Windows file sharing not working

[Com807877]

Hi all,

I have been trying for hours to resolve this issue but nothing I try works.

Basically I have a wired network set up like this.

There is a Dlink DI-604 router. In to the WAN port is a cable modem, and out on two of the LAN ports go directly to two different computers. The other LAN port is connected to a Linksys RT31P2 router and connects to the RT31P2's WAN port.

The RT31P2 has one Xbox connected to a LAN port and computer on a LAN port.

The problem is the computer that is connected to the RT31P2's LAN port doesn't show up in the workgroup and can't be connected to. Thus there is no file/printer sharing possible. I can't see that computer from any other computer, and that computer can't see any other computer.

I can't seem to figure out how to make file sharing work?

Every computer is running XP pro and the internet works fine on everything. It's just the file/print sharing that isn't working.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Fardringle]

You cannot use file and printer sharing across routers the way you are trying to do it.

Imagine a freeway or highway (the D-Link DI-604) with an on-ramp providing access to new cars from another location (the Linksys RT32P2). Cars (computers) on the Linksys on-ramp can access lanes on the main freeway (the Internet) but there is no way for cars on the freeway to get down the on-ramp to where the cars (computers) on the Linksys are coming from.

It's a fairly simplistic example, but essentially, unless you set up that Linksys as a simple switch and disable ALL router functions on that device, there is no way that computers attached to the D-Link will be able to access any resources on the computer and/or XBox that are attached to the Linksys router.

 

[Com807877]

Hello,

Thank you for the information. So if I replaced the linksys router with a switch it would work?

Could I possibly replace it with a hub or must it be a switch?

Thanks!

 

[ThomasKMC]

 

[ThomasKMC]

either one would work

 

[JackMDS]

You can use the thing as a switch.

This page was written for Wireless but you can use the same principle for your own Network 4even if it not Wireless.

Link to: Using a Wireless Cable/DSL Router as a Switch with an Access Point

:sun:

 

[ktwebb]

Originally posted by: Com807877
Hello,

Thank you for the information. So if I replaced the linksys router with a switch it would work?

Could I possibly replace it with a hub or must it be a switch?

Thanks!

It is a switch as Jack mentioned. You don't use the WAN port and disable the DHCP server on the second router. Ta da, you now have a dedicated switch. That is what the LAN ports are, switched LAN ports.