Yes, you can connect directly to the switch using a LAN cable.
Yes, you can connect directly to the switch using a LAN cable.
uses identical RJ45 cables as the current ones (8 ports?) I don’t know what NICs are, sorry. The switch is basic, similar to a cheap TP-Link model with five ports. EDIT: not NCI, that’s too much for my school test server. Updated January 2, 2020 by MGI
NIC refers to your network interface card, which is essentially your network card. The age of the switch and card matters, as newer devices support both straight-through and crossover cables. These cables look similar, but their internal connections differ. This information is becoming outdated, so it depends on the age of your equipment. When linking your notebook to the switch, you can verify network settings in Windows—perhaps share a screenshot. You mentioned it shows "connected, no Internet," which might mean you have an IP address but lack something like a DNS server.
The network path I have is unclear. I don’t have access to the server room ISP, modem, router, or switch. It looks like the router should be present but can’t be removed from the setup. This setup suggests a manageable switch, then a dumb switch, followed by my AP (auto), and finally my laptop (auto IPv4/IPv6, connected, no internet). I’m unsure if the AP should be removed from the network.
It’s normal for the conversation to indicate auto-configuration instead of the IP it initially got. Run the command line and type "ipconfig" to view the details. Reconnect your AP and check its settings or status page. Record the IP, netmask, primary router/default gateway, and DNS it receives. Verify these match your PC’s configuration—IP should align closely, though it might differ slightly. The managed switch could be restricting access because of security rules. ~Note: Windows version matters; on Windows 10, follow the steps in the command line for network settings.