One laptop two networks

[Steve]

I have one laptop used to connect to two different peer-to-peer type
networks one being a building automation system and the other is a key
cabinet network. Both networks are non server environments, both use static
IP and different subnet mask also both have the same workgroup name. The
networks consist of mutiple enternet enable devices and a couple of
workstations.

To switch between the two networks I go into the TCP/IP properties and
change the IP/subnet address manually and plug the patch cable into the hub
for the desired network. For security reasons to two networks can not be
hardwired together. Neither network has internet connections. Some of the
people who use the laptop for connecting to the networks are not computer
savy as for as changing the TCP/IP properties.

My question is there an easier way of doing this? Can two networks be
configured on one LAN card and easily switched between the two networks. I
am thinking my only option is to change the subnet mask to match on both
networks and insure I do not have any conflicting IP addresses. Not being a
networking guru I not sure what row the subnet mask plays in the operation
of the two networks.

Any comments or thoughts is appreciated.

 

[Robert L [MS-MVP]]

in this case, I would use netsh command line to switch the IP settings. To do this create two batch file, one for the network A and anther for the network B. and also put these two batch file on the desktop. The use just need to double-click to re-set the IP. This web page may help,

netsh command
Netsh is a command-line scripting utility that allows you to, either locally ...
How to configure the TCP/IP protocol. The following command configures the ...
www.chicagotech.net/netsh.htm

Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Networking, Internet, Routing, VPN Troubleshooting on http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Setup Windows, Network, VPN & Remote Access on http://www.HowToNetworking.com
I have one laptop used to connect to two different peer-to-peer type
networks one being a building automation system and the other is a key
cabinet network. Both networks are non server environments, both use static
IP and different subnet mask also both have the same workgroup name. The
networks consist of mutiple enternet enable devices and a couple of
workstations.

To switch between the two networks I go into the TCP/IP properties and
change the IP/subnet address manually and plug the patch cable into the hub
for the desired network. For security reasons to two networks can not be
hardwired together. Neither network has internet connections. Some of the
people who use the laptop for connecting to the networks are not computer
savy as for as changing the TCP/IP properties.

My question is there an easier way of doing this? Can two networks be
configured on one LAN card and easily switched between the two networks. I
am thinking my only option is to change the subnet mask to match on both
networks and insure I do not have any conflicting IP addresses. Not being a
networking guru I not sure what row the subnet mask plays in the operation
of the two networks.

Any comments or thoughts is appreciated.

 

[Chris Priede]

Hi,

My question is there an easier way of doing this? Can two networks be
configured on one LAN card and easily switched between the two networks.

Windows doesn't provide that capability "out of the box", but it's a common
enough problem and third party software exists to solve it. The first
Google find was at:

http://www.mobilenetswitch.com/

Such software is sometimes included in the manufacturer's bundle, e.g.
IBM's "Access Connections" on Thinkpads.

I am thinking my only option is to change the subnet mask
to match on both networks and insure I do not have any conflicting IP
addresses. Not being a networking guru I not sure what row the
subnet mask plays in the operation of the two networks.

The subnet mask is used to figure out which addresses are on local network
and which are not, and to determine the broadcast address. It may be a
viable option if both networks are simple standalone local networks, with no
routing or greater infrastructure considerations. Another option would be
to set up DHCP service.

However, I'd rather get some network settings switcher software.

 

[JimmyJam]

Does Access Connections work on Dells and Gateways with the appropriate
NICs?

I tried mobilenetswitch and it never remembers that it is registered. A
real pain. I like what it does, but i hate having to enter my reg info all
the time.

 

[Chris Priede]

Hi,

Does Access Connections work on Dells and Gateways
with the appropriate NICs?

I would expect that IBM has made sure it does not, but if you would like to
try, it can be downloaded here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4ZLNJB

 

[JimmyJam]

Chris,

Indeed they have. It extracts and installs, but it doesnt run, even though
one of my Dells has one of the supported Intel wirelesses.

So i've got to prod MobileNetSwitch to retain its registration, eh?

 

[Malke]

Chris,

Indeed they have. It extracts and installs, but it doesnt run, even
though one of my Dells has one of the supported Intel wirelesses.

So i've got to prod MobileNetSwitch to retain its registration, eh?

Mobile Netswitcher isn't the only app that does this. Here are two more:

http://www.globesoft.com/mnm_home.html - MultiNetwork Manager
http://www.netswitcher.com - NetSwitcher

BTW, did you ever try the built-in Alternate Configuration? I use it on
my son's laptop so he can connect to two different wireless networks,
one with a static IP and one without and in a different subnet.

Malke

 

[JimmyJam]

Mobile Netswitcher isn't the only app that does this. Here are two more:

http://www.globesoft.com/mnm_home.html - MultiNetwork Manager

I'll look at this one.

http://www.netswitcher.com - NetSwitcher

I tried this one, but abandonned it after I saw MNS. Perhaps I need to
return to it. As I recall, it had fewer features.

BTW, did you ever try the built-in Alternate Configuration? I use it on
my son's laptop so he can connect to two different wireless networks,
one with a static IP and one without and in a different subnet.

I want to set wallpaper (so I know where I am), printer, clear away some
settings, and alt-config didnt do enough for me.

Do either (or any) change machine name and machine description? I need to
do that too, and so far am doing it manually. (I think it always requires
a reboot.)

PhatWare's Win95/98 product had me spoiled because it did several of these
things for me - though not the wallpaper or printer.

 

[Malke]

I'll look at this one.


I tried this one, but abandonned it after I saw MNS. Perhaps I need
to
return to it. As I recall, it had fewer features.


I want to set wallpaper (so I know where I am), printer, clear away
some settings, and alt-config didnt do enough for me.

Do either (or any) change machine name and machine description? I
need to
do that too, and so far am doing it manually. (I think it always
requires a reboot.)

PhatWare's Win95/98 product had me spoiled because it did several of
these things for me - though not the wallpaper or printer.

No, the alternate configuration doesn't change anything but your network
settings.

Malke

 

[JimmyJam]

MultiNetwork Manager looks good, but is pricey -- 40$US for a single PC.
So thats 80 just for my desktop (which I guess wouldnt need it if i
pulled myself off the wireless network) and my laptop. Toss in son and
wife and we're spending a small fortune!

 

[Randy]

JimmyJam

Just a short note I'm not sure that you are aware that GlobeSoft supply
two versions of the product and MultiNetwork Manager 8 Standard edition
is available from $9,95US...
Now you can afford to buy it to your cousins as well

/Ran


JimmyJam skrev:

 

[JimmyJam]

I missed that. Thanks. Can i use my copy on both my desktop and my
laptop?