Link to home
Start Free TrialLog in
Avatar of jonesgj
jonesgj

asked on

Shared Access - Internet

HI,

I have seen a previous question surround this issue, but was not too sure of the resolution, or indeed whether it could be used in my specific case, so I hope someone doesn't mind helping again.

I have two Win2K pro PCs. The Main PC accesses the internet using an ADSL modem, with no problems.

I decided to share this access with the other Win2K PC, and followed the instructions in the help system, and in my book, and the the system works fine (The other machine is being used successfully as I am typing this message)

However, the problem is as soon as I select "Enable Internet Sharing ..." I lose my LAN connections - no more file or print sharing.

I am not a network expert; I am sure the answer is staring me in the face, but I just can't see it.

I have tried various combinations of re-booting etc etc, with the only consulation being that if I disable the sharing, and re-boot both machines, my LAN connection is restored with all its setting intact (Phew!)I hope this makes sense.

Avatar of CFXPERT
CFXPERT

Is your other secondary PC set up to obtain an IP or is it set statically.

Also how many PC's do you have on your network?  Are they connected by a hub or what?
Avatar of jonesgj

ASKER

I followed the instructions when setting up the second PC. This did not have internet access, so I used the internet connection wizard and chose LAN. I also accepted the recommended find IP dynamically option.

There are only two PCs in total. Both running Win2K Pro.
You can definitely do this using the harware and software you currently have. However, doing so in my experience is very problematic and not as secure as the alternative that I am going to propose below.

Using the Windows 2000 ICS (Internet Connection Sharing) is a bit more complicated to set up, has many security holes (more every day...) and the firewall software is, in my eyes, very inadequate.

If you were to go to Best Buy or just about anywhere, you can pick up a Linksys 4 port CABLE/DSL router for $70 or even much less on sale.

This solution provides instantaneous client setup. You will not need to do ANY special settings on the clients. just put in a network card and attach a network cable from the computers to the router.

You will have a built-in 1-way firewall upgradeable to 2-way advanced firewall. This will protect and stealth you from ALL incoming hackers.

To set up the router itself, plug it in, and in a browser, you type in 192.168.1.1 and put in a password. Then just fill in a few fields of information provided from your ISP (the same information that you put in to your Windows 2000 machine earlier that was sonnected to your ADSL). This only takes less than 5 minutes to set up, never fails, and you don't need to keep 1 computer running for the other to access the Internet. If there are problems on one of the computers with this solution used, the Internet is not unavailable on the others. You also have the ability to add more computers and have them networked whenever you want. Client setup is automatic. No changes are needed on the new clients.

If you want, later on, you can utilize port forwarding, DMZ, etc... for advanced networking. If you don't want these things, don't use them...

I suggest going this route but this is entirely up to you. I just want to make sure that you are aware of this alternative.

I hope this helps
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
Avatar of SysExpert
SysExpert
Flag of Israel image

Link to home
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
Start Free Trial
Sysexpert,

I figure this is from your own personal list. Just to let you know, the links to sohointer.com moved now. You may want to update or delete them.
Avatar of jonesgj

ASKER

Thank you,

A wealth of information.

Thanks konesgj

jmiller47 ; I have updated the links, thanks for letting me know.