• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Network with multiple computers and multiple internet connections

Ok, everything I know about computers I know through building (and breaking) them over the past 7 or 8 years. I have a good bit of knowledge, but this upcoming project I am planning is a bit daunting. Conceptually, I think I can do it, but I am having trouble getting started.

Here is what I am working with:

I have access to several broadband sources
1) DSL modem (ethernet interface)
2) Cable modem (via a wireless bridge within the house)
3) Free wireless hotspot (again, wireless interface)

Here is what I want to do:

1) Have all of my various computers (6 or so at any given time) ALL connected to the same WIRELESS network at all times [should be able to VCN/file & print share/etc from any one computer to any other in the house]
2) Be able to access all three of the broadband connections availible to me via the network. I am NOT tryiing to combine all three wirelss connections into one (at this point - I know there is commercial software that can do this) What I want is for one of the BB connections to be a general connection used by multiple computers on the network and for each of the other two connections to go to two seperate computers respectively.

Ok, reading back over that, even I am a little confused. I'll restate it somewhat.

BROADBAND CONNECTIONS: A B C
COMPUTERS: 1 2 3 4 5 6

1234 connect to the internet via A
5 connects to the internet via B
6 connects to the internet via C
**and 123456 are ALL on the same network!

So, couple of questions:
1) Can this be done with free software and the hardware I already have (fairly good selection of NICs, WIFI cards, 2 hubs, 1 WIFI router)?
2) Is there a smarter way to do what it SEEMS like I am trying to do? (I know that's a tough question to answer)

Alright, I know that is a lot. I read this forum about once a week and I am learning more and more about networking, but I just don't think I know enough at this point in time to figure this one out. I've done a fair about of experimenting, but I feel like there is a simple, direct solution to this problem. I look forward to hearing some responses. I am hear to learn, so don't be too hostile!
 
You'll probably want a NAT router for each of the bb connections. Set the A router to be a dhcp server and set clients 1-4 to use dhcp. All traffic from those machines to the internet will then automatically go through A. Set machine 5 to have a static setup with all the same settings as 1-4 except that the default gateway should be the internal ip of router B. That's how I'd start anyways; your ability to configure will depend on what the computers are running and there may be a better setup.

I'm not going to touch the wireless part, hopefully someone more knowledgeable will help you out 🙂
 
Back
Top