The background scenario is that we have two separate networks that were created before I arrived which have a heap of computers with manual IPs. They can all see one another on their individual network with no problems however we've now identified that one special computer needs access to both networks. All computers are running Windows XP Pro and connected via cat5 cables (no wireless is used at all)
The original plan was to merge the two networks into one but for security reason we decided to keep them separate. It was suggested that we install two network cards into the one PC and use that to link it to both networks simultaneously.
I've purchased a second NIC and installed it without a problem. I've then manually set it's IP (for both Local Area Connection 1 and Local Area Connection 2) and plugged the second network in. The problem starts here, in that I am then unable to ping the other computers on the 2nd network. I can still see the computers on the first network as they are plugged into the default on-board network adapter. I'm pretty sure that I'm missing a step here as I didn't think it would be an easy task to get this up and running.
The computers on both networks are connected via a 24-port switch each. The manual IP settings have a subnet but no default gateways (as stated, all this was set up before I arrived) and I'm not sure if this is a cause with the problem. All the computers appear to be able to see one another without any problems..
The person who originally set up the two networks also appears to have given them the same IP range: i.e. 192.168.1.XX. As an example, all computers on network one use 05-30, and all those on network two use 70-95. And in this case, the special PC has the IP 192.168.1.30 on network one, and 192.168.1.95 on network two.
I'm not sure if the same ip range is contributing to my problems, and was hoping to avoid having to go through all the PCs on one network and re-allocating another range. But please let me know if this is the problem and I'll have to start fixing them.
Basically I'm looking to get this one PC configured so that it can see both networks.
Let me know if you require any additional information.
