How can I make shares on my networked PCs without sharing them over the Internet?

[CZroe]

All the PCs on my "network" have real Internet IP addresses and do not use NAT. I do not want to "undo" this benefit with NAT, but without it I don't know how to reap the rewards of having them connected at home without opening them up to the entire world! I've connected to shares over the Internet and other people can connect to mine. I've seen viruses that automatically scan IP ranges for more shares to spread to. If I use VPN, the shares are STILL on a PC with an Internet connection! I've never seen any option for only allowing the shares through one network device and not another, but that seems like the logical way to do it. Also, any transfers between the PCs take the "Internet route" and therefore are nowhere near 100Mbps. This is what a router is for right? Is there a way to use a router for this purpose without using NAT? I'd like to keep all ports and everything open for a pure unobstructed Internet connection on all machines. I only want to share files for the conveinience of 100Mbps transfers instead or using CD-Rs

What way are you supposed to limit shares to the network if you have a another network card or modem with a direct connection to the Internet?

Thnx!

 

[JackMDS]

Very simple!

Install NetBEUI. Bind NetBEUI to File, and Printer Sharing.

Unbind TCP/IP from File, and Printer sharing. Done.


Why? NetBEUI is not using IP number, and it is not Routable to the Internet.

 

[Pauli]

Yep, Jack's got it: install and use the NetBEUI protocol. It's fast and non-routable. If you use WinXP you may have to search for it on the CD -- it does not install automatically and is not on any installation option. I think the same is true with Win2K.

Remember, you need to unbind File and Printer sharing from TCP/IP ---> [Hardware adapter] in the list!

 

[JackMDS]

To install NetBEUI in WinXP look here:

AnandTech ? FAQ. Where is NETBEUI in WinXP?

Binding in Win XP is done in the Advance Settings of the Advanced Tab in Control Panel/Network Connections.

Should look like this:

Win XP Properties

Advance Settings Win XP.

 

[Pauli]

Hey JackMDS, in the "Advanced WinXP settings" link, wouldn't it be better to unbind TCP/IP from "Client for Microsoft Networks"? I don't think that is necessary for anything, is it?

 

[JackMDS]

Originally posted by: Pauli
Hey JackMDS, in the "Advanced WinXP settings" link, wouldn't it be better to unbind TCP/IP from "Client for Microsoft Networks"? I don't think that is necessary for anything, is it?

Yeah you can, if you only use Internet, and File Sharing.

 

[Hoober]

Jack, you are a fountain of knowledge.

 

[CZroe]

Thanks a lot! This will come in handy.

I would like to know one more thing:

When I try to play a TCP/IP multiplayer game between the two compuers using the IP addresses assigned by my ISP, the packets will be traveling over the Internet rather than through the hub to the other computer. How would I configure a router to allow 100mbps between the two computers, without cutting off their "real" Internet connection like NAT does?

 

[n0cmonkey]

EDIT: Oops, wrong thread

 

[Woodchuck2000]

For playing the multiplayer game, you simply use your private IP address rather than your public one. Your Network Card and Modem have separate IP addresses, it's just a matter of picking the right one...

 

[Woodchuck2000]

Ah, I think I've misunderstood the way you've set up your internet connection... Does each machine have a single network card which is used to connect to the internet and gets it's IP address from your ISP?

 

[mboy]

WHY on earth do you pay for multiple Ip's?

 

[CZroe]

I don't! My ISP is misconfigured. Lucky me

Yes Woodchuck2000, I'm using a cable modem plugged into a standard hub and each PC only has one network card

PS: I've told my ISP several times over the last 3 years but they never did anything about it... I guess they don't care.

 

[BornStar]

In my experience a computer will look for the shortest common link between two computers. If that occurs before it hits the cable modem then that's where it'll take care of the exchange. My roommate and I each have our own IP. We plug into a 10/100 switch and then plug that into the DSL modem (which is 1.5Mbps/384kbps) and all of our communication takes place at 100Mbps and the commodity internet never knows it went on. Hope this helps.

 

[CZroe]

I guess I'll try a switch!

I'm using a free (and LOUD) 24-port hub I've had for years.

I figured I didn't need a switch for sharing an Internet connection as long as my ISP is misconfigured but for the 100Mbit advantage I think it's worth it...

 

[sc0tty8]

If you have only 1 internet connection, just get a router with a built in switch...or does each computer have its own cable modem or however you have it?

 

[Oaf357]

A hub is not a smart device it does not care about IP addresses or even MAC addresses for that matter. A switch however will help you out.

 

[lobadobadingdong]

Originally posted by: CZroe
I don't! My ISP is misconfigured. Lucky me

Yes Woodchuck2000, I'm using a cable modem plugged into a standard hub and each PC only has one network card

PS: I've told my ISP several times over the last 3 years but they never did anything about it... I guess they don't care.

many cable providers allow multiple ip's up to a set limit(usually 3or4) before charging the end user a business fee, they are starting to understand that many homes have more than one computer...duh. I've had at least 3 at anygiven point in time for the last 10 years. just my 2 centavos.

 

[CZroe]

I've had my cable modem since 1999 (Before most people in Atlanta could even get it!). They have been misconfigured all along, and I can lease far more than 3 or 4 IPs (I've hosted LAN parties w/ friends and gotten ~20 IP addresses; we ran out of computers to add!).

Dunno why they wont fix it. Most of my friends are on the same cable node (Bad for me) and they are all leasing multiple IPs too. The cable co explicitly states in the agreement that I cannot share the Internet connection without paying a second bill (DOUBLE the price!). It's a good thing I wasn't home when they installed it and I didn't have to sign anything