route - n is empty, UNLESS you have a DHCP server (even with static IP/gateway)

[Andrew]

All the "how to set static IP, Netmask & gateway" posts are correct,and work fine..
AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A DHCP SERVER ON THE LAN!!

but no matter what you try,including using the (Desktops network configuration utility)...
IF you DON'T have a DHCP server on the network, it won't work.
sudo route - n returns : no entries, even though you have configured static gateway, DNS etc
so ping any IP address returns "network not reachable"

Plug in the DHCP server link and.. blam, your route table is now populated,so it all works.
There seems to be NO (documented) way to get STATIC networking working, without a DHCP server.
even though all machine are on the SAME IP range and subnet.

Its silly.
This has been the case ever sincethe new DHCPCD networking stack came into play.
before that.. it worked fine.

So you can't use crossover cables, or a standalone switch - you need a DHCP server on the LAN.
Or route table WILL NOT POPULATE Even though you should never actually need it.

aargh.
Andrew