LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

18rabbit · Feb 9, 2006

I would like to get all of the computers on our LAN talking, one Win 98 puter, two WinXP puters. All are networked thru a Netgear printer server/firewall/router, but none of them see any of the others. Both of the WinXP puters also access the web via a NetGear Wi-Fi that is plugged into the router, as well. Where do I start on getting all of these guys to see each other, share files, print via Ethernet+the printer server?

TexomaAv8r · Feb 9, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Dont let them talk together, no good can come of it when computers start communicating. Didnt you learn anything from Sci Fi!

tommays · Feb 9, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

in XP you can go start / my network places /then there will be a (set up a home or small office network wizard) I have had the best result picking (other) Then this computer connects to the internet through a network hub.other computers on my network also connect to the internet through a hub Then you will get a warning about your XP firewall but they will not see each other through the XP firewall so you will need to be sure your router has one. you have to pick a name (john,mary,ect,anything Then you have to pick a work group name like MS HOME It should ask you if you want to make a network setup disk you may need it for the Win 98 computers You will have to do this at each computer it really goes pretty fast. And decide what folders you want to share on each computer Once they can see the printer you will have to go in and setup the printer on each computer. You may need to give them some time to FIND each other its not instant It will walk you through it and HELP has a networking and the web section Take your time and read up my house works well both wired and wireless even my PDA can stream video and music from the Home Network ITS REALLY NECESSARY TO READ THE ROUTER MANUAL and change all the default passwords AND SET UP FULL WIRELESS SECURITY CHANGE THE DEFAULT SSID ,ECT If you leave the default things like the SSID then the bad guy will no exactly what your weak points are. If you go to the trouble to change things he will just go to the guy next door who was to lazy

Many of my neighbors provide free WI-FI they just dont no it

tommays

18rabbit · Feb 9, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Thanks, Tommay. The router has a good hard/soft firewall in it that I use. I turned off the WinXP firewall when I installed Micro Trend internet security suite; the soft firewall in the suite is a little more flexible than the WinXP soft firewall. Was wondering if that is why I cant see the other computers. The Win98 machine does not have a soft firewall, the network community doesnt see any machines except itself. I read something in a Microsoft bulletin that all machines must have the same workgroup name?!? Will follow all of your points this evening and let you know how it goes. Thanks!!!

Colorado04 · Feb 10, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

I believe what you are describing is called a peer to peet network in you home/office. There a few thing that you will need to keep in mind... 1. You are correct in that all the computers will need to be a part of the same "workgroup". The name of the workgroup is not important just so long as that are a part of the same group. 2. Ensure that all computers are on the same network IP range...meaning if you use DHCP for ip addressing on your network, set you DHCP server to give out IP's in a small range. IE 192.168.1.10 thorough 192.168.1.30 using the submet mask of 255.255.255.1 . This will allow you to have a total of 20 machines connected at one time. If you chose to us Static IP addressing, you can use the same range as stated above, but you have to manually input the information accordingly on each of the machines you plan to connect. The above stated range actually goes from 192.168.1.1 to 192.168.1.255 with the subnet mask of 255.255.255.1 . The complete range will allow you to connect 255 computer to that range\segment using Static or DHCP IP addressing. Your choice. 3. All computers on the network will need to have some sort of name. IE "basement computer, bedroom computer etc...". This will make it easier to differintiat them when seeing them on the network. 3a. As a security note, using static ip addressing and a restricted ip range associated with the MAC address of the network cards LAN/WiFi will aid in securing your network. Just in case, the MAC address is a unique alphanumeric identifier for every network card made. 4. On all the computers, a shared space will be need to be created. Then permissions will need to be adjusted to allow the other computers to connect. 5. Once the shares are created and permissions adjusted accordingly, you will need to "map drives" to the shares you wish to connect to. This may seem long winded and potentially complex, but it really isn't. If I were to show you in person, it would take about a half hour. Hope this helps.

18rabbit · Feb 11, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

I presume you mean peer to peer ?!? I think of p2p as one computer connected directly to another computer to the exclusion of all other computers. I want the 3 computers on my LAN to talk to each other via the LAN. The reason is to do back ups, move big chunks of disk/data around to allow reloading of software, stuff like that. Otherwise, I think it is probably better to not have the comps talking/sharing, les they share a virus or worm. Id like to get it so I can turn the sharing on/off. Im also considering some security cameras, would like something viewable over the internet. Not sure whats involved yet. Could be as simple as adding ports to the router and giving each camera its own IP address, or it could involve adding a board with 6 or 8 analog video inputs. Either way, Im guessing I will need access to the cameras (or the comp with the video boards) via the LAN, too. If I feed all of the cameras thru one computer/video boards, I guess I will need a VPN to see them from a remote internet connection?!? Trying to get info on how these cameras work is like pulling eyeteeth.

Xcusme · Feb 11, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Originally posted by 18R: All are networked thru a Netgear printer server/firewall/router, but none of them see any of the others. Both of the WinXP puters also access the web via a NetGear Wi-Fi that is plugged into the router, as well.

Do you have a Netgear non-wireless model router with an added Wireless Access Point?? Post the model number(s)of your equipment. Can each machine surf the Web now??

BoatBuoy · Feb 11, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Here's a primer on network file sharing

18rabbit · Feb 11, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Heres the hardware: Netgear FR114P Firewall/Router/Print Server 4 Ethernet ports + Printer Port, connects to DSL modem. Netgear WAG302 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi Access Port. Connected to the FR114P router. Computer #1 tower running Win98. Permanently connected to the FR114P router Computer #2 laptop IBM T42 running WinXP. Connects to both the router and/or the Wi-Fi AP. Computer #3 laptop IBM T43P running WinXP. Connects to both the router and/or the Wi-Fi AP. Printer - Xerox Workcentre PE120. Can connect to the FR114 routers printer port or and of one of the computers USB port. Does not connect via Ethernet. When I get around to it i will update Comp #1 to WinXP, but it shouldnt be necessary to get the three computers to see each other via the FR114. Btw, that Netgear hardware is some outstanding pieces of equipment, wouldnt hesitate to buy the same ones again.

BoatBuoy · Feb 11, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

It looks like computers 2 and 3 have multiple routes to the lan. That could be a configuration challenge. I would only have one path for each - either a path via the router, or a path via the AP. Unless I'm missing something from your description.

18rabbit · Feb 12, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

The laptops have multiple access routes, but only allow one route at a time. When in the office a laptop is plugged into the Ethernet, when the cable is disconnected, it automatically searched for the wi-fi. When plugged back into the Ethernet, it automatically turns off the radio and activates the Ethernet port. The routers management software knows how the laptop is connected to the LAN. When using Ethernet, the laptop shows up active at the assigned port. When connected via the wi-fi, the laptop shows up connected via the wi-fi port. IBM installs some wicked cool connectivity/access software on their laptops, so no connectivity conflict. Edit: installing security cameras and using the tower as a comp based DVR is a priority, so the tower will get reworked (faster CPU, more memory, updated to WinXP) sooner than I was planning to, like this coming week.

Colorado04 · Feb 13, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Have you given any thought of setting up a proper server/client network in your SOHO? You may find it easier to control and secure your systems. Just a thought....

rickdb1boat · Feb 13, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Another good site for networking: practicallynetworked.com

surlyjoe · Feb 13, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

set all teh machines to the same workgroup name. set the gateways to the routers IP address. set the dns's to the routers IP address. make sure there are accounts set up on the PC's for the username that is trying to access them, including passwords. set the access points DHCP in teh range of teh routers IP table. the DHCP server in the router will push out IP address, but if you want to set them manually set all the PC's IP address 1 number apart in the range of IP addresses you opened in the routers DHCP table. exapmle. router is probably 192.168.1.1 the DHCP range will be something like 192.168.1.100-192.168.150 so you want to set the access point to 192.168.1.101, pc1 at 192.168.103 and pc2 at 192.168.1.102,and so on. windows XP has an alternate location feature that allows you to run fixed IP at home and DHCP at the office without too much trouble. media center and DVR surveilance is what we do. If you you wanna email me, I'm surlyjoe@aoaforums.com man my typing sux sometimes

Xcusme · Feb 14, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

Hmmm...interesting configuration....

gatorred · Feb 14, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

don't forget the setup home on other that xp has to make the networking on windows,me,98se and 95 it isn't easy to do all mine have xp with out this there a buch of programing needed.

surlyjoe · Feb 15, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

if you have the user accounts set up and the IP's in scope they should be able to log into each other even with 98se on them. I have some mixed networks with 98 on some old copier control boxes that work fine.

surlyjoe · Feb 22, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

did you ever get it working? I haven't heard from ya in a while...

gatorred · Feb 24, 2006

Re: LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

how about a video to setup home network here is where it is http://torrentreactor.net/sections.php?id=166 you look for(call for help oo2) is file download it then i use azureus to get the video this is it home page http://azureus.sourceforge.net/ how to windows on top of webpage to download it,you need a divx player to view it then you lost yet it very complex way to get it

LAN  Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???

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LAN Getting the Computers to Talk & Share???