connect to 2 networks at the same time?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Charlie Hoffpauir
  • Start date Start date
C

Charlie Hoffpauir

I'm wondering if it's possible to set up my computer (it has two
ethernet connectors) to connect to 2 different networks at the same
time? (this would be both "wired" networks, but if wireless is easier
I have wireless USB adapters I can utilize as both of my network
routers are wired & wireless).
 
I'm wondering if it's possible to set up my computer (it has two
ethernet connectors) to connect to 2 different networks at the same
time? (this would be both "wired" networks, but if wireless is easier
I have wireless USB adapters I can utilize as both of my network
routers are wired & wireless).
Click to expand...

You can connect to multiple networks (any combination of wired and
wireless) at the same time. Each network must use a different TCP/IP
subnet (e.g. one on 192.168.0.x and one on 192.168.1.x).

However, by default, the computer will only use one of the networks
for Internet access.

What do you want to accomplish with two connections?
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
You can connect to multiple networks (any combination of wired and
wireless) at the same time. Each network must use a different TCP/IP
subnet (e.g. one on 192.168.0.x and one on 192.168.1.x).

However, by default, the computer will only use one of the networks
for Internet access.

What do you want to accomplish with two connections?
Click to expand...

thanks for the information....

I'm not certain that I want or need to do this. My "reasons" are as
follows... (rather long story....)

I have Hughesnet with an HN 7000s modem that acts as the router on my
LAN (that is, it gives out the addresses to computers that I connect
to the network). Accordingly, I can't figure out how to set up
security... (I have a WRT54G set up as an AP for wireless access for
my laptop). So basically I simply disconnect the WRT54G whenever I'm
not using the laptop, or rather when the laptop doesn't need access to
the LAN. I also have a 7-port switch connected to the HN modem/router,
so basically I have a wired LAN except for occasional use of a
wireless LAN for the Laptop.

Now, I've ordered a "netbook" computer, which I'd really like to have
wireless connectivity to both the internet and my other computers. But
since I haven't been able to secure the wireless LAN, I'm considering
setting up a separate wireless LAN, not connected to the internet, so
that at the least I'd have wireless connectivity with my other
computer(s). (I have another router that I formerly used with my
DirecTivos for transferring recorded content from room to room, back
when all the DVR were hacked SD units. I'm no longer using that router
since I've gone to HD DVRs.)

........and, I may not need any of this if on 9/1 a site check
determines I can connect to a new WISP in the area. (presuming that
with their equipment I can secure the wireless LAN).




So, does any of this make sense, and if so, would it work?
 
[snip]
I have Hughesnet with an HN 7000s modem that acts as the router on my
LAN (that is, it gives out the addresses to computers that I connect
to the network). Accordingly, I can't figure out how to set up
security... (I have a WRT54G set up as an AP for wireless access for
my laptop). So basically I simply disconnect the WRT54G whenever I'm
not using the laptop, or rather when the laptop doesn't need access to
the LAN. I also have a 7-port switch connected to the HN modem/router,
so basically I have a wired LAN except for occasional use of a
wireless LAN for the Laptop.

Now, I've ordered a "netbook" computer, which I'd really like to have
wireless connectivity to both the internet and my other computers. But
since I haven't been able to secure the wireless LAN, I'm considering
setting up a separate wireless LAN, not connected to the internet, so
that at the least I'd have wireless connectivity with my other
computer(s). (I have another router that I formerly used with my
DirecTivos for transferring recorded content from room to room, back
when all the DVR were hacked SD units. I'm no longer using that router
since I've gone to HD DVRs.)

.......and, I may not need any of this if on 9/1 a site check
determines I can connect to a new WISP in the area. (presuming that
with their equipment I can secure the wireless LAN).

So, does any of this make sense, and if so, would it work?
Click to expand...

If I understand your setup, you're using the WRT54G as an access
point, not as a router, and you just need to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G. Are you having trouble with that?
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
On Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:53:33 -0600, "Steve Winograd [MS-MVP]"

If I understand your setup, you're using the WRT54G as an access
point, not as a router, and you just need to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G. Are you having trouble with that?
Click to expand...

Actually, that sums it up perfectly. If I could do that, nothing else
is needed.
 
On Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:53:33 -0600, "Steve Winograd [MS-MVP]"

If I understand your setup, you're using the WRT54G as an access
point, not as a router, and you just need to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G. Are you having trouble with that?
Click to expand...

Actually, that sums it up perfectly. If I could do that, nothing else
is needed.
Click to expand...

Here are some web sites that describe how to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G:

http://www.columbia.edu/acis/networks/aptnet/linksys/index.html
http://vectrosecurity.com/content/view/48/26/

Use WPA2 security if available, otherwise use WPA. The older WEP
security is much less secure.

If you have problems or questions, please post a message with details,
and someone can help.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
On Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:53:33 -0600, "Steve Winograd [MS-MVP]"

If I understand your setup, you're using the WRT54G as an access
point, not as a router, and you just need to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G. Are you having trouble with that?
Click to expand...

Actually, that sums it up perfectly. If I could do that, nothing else
is needed.
Click to expand...

Here are some web sites that describe how to set up wireless security
on the WRT54G:

http://www.columbia.edu/acis/networks/aptnet/linksys/index.html
http://vectrosecurity.com/content/view/48/26/

Use WPA2 security if available, otherwise use WPA. The older WEP
security is much less secure.

If you have problems or questions, please post a message with details,
and someone can help.
Click to expand...

Steve,

Thanks for the information. I checked out the sites, and they both
seem easy to follow, however they both refer to use of the WRT54G as a
router. I'll have some time tomorrow to experiment, so I'll set up the
router (as a router) attached to my primary computer, following the
instructions on the web site, then reconnect is as an AP and see if I
still have WAP security.
 
Steve,

Thanks for the information. I checked out the sites, and they both
seem easy to follow, however they both refer to use of the WRT54G as a
router. I'll have some time tomorrow to experiment, so I'll set up the
router (as a router) attached to my primary computer, following the
instructions on the web site, then reconnect is as an AP and see if I
still have WAP security.
Click to expand...

You're welcome, Charlie. The security setup is the same whether it's
being used as a router or an access point. Look for WPA2 or WPA
security.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
You're welcome, Charlie. The security setup is the same whether it's
being used as a router or an access point. Look for WPA2 or WPA
security.
Click to expand...

Update....

well, I had "some" success, but am not there yet. My first attempt was
a disaster, I had to reset the WRT54G and start completely over. On
the second attempt I used the "Other" site instructions
http://vectrosecurity.com/content/view/48/26/
and got farther along. I thought I had enabled WPA (and my notebook
sees it as WPA, (but a later check using network stumbler tells me
it's WEP).... the only option was to enter a key, and I chose a long
one. No matter, it still doesn't really work. When I try to access the
network from my laptop, it locates the wireless network OK and tells
me there is good signal strength, and asks me for the password, which
I enter. but instead of accessing it, it connects every time to my
neighbors unsecure network, or if that signal is too weak (which it
usually is) it connects to nothing at all.

Now it's worse.. I went back and tried to access the WRT54G again and
I get a message "Connection Interrupted. The connection to the server
was reset while the page was loading. The network link was
interrupted while negotiating a connection." It repeats this if I try
again.

This is the same state I reached when trying the instructions on the
first site. Perhaps there is something wrong with my router.... it's
pretty old, one of the earliest models I think (ver 2).

..... several minutes elapse while I reset the router and set
everything up again.... this time I used a much shorter key, and
Voila! if seems to be working.

I shut down the laptop, and restarted it to see if it would connect
again.

well, pleasant surprise! It connected automatically without me having
to enter the "key" again. I suppose that means everything is working
OK!
 
[snip]
well, I had "some" success, but am not there yet. My first attempt was
a disaster, I had to reset the WRT54G and start completely over. On
the second attempt I used the "Other" site instructions
http://vectrosecurity.com/content/view/48/26/
and got farther along. I thought I had enabled WPA (and my notebook
sees it as WPA, (but a later check using network stumbler tells me
it's WEP).... the only option was to enter a key, and I chose a long
one. No matter, it still doesn't really work. When I try to access the
network from my laptop, it locates the wireless network OK and tells
me there is good signal strength, and asks me for the password, which
I enter. but instead of accessing it, it connects every time to my
neighbors unsecure network, or if that signal is too weak (which it
usually is) it connects to nothing at all.

Now it's worse.. I went back and tried to access the WRT54G again and
I get a message "Connection Interrupted. The connection to the server
was reset while the page was loading. The network link was
interrupted while negotiating a connection." It repeats this if I try
again.

This is the same state I reached when trying the instructions on the
first site. Perhaps there is something wrong with my router.... it's
pretty old, one of the earliest models I think (ver 2).

.... several minutes elapse while I reset the router and set
everything up again.... this time I used a much shorter key, and
Voila! if seems to be working.

I shut down the laptop, and restarted it to see if it would connect
again.

well, pleasant surprise! It connected automatically without me having
to enter the "key" again. I suppose that means everything is working
OK!
Click to expand...

I hope so. Nice going!
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
 
Wired LAN (192.168.2.x) in Win2003 domain
Wireless USB Adatper connecting to MiFi network (192.198.1.x) as backup
solution

Would like users primary connection to be LAN as users must connect to
Internet to perform job duties however they must be able to switch to using
Wireless connection for Internet if something happens to primary connection.

Both connections do not need to be active at the same time and IE seems to
get confused if they are. Power User authority does not seem to allow them
to disable one connection and enable another.

What is the best method to accomplish the above senario?

Steve Winograd said:
[snip]
well, I had "some" success, but am not there yet. My first attempt was
a disaster, I had to reset the WRT54G and start completely over. On
the second attempt I used the "Other" site instructions
http://vectrosecurity.com/content/view/48/26/
and got farther along. I thought I had enabled WPA (and my notebook
sees it as WPA, (but a later check using network stumbler tells me
it's WEP).... the only option was to enter a key, and I chose a long
one. No matter, it still doesn't really work. When I try to access the
network from my laptop, it locates the wireless network OK and tells
me there is good signal strength, and asks me for the password, which
I enter. but instead of accessing it, it connects every time to my
neighbors unsecure network, or if that signal is too weak (which it
usually is) it connects to nothing at all.

Now it's worse.. I went back and tried to access the WRT54G again and
I get a message "Connection Interrupted. The connection to the server
was reset while the page was loading. The network link was
interrupted while negotiating a connection." It repeats this if I try
again.

This is the same state I reached when trying the instructions on the
first site. Perhaps there is something wrong with my router.... it's
pretty old, one of the earliest models I think (ver 2).

.... several minutes elapse while I reset the router and set
everything up again.... this time I used a much shorter key, and
Voila! if seems to be working.

I shut down the laptop, and restarted it to see if it would connect
again.

well, pleasant surprise! It connected automatically without me having
to enter the "key" again. I suppose that means everything is working
OK!
Click to expand...

I hope so. Nice going!
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Desktop Experience)

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com
Click to expand...
 
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