So, I have a dilemma. I like to think I'm decent with computers, but networking is where I fall apart. There is already one FreeNAS server on our network, so it could be that? My FreeNAS box isn't connecting to my network with dhcp. It detects my interface I think, ifconfig shows it, but I can't get it to connect. Please help me, there is 500GB of redundant storage sitting here that I don't want to just throw away.
I'm putting the output of ifconfig on here once I get the pic over to my comp.
Have you tried setting a static IP in the FreeNAS network config. A value outside of your DHCP range should do the trick (usually 192.168.x.2 or 192.168.x.253).
If that doesnt work, what router are you using?
Does the motherboard you are using have multiple lan ports? I had trouble setting mine up and connecting to it because I connected the ethernet to the IPMI port instead of the LAN port.
Sorry about not replying guys. @TheRobDog would a static IP be the same as a static route from the FreeNAS menu at the actual machine? The DHCP network at my house gives IP's out up to 192.168.0.52, so should I set a static route above that?
Also @MobileWall this motherboard only has one LAN port. I am questioning its compatibility right now.
My father has a FreeNAS Server that we have had for years configured with a fixed IP and the hostname: 'freenas.local'
Would this be conflicting with the DHCP configuration that mine is trying to do at startup?
Static routes are different to static IPs.
What you want to do (from memory) is:
FreeNAS Console:
Select option 1 (Configure Network Interface)
Select your interface (most likely 1 as you only have one LAN interface)
Answer 'y' to "Reset Network Configuration" if prompted. (Might take a while)
Answer 'y' to "Configure IPv4"
Answer 'n' to "Configure IPv4 for DHCP"
You will need to name the interface, just call it something like eth0 or lan1.
It will then ask for you to enter an IP address and netmask, for these just enter something like:
IP Address: 192.168.0.100
Netmask: /24 (or 255.255.255.0 if you like writing :P)
After this you will need to answer 'n' to "Configure IPv6"
The configuration should now exit and reboot your network interface.
Once you have done this you need to set a Default Gateway as it is not being given by DHCP.
Go back to the FreeNAS console and select whichever option aligns with "Set Default Gateway"
Here enter the IP address of your router (probably 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.0.254)
After this you probably want to remove any static routes you have set.
Hope this helps!
Edit: Forgot to add that it probably wont show up on your router because it's not being handled by DHCP. You should however be able to access the WebUI and connect to any shares by using the IP you gave it.
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@TheRobDog Thanks so much for the help! I eventually got the server working with dhcp on its own. I am not sure which one of these things solved it, but I plugged it into a 5 port switch that also is plugged in to my home network and my computer, and I did a fresh write of the FreeNAS image to the USB I was using. I believe it is the switch that solved it but I am not sure why.
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Something that I found helpful when setting up my FreeNAS was to give it a static DHCP reservation on the router. This ensures that the FreeNAS is always given the same IP address from the router. This will give you the convenience of a static IP and DHCP at the same time.
@ProCompGaming Some routers have a default WAN port setup on port 1, maybe you ran into something like that. Generally a good idea to confirm network connectivity and ensure you can ping a known computer from both sides to confirm you can see everything. I can strongly recommend setting up the static IP on your router so that every time server attempts to check out a DHCP lease from the network it gets given the same number, makes life much easier.
Maybe mark the thread as solved now.
Cheers