.