Ace 0 Posted February 7, 2004 I got a Linksys Auto Sensing Switch with 5 ports. What I have connected is the ADSL Modem, one desktop, one laptop and one Xbox. From modem to switch is a crossover cable while switch to desktop, laptop, and Xbox are all normal patch cables. I have two IP's so the desktop and laptop gets to go online. I believe that they are the different IP's because the subnets are different. The interent is working but I'm not able to set up a network between the laptop and desktop. I created a share for both hard drives, and I used the Set Up Network Wizard that's part of Windows XP Pro on both computers. But the desktop has SP1 while the laptop doesn't. I also have Zone Alarm but I added both computer IP's as a trusted zone. So the laptop's Zone Alarm has the desktop's IP in the trusted zone. But this hasn't done anything. The desktop and laptop cannot see each other. Can anyone help me out? I've been reading that since the subnets are different I can't network. But is there way around that? Also I was able to network the two computers by just connecting a crossover cable, but since now I have a switch I would like to network through the switch. Thanks Share this post Link to post
GuitarGuru 0 Posted February 7, 2004 What you really need is a simple broadband router. They can be purchased quite inexpensively since most people are buying wireless routers these days. A router would allow you to hook the DSL up on the outside, then allow you to hook up as many computers as you would like on the inside. You could use your existing switch if you need more inside ports then the router would provide (most little routers have 3 to 5 ports). This way you can specify your own internal network and subnet. I saw broadband routers on special for as little as $15.00 at a computer store near me (Detroit Metro Area). Currently you are using public IP addresses on your two machines which is not really advisable for security reasons. My home has about 4 computers, 1 Server, a network printer, and an XBOX all networked and sharing the same DSL connection using my router. For just a few bucks your home network will be setup properly and not just pieced together. Hope this helps, Jason Share this post Link to post
