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Creating Two Networks

B

bassboy_pete

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 16, 2003
Messages
178
Hey guys,

I was wondering if it was possible to create two networks in my house. Currently I have one desktop and one laptop in my room. Both of these are connected directly to a wireless router. From the wireless router, 3 other computer are connected through a switch. I was wondering if it is possible to leave my exsisting network alone, and create another network between my desktop and my laptop. This second network must be inacessable by the other computers, but my two computers can connect to the main network. Is this possible? I need it to share a hard drive between the two. My desktop does have two network cards, but I would rather not plug my laptop in. I would rather leave the wireless network.

Thanks
 
The easiest way I can think of to build a network like that would be:

[192.168.1.1] Cable modem/Router
[192.168.1.x] Main network, with family computers, etc.
[192.168.1.y | 192.168.2.1] A second router, for your "private" network
[192.168.2.x] Private network computers

This way, traffic destined for the internet from your computer will go through the first router, then the cable modem/router, then out to the internet, while the regular computers won't be able to access yours (similar to how my computer can't access the computers on your private network, etc.).
 
Yup. Thats exactly what I was gonna say.

That'll do exactly what you want.
 
You could do that. Well you'll want to uncheck File and printe sharing on the internet LAN. I'd probably just install another protocol and use one network interface. Unbind FnP on TCP/IP and use the secondary protocol (IPX or NetBEUI) for file and print. Save a few bucks instead of buying the second router, or switch actually.
 
ktwebb said:
You could do that. Well you'll want to uncheck File and printe sharing on the internet LAN. I'd probably just install another protocol and use one network interface. Unbind FnP on TCP/IP and use the secondary protocol (IPX or NetBEUI) for file and print. Save a few bucks instead of buying the second router, or switch actually.
Click to expand...

That's the approach I'd take...use an alternate protocol for your second network.
 
bassboy_pete said:
Can I have some suggestions on how to set that idea up??
Click to expand...

Computers in "group 1"...just leave them running TCP/IP default, setup your shares 'n what not. Computers in "group 2" that you don't want to have mix with computers in "group 1"....add the 2x files needed for NetBEUI (need to copy them from the WinXP cd-rom, there is a readme file in that valueadd directory telling you what files to copy to what directory). Now you'll be able to add the NetBEUI protocol, and once added...unbind client/file and print sharing services from TCP/IP. TCP/IP will still load in the background for your internet stuff, it's just file and print sharing will not use it.

So computers in either group, since they are using 2x different protocols for file and print sharing, will not see each others shares.

Say you have 1/2 dozen computers...this approach is so easy, takes a whopping 5-10 minutes to setup, and doesn't cost you a dime in any additional equipment.
 
bassboy_pete said:
Is it possible to be able to access the files from the first set of computers this way?
Click to expand...

Run it through a monowall and you have complete control. Just modify a few rules.
 
bassboy_pete said:
Is it possible to be able to access the files from the first set of computers this way?
Click to expand...

Depends how you set it up....one way there's no way they could, the other way...they'd have to know to add NetBEUI...which unless you told them, it's be like hitting lottery on a guess, or you could have them use non-admin accounts so they couldn't access network properties to change stuff.

Or better yet...if the "host machines in your group" are WinXP professional, disable simple file sharing, and lock down the shares via local user accounts...user accounts that you DONT GIVE AWAY. Problem solved. Another 30 second solution with no added expense necesary.
 
mr. stone,

the difference between your solution and mine is that mine is transparent to the end user, and yours requires them to do SOMETHING. It it's possible to screw something up, people will. The monowall is set it and forget it whatever you ever do on your network.

not only that, but its a great router to boot that will do whatever you want.
 
Do they not have to go "acquire a smoothwall" somehow? Is that not "doing something"?

I'm just showing that all the tools they need is already in front of them, built into the operating system, a few minutes of time, and zero money involved or extra equipment...and "BAM"...problem solved. It's still "set it and forget it" too. Sometimes the solution is already right there in front of you, just waiting for you to see it.

I could have suggested that he slap in another router, double NAT the network, or whatever...but I usually strive to "keep things simple", I try not to muddy things up with "extra stuff" if you don't need it.

There's no right or wrong way to do things, there are probably 88 thousand different ways he can take to reach his goals. The forum can present a few dozen of those, he can choose I'm sure.
 
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