Can't connect to ESP32 STA_MODE while in a local network.

[GeorgeFlorian1]

I have an ESP32 and a laptop connected to a switch, making a local network with no internet access.

I have set the ESP in STA Mode, with an Ethernet connection:
ETH.config(local_IP_STA, gateway_STA, subnet_STA, primaryDNS);
The gateway is the same as the switch address.
The subnet is 255.255.255.0
And the DNS is 8.8.8.8, but it shouldn't matter because it won't go out onto the Internet.

I can't connect to the ESP32 address.
The same ESP32 works just fine in an office environment when it connects to a router with internet access.

Does the ESP require Internet Access ? Shouldn't it work on Local Network as well ?
The Laptop and ESP are both connected to the same switch.