How do I add computer to my network?

[dillon5]

I just got Sprint broadband ( and it is great !). I have 5 IP addresses as I have 5 computers networked together. I strung the wire and set up the network myself ( rubber arms pat self on back ). Sprint gave me 5 ip addresses and one gateway and enabled DNS with two addresses.
The problem I am having is that I have a 6th computer (sick) and I want to attach it to the network. However I can't get it to work. Accessing the sprint broadband is not what I am looking to do. Just access the network to access files on network.
I first thought I could just have the network "obtain IP address" and that did not work.
Well I won't bore with everything I have tried - none have worked.

Any suggestions on how to get this to work?
These are fake numbers but this is an example of what I have now.
IP address 21.221.132.90 , next computer 21.221.132.91 etc.
DNS address 22.221.144.3, 22.221.144.4 (all ) Gateway address 21.221.132.89 (all)
What needs to be done to add computer to network ?

Also I understand that there is a way to make one computer a "proxy server" and then can use it to access the Sprint Broadband if I add more computers to network.

Sprint broadband uses a small rooftop dish if you are not familiar with it.

Thanks
Bob

 

[Spiff]

your sixth machine will not have a valid IP address for communicating with the others. You could setup a proxy on one of the machines to allow it talk to the others... this would also allow it to talk on the internet as well. If your only concern is local communication, then installing another protocol like NetBeui or IPX on all systems will resolve the issue for you.

 

[davisdog]

Spiff's Idea of using Netbeui as the protocol for file sharing on your network is a good one and also more secure...
You should install the Netbeui protocol on all your machines (doesnt use IP addresses), bind it to your MS Network client and File/print sharing (as well as your ethernet adapter)...also you might consider unbinding both of those from TCP/IP so you aren't giving free file access to everybody on the outside via your broadband link (your internal network will use Netbeui to talk). Just leave TCP/IP bound to your ethernet adapter so it's purpose is internet access only.

so info is here
GRC site

what type of hardware did Sprint give you...if it is a router also, then it can probably act as a DHCP server or provide Network Address Translation (NAT) so all machines can get on the internet...Sprint helpdesk should be able to provide a suggestion also (I use firstworld as a ISP/DSL provider via Covad...they were very good at helping me get 10 computers on with 5 IPs at the office)

Steve

 

[Rifter]

you could also use TCP/IP but you would have to bind internal network addresses to all computers as well as the sprint ones, 192.168.0.xxx for example. and make sure to give themn the same subnet.

 

[dillon5]

Man - just when I thought I was gettin a grasp on this networkin stuff - you guys blow me away !

Actually I think I was able to follow most of your ideas.

I have IPX set up on all computers but that does not seem to work. I will start there and make sure all is right before givin up on that.

I have what Sprint calls a "modem" attached to my hub. The installers suggested getting firewall software in place ASAP and I put in Zone Alarm. It is amazing how many others are snooping around on my network.

Thanks again for all your input.

Now back to the trial and error / cussin and a swearin.

Bob

 

[cz]

You need to unbind TCP/IP from "Printer and File sharing" for all your computers, then bind IPX or NetBEUI to "Printer and File Sharing" on your computers. If your computers are using different binding setting they may not be able to see each other all the time.

 

[BCYL]

Follow the link davisdog gave, it gives a very detailed step by step instruction on how to unbind "file and printer sharing" from TCP/IP and setup Netbeui for your internal network communication.