Using two routers at same time

[ILoveUNC]

I have two internet connections, a cable modem (which is strictly a modem) and a DSL modem (which is also a wireless router).

I had the DSL modem first and used it for years. Over time I setup all my wireless devices (printers and my wife's pc and laptop) on the wireless DSL modem. When I added the much faster cable modem I have not purchased a wireless router.

My pc has two ethernet connections and if I connect both the DSL and Cable modems to my PC I can use my wireless devices. The down side is that my pc chooses which modem it wants to use for certain connections.

For example it uses the Cable modem for browsing the internet and downloading things through internet browsers but it uses the DSL modem for downloading things through other programs like FTP and usenet readers. I have no idea why.

As it currently stands, I have to disconnect my DSL modem from my pc all the time unless I want to print something. This is a major pain!

Here are the questions:

1) Is there a way I can choose which modem my pc uses for specific applications?
2) If not, is there a way I can keep the DSL modem connected so that I can use the wireless router part but disconnect the internet part going to my pc?

 

[Miramonti]

I'm assuming you're still paying for dsl...what's the advantage of keeping it vs. getting a wireless router or replacement for the cable modem with wireless capabilities?

I'm assuming you still want everything networked together and that's why you're trying to keep both isp's connected to your pc. I don't see how the wife's pc and laptop, and the printer, can be accessed by your pc unless they are networked together.

Personally I'd just get a wireless router, put it behind your cable modem, giving you a nice firewall, and reconfigure everything wireless to it (and disconnect dsl.) I'm sure your wife will prefer to be on the faster internet.

 

[Miramonti]

On a side note beyond a solution to this, I've had multiple Isp's at the same time before and would actually be curious too to know if its possible to configure windows to use one isp for some applications and the other isp for other apps.

 

[ILoveUNC]

I work from home so I wanted two networks in case one dies, which has happened before.

I want the faster connection for my pc (the cable modem) and need to leave my wife's pc on the other.

 

[JackMDS]

If a PC has two Network cards each one cam be connected to another Modem or Router.

However, at any time you have to choose which connection you are going to use.

There is No way on Client OS to run two Internet connections at the same time.

 

[ILoveUNC]

Is there a way to make it so I am "connected to the network" of the DSL Modem but not connected to the internet through that modem?

 

[JackMDS]

What you call DSL Modem, is it an Internet connection that does not have a Router and works with External IP? If it is, get first a Router and configure a safe Local Network.

The computer that is on the Cable Internet is Wireless, I assume that it has a wired card too (if not you have to install one).

When the Networks are connected to one computer and are functional you can bridge them so you get one cohesive LAN.

This is the principle of Bridging, http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/wxpbrdge.html

.

 

[tonyyy]

Why don't you get a dual WAN router?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-160-_-Product

this way you can connect both CABLE and DSL internet connections to one device.

you can configure it so that if either CABLE or DSL goes out it will reroute traffic to the connection that is still online.

No more unplugging and reconfiguring networks.