LAN Woes

[Scorpiоn]

There ae two things I want to be able to do with my LAN:

• Transfer files
• Share an internet connection

While I've taken care of the former, I've been unable to accomplish the latter.  I'm trying to go from my computer [GC] to the office computer [BC] to the internet [WAN].  I've gone through all kinds of XP wizards, but nothing works.  Even with my file transferring, there are snags.  In the [BC], I get a little icon constantly saying "limited or no connectivity".  Trying to repair this, I get a message saying "Windows could not finish repairing the problem because the following action could not be completed: Renewing your IP address.  For assistance, contact the person who manages your network".  Great help, eh?  Similar actions on my [GC] offer no better results.  What to do, oh what to do!  I've tried to update drivers, but have only succeeded in updating one.

• [GC] connection to [BC]
  
  • Onboard LAN
  • Fully recognized
  • Base drivers
  • Can only access some shared folders on [BC]
• [BC] connection to [GC]
  
  • D-Link 100Mbps PCI card
  • Recognized only after driver updates
  • Can usually access everything on [GC] that is not password protected
• [WAN] connection from [BC]
  
  • Airlink 1000Mbps PCI card
  • Not fully recognized
  • XP drivers
  • Fully functional

What I want to be able to do, is set up a connection where [BC] is just the middleman; where [BC] has no control.  [GC] may access anything on [BC] and connect to the [WAN] via the [BC].



PS: [GC] = Good computer (mine).  [BC] = Bad computer (office).  [WAN] = internet (duh).

[Jared]

So what you're saying is the Bad computer/middleman wil be running all of the time correct? It seems like it would need to be running to let any other systems connect to the internet/files etc...

[the_autopilot]

I'd just get a router and bridge network connections.

[Scorpiоn]

So what you're saying is the Bad computer/middleman wil be running all of the time correct?

Yes, correct.

[Jared]

ok, I'd take the advice of Autopilot, much easier, and you don't have to worry about the other computer slowing you down, having problems, etc...

For your purposes I would think a 4-port wired one would work? Of course it depends on where each pc will be located.  

The following is a link to a recertified D-link 604 router. Fairly decent price, and easy install setup...
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... Networking

If you are going to be adding a laptop in the future I would recommend a wireless network with a router that you can run physical wires to as well as wireless conenctions.  My dad just got the US robotics 8054 for christmas from his friends at work and it has 4 wired connections and wireless capabilities of over 300FT...

Whatever you look into I would highly recommend looking at open-box, or recertified components making sure that you still have a return policy.

I myself have used the following:

DI-604 (Wired) From tiger direct.  easy setup/install and easy to configure for fs, etc...

and of course just yesterday started using the US Robotics 8054 wireless router which seems to be pretty nice so far..:-)

Do what you want to do, but this would be a good practical way instead of going through another system first...

As for internet access on more than one pc as described above with a router you shouldn't have any problems with your ISP.  Each pc will have a IP address in communicating with the router, the router in turn will have ONE IP address in communicating with your ISP service.  

At least this is how it works with SBC Yahoo DSL...

PM me if you have any questions regarding this info..;-)

[Ivan]

use fixed local range IPs

[Scorpiоn]

I have SBC DSL, so you can give me a 50 page written intructional booklet!

I think I'll just spring for the router. I been trying to avoid doing so for a long time.

How about one more question, regaurding my computer only.  I recently bought a scanner/printer, but the cable provided is only a foot or two long.  One end is USB, and the other is this funny shaped port.  Is it possible to make this printer wireless?  It's about 5-10 feet away from my PC.

[Jared]

Sweet! You've got the same internet service provider as I do! now if you get a router I'm familiar with I'll be able to help with any questions you have! lol...

Wise choice going with a router, as doing it the other way I believe would require the isntallation of a second lan card in the median pc...

As for your umm printer question, I believe that it is a standard usb cable designed for devices like that.  it still plugs into the back of the printer correct? does your printer/scanner have Infared technology or wireless technology installed?  

If not you can always buy a wireless print server plug, however to do this you would have to buy a wireless router to make it work...

Your best bet here is to buy a longer cable if you are going to be using it in the same room..;-)

However if you are looking at letting both pc's have access to the printer you might consider a wired/wireless printer server... ;-) I have a wired one that I got from work on which I have 3 printers wired into, and now I don't have to turn a dedicated pc on to print to any of them...

As stated before, look around for deals on routers, shouldn't cost too much if you do your research...:-)

and of course if you're a nut like me you'll buy the crimper tools and rj-45 connectors and a box of cable to make your own cat5 patch cables..;-)

[Scorpiоn]

Meh...

I'll just buy a longer cable.

[Gixer]

use fixed local range IPs

Yup get everything setup without DHCP so that your Local IP is static.  Much better that way IMO.

[Scorpiоn]

Erm...

How would I get started with that?

[the_autopilot]

Erm...

How would I get started with that?

Read your router manual. Usualy, theres a special page for adjusting DHCP properties where you can assign a certain IP to a specific MAC address.

[Jared]

If your like me you will find little information in the manual that will actually help you in doing this....

If this is a case check out the internet..and post questions here..:-) That's how I've got my network setup successfully as manuals for both routers were not helpful...;-)

[Scorpiоn]

With a router, will I be able to have a "triangle" connection?  That is, can I connect computer A with computer B, B with A, A to the internet, B to the internet, etc.?  

[Archer <]-]

I think you will be able set it up that way with a router...

Now since you have SBC Yahoo! DSL (same as me! lol ) , you probably have a 2Wire DSL modem that came free in the mail or whatever?

If this is the case (at least it is for me) then you might have some trouble connecting the modem to the router and having them recognize each other.  I have a motorola wireless router and when i installed it, the router couldnt connect to the internet.  I called Motorola tech support and they said it was because the modem was configured like a cable modem, and I needed to change the connection type from 'DSL' to 'cable' even though i really have DSL... I changed the connection setting on the router and it was fine...

just some extra info from my experiences with SBC and a LAN, hope it helps

-spit