Two segregated computers/ routers/ ADSLs/ ISPs...

[ggwyn]

I have two very similar but separate computer systems, both consist of a computer running XP Pro, ADSL modem/router/DHCP/NAT, ADSL phone lines, ISPs. Details of each systems router as follows...

Pentium 4 3GHz
Billion BIPAC-5100W, using an RJ45 connection and not the WiFi.
IP address: Billion default (same as the other router)
Mode: Routing
Encapsulation: PPPoE LLC
Virtual Circuit: Enabled
DHCP: Enabled
NAT: Single User Only (tried Full Feature mode but connection to ISP stops)
UPnP: Disabled

Pentium M (Centrino) 1.4GHz
Billion BIPAC-711CE 2.0, using the USB connection and not the RJ45.
IP address: Billion default (same as the other router)
Mode: Routing
Encapsulation: PPPoE LLC
Virtual Circuit: Enabled
DHCP: Enabled
LAN User Mode: Single user
NAT: Dynamic NAPT
UPnP: Disabled

I intend to use a LAN cable to connect the BIPAC 5100W router to the Pentium M computer to achieve the following objectives:
1. Primarily to transfer large files between the two computers.
2. One ISP is not reliable and having either computer able to access either ISP would be good.
3. Not a primary objective but advantageous to be able to distribute bandwidth on occasions when I have both computers accessing multiple internet sources.

What router settings do I need to change?
Any other thoughts, knowledge or tips welcome.

 

[Goosemaster]

Frankly, if you will be using two ISPs, that will require a load balancer. The easiest way to achieve this effectively is to have both ISPs plugged into the lead router.
The easiest and coolest way to achieve this is using Astaro Security Linux(free for non-commercial use), a spare PC, and a switch. It provides a multitude of configurations that will suite you and then all you have to do is plug in the switch to the computer which will serve as the gateway router.

Your other option is to get a router/stand-alone appliance that supoorts load'balancing which will set you hback a bit$$

 

[JackMDS]

You have few options.

You can insert an additional NIC into one computer, and connect it to an available port on the other computer?s Router.

Configure this NIC together with the second computer using WinXP Bridging capacity.

By doing so each computer will maintain its own Internet connection but the Bridging will create a functional Network for file and printer sharing between the two computers.


Link to: Configuring Windows XP as a Network Bridge.

Or you can get rid of the current Routers and plug the two computers into a Dual WAN Router.

You would have one network with Internet and file sharing between the two computers.

About using two Internet connections together see here: Combining Bandwidth, or and Load Balancing of two Internet connections.

:sun:

 

[jtusa]

VPN

 

[ggwyn]

Rephrased question. Re: 2 computers.
File and print sharing but not bandwidth sharing.

Thanks Goosemaster, for the cool option but it requires more equipment, time, space and money. It makes me want to steer away from the Load Sharing objective, instead keeping each ADSL/ISP set segregated as they are now, but, at the same time achieve my primary objective of transferring large files between the two computers. How to do this?

Any other ideas, I am open to different lines of thought...

Thanks JackMDS, good idea, I tried it, not with 2 NICs, instead bridged the NIC and USB on the Pentium M. The result: intermittent internet but print/file sharing OK. On the Pentium 4 print/file sharing and internet both OK. 3 out of 4, nearly there! Solutions....?

Hmmm.... my various thoughts are;
1. The default settings of the two Billion routers are very similar, IP address's and IP Masks etc. They need changing to avoid conflicts and IP crashes. I can change most basic router settings but could do with some guidance if settings like static IP and subnet masks are needed.
2. File and print sharing rely on non-IP protocols I believe? Good, IP conflicts shouldn't have much bearing on file and print sharing.
3. If TCP/IP talking between the Pentium M and 5100W router could be prevented all problems could be solved! The two computers could talk non TCP/IP for file and print sharing. And each computer could talk TCP/IP through their 'own' respective routers/ ADSLs/ ISPs. Feasible? How to do this?
4. Firewire ports. Instead of worrying about routers and NICs, could I put a crossover cable directly from computer to computer?

No thanks to the subtle flames from jtusa4 who had nothing to say. I suggest that he/she read, and contemplate, deeply, the bit at the end of this post.

So, in summery:- Modified Question:
How to maintain each computers segregated ADSL connections but at the same time enable a fast connection for file and print sharing without router conflicts, crashes etc.?

 

[JackMDS]

May be you should clarify what that means.

"I tried it, not with 2 NICs, instead bridged the NIC and USB on the Pentium M".

If it means that your modem is connected through the USB port and there is an available NIC in the computer it should work.

If you get a spotty connection it means that you did not configuring it correctly. Or your sharing is Not working well.

To take care of sharing look here: Sharing Disk Drives Between Computers on Windows Network.


:sun:

 

[ggwyn]

Thanks for the informative link JackMDS.

You are right. I have the modem connected through the computers USB port and
the NIC connected to the other modem. These two connections are bridged. Print
and Filesharing appear to be working perfectly on both computers. As I have
internet connections on both computers, but spotty on one, I think you are
right that I didn't configure it correctly.

Sooo, I think the configuring that I haven't done correctly is related to IP
addresses in the two modem-routers...
(Alternatively prevent TCP/IP communication between the two)

I am busy trying to nut this out now....

 

[ggwyn]

An invitation to jtusa4

jtusa4 I see that you have a pattern of:
Lurking
Contributing nothing positive
Editing your posts content periodically with apparent nefarious intent
Preferring cryptic posts

I invite you to openly and uncryptically communicate, contributing positively.

Otherwise I will probably ignore you in future.
____________________________


Any one, any thoughts on my networking problem?

 

[skyking]

Two NICs in each computer works well for me. Windows does not have a problem with that, so long as the two networks are not on the same class C.
I have not tried it with firewire. If you could, let us know how that goes for you.