How to set up a Wavlink USB-C Universal Docking system

Problem

After attaching a Wavlink USB-C Universal Docking system to link a laptop to a wired network, nothing happens. This happens if no DHCP server is available. Admins sometimes disable DHCP to prevent rogue computers from connecting.

This procedure is general and basic. It should work on most external devices such as dongles that attach to laptops. These devices all have network interfaces, and every interface needs an IP address of its own, which is different from the one your laptop may be using.

Solution -- for mixed Linux / Windows network

The Wavlink needs an IP address from a DHCP server. If no DHCP server is found, it just sits there.

1. Activate DHCPD on a server on the network. In Linux, the command might be
      /usr/local/sbin/dhcpd
Or if you have systemd it would be something like:
    systemctl list-units | grep dhcp
    • isc-dhcp-server.service
    systemctl start isc-dhcp-server.service

2. Attach the Wavlink to the laptop via the USB-C plug labeled "Computer". Attach an RJ-45 cable from the network to the right side of the Wavlink.

3. If the LEDs on the RJ45 jack light up, this means it has a link. If not, it might also need a driver if it's on Windows. Go to the manufacturer's website and download one and install it. You might have to reboot Windows.

4. Find the IP address the Wavlink grabbed from the server

tail -n 100 /var/log/daemon.log
DHCPREQUEST for 192.168.100.129 from 80:3f:5d:d5:56:4c (septicemia) via eno1
DHCPACK on 192.168.100.129 to 80:3f:5d:d5:56:4c (septicemia) via eno1

Keep a record of the IP and MAC address of the new interface.

Changing the IP

If you wish to change the IP, additional steps are needed. If not, you would have to make sure dhcpd starts up if you reboot the server.

5. On the laptop, open a command window and type ncpa.cpl. Turn the Wavlink off and on. A new connection named USB Ethernet should show up in the Network Connections window. Windows will invent a bogus name for it and give it a label like Ethernet 5.

6. Right click on it. Click Properties, TCP IPv4, Properties. Check the radio box “Use the Following IP Address” and enter the desired IP, nameserver, and gateway IP. Then keep clicking OK as usual to close all the dialog boxes.

7. Add this address to /etc/hosts in the Linux server. You can now turn off the dhcpd server.