ICS nightmares

[Curio]

I'm having a problem sharing a wireless connection between two PC's via Ethernet. I've previously shared both a broadband and dialup connection on the machines using ICS with no problems.

The probem is that ICS basically works and the machines talk to each other fine and both can access the net - but then every few mins the connection between them fails for no reason. The Wireless connection says it is transmitting and the signal is excellent. To fix it, I just go into my Network Places, disable the LAN connection between the two PC's, re-enable it, and then it's fine for another few mins.

I can connect the host (and two different laptops) directly to to the wireless (not sharing) with no connection drops at all, so I'm 99% sure the problem is with Windows Network/ICS software and nothing to do with the Wireless. I can't see any setting that could cause this so I'm a bit stumped I've made sure all firewalls are off and that I have all the latest drivers for NICs and wireless adapters. Also checked for virus and spyware etc etc. Any other ideas?

Also, somebody mentioned that because of the way my system is setup I don't need to use ICS at all - I could use a bridged network? I have absolutely no idea how this works. I've tried to do it but ended up with all sorts of problems with IP addresses conflicting or not being assigned. It all seemed way too complicated! Can anybody talk me through the basics? Or is it actually even possible? The system is as followes...

Cable modem connected to Wireless router
PC1 has Netgear Wireless USB adapter and 1 NIC
PC2 has 1 NIC, which is connected to NIC in PC1 and is using ICS to share net (problems as above)

Any help on this much appreciated - pulling my hair out here

 

[JackMDS]

Welcome to the Network Forum.

The way you are connected very rarely works (I.e. Double NAT, ICS, and Wireless).

It would take too much to explain to you step by step the basic network concepts and what to do.

The best solution is usually to connect one Wired computer near the Router and the rest can go Wireless. If you have a distance problem you can extend the distance or Bridge.

May be this can help.

Link to: Wirelessly Bridging Home / SOHO Network.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.

:sun:

 

[Curio]

Thanks for the reply and suggestions.

However, I don't see why ICS wouldn't work. The signal to the first PC (with wireless adapter) is excellent as it's only about 10ft away from the wireless router - the signal strength is always 90-100%. And once the data gets to the first PC there's no reason why it shouldn't then make it to the 2nd PC via Ethernet. And it does work fine........but only for about 10 mins, then ICS falls over. I need to find what's wrong with ICS.....but am having no luck

 

[JackMDS]

Nothing is wrong with ICS it just was not meant to work as a second NAT, and it is not very stable with Wireless substrate protocol.

You need to buy a Group Bridge with a switch, or a second Wireless Router that can be configured as a client, switch off ICS and it will work smoothly.

It will cost you $50-$80. But hey that is not a lot of money to get rid of Nightmares.

:sun:

 

[Curio]

OK thanks. Could I just buy another USB Wireless Adapter for the 2nd PC?

 

[JackMDS]

Sure if the second PC is with in the range, USB adaptor will connect it directly to the Wireless Router.

:sun:

 

[Curio]

Thanks for you help - been pulling my hair out trying to get ICS working Think I'll just get another adapter then.

Out of interest, how come it seems to work just great on ICS for about 10 mins then cuts off? Seems a shame to me - it works perfectly when it's actually going!