FAQ: How to make a direct connection to an ethernet device for troubleshooting

When troubleshooting connectivity issues it can sometimes be helpful to confirm connectivity in a simpler network environment.

Note 1: The IP addresses in this FAQ only apply to factory defaulted units.  Units already configured for a static IP address will have different IP address settings.

Note 2: This FAQ assumes that the ethernet port on the PC supports Auto MDIX.  While almost all modern network cards support this feature, if Auto MDIX is not supported a crossover cable must be used.

The following steps can be followed to make a direct connection to a unit:

1. Unplug the GC unit from power.
2. Connect the GC unit via ethernet to the PC.
3. On the PC set a static IP address. 
   • GC ethernet units by default all have an IP address of 192.168.1.70 when a DHCP server is not present.  To communicate with this address a static IP address on the same subnet (192.168.1.x) must be used.  We suggest using 192.168.1.60 in the "IP address" field shown in the guides below for units not configured for a static IP address.
   • Static IP instructions for Windows:
     • https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/19249/how-to-assign-a-static-ip-address-in-xp-vista-or-windows-7/
   • Static IP instructions for Mac:
     • https://www.howtogeek.com/howto/22161/how-to-set-up-a-static-ip-in-mac-os-x/
4. Power up the GC unit and wait approximately 1 minute to ensure the unit has fully booted.  The IP address of 192.168.1.70 for the unit can be confirmed by running iHelp.
5. Enter 192.168.1.70 in your web browser and confirm that the webpages can be reached.  If the webpages load the unit is communicating on the network.