What is the protocol or port used to "see" other comps in workgroup?

[airpolgas]

We setup a lab in one of the dorms here at work last Friday. There are 10 computers and 1 networked printer.

When we were configuring the machines in our office (our network), all the machines and the printer got their own IP addresses and we were able to print. When we got to the dorms, the printer worked for a while until the IP lease expired, and the computers can't "see" it anymore.

We removed the printer from the network and installed it locally on one of the machines. Our plan is to share it via Windows File and Printer sharing instead. Unfortunately, even though all machines are in the same workgroup and the names are machine01 through machine10, they can't see each other on the network. They can't even access the "workgroup" level.

I'm pretty sure a port or a protocol is being blocked by the dorm network, but I don't know what. I was wondering if you guys can give me this info so I can take it to their IT department. We have been asking for at least one static IP for the printer, or to have this "block" removed so we can at least share.

We're in the process of requesting a static IP for the printer as well, but that is taking days. If I can give them this option, it might be an easier option for them.

Thanks.

[lpctv]

I was wondering if you guys can give me this info

You can start by reviewing this document:
Network Ports Used by Key Microsoft Server Products (http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/support/articles/ref_net_ports_ms_prod.mspx)

However, it might not help you a whole lot since you're not really going to give them any info they don't already know...

[airpolgas]

thanks for this.

[funhouse69]

If you are trying to get this set up so that different rooms in the dorm can access the same printer / workgroup you might have a hard time getting the Dorm IT Department to do this. They are more than likely blocking these ports for security reasons which makes perfect sense. Having these ports open, allowing Windows Network Browsing and any kind of sharing or files or printers is a huge no no in any kind of a shared / public network like this.

The only thing that I could see them doing is creating a private VLAN for your group of computers but that might be a very hard sell as well. Unless of course you have friends in the IT Department then maybe a case of beer or something might help the cause :D

Another option would be to set up your own Wireless Network if the rooms are close enough but then you open yourself up to other security issues but at lease you would have the control then.