5 Computers, 2 Networks, 1 DSL Connection

[Guest]

I am trying to setup a small office network that has 5 computers. I would
like to separate them into 2 different networks. I have one DSL connection
with a router. I want to make the networks totally separate and not access
each other. Can this be done using WinXP?

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am trying to setup a small office network that has 5 computers. I would
like to separate them into 2 different networks. I have one DSL connection
with a router. I want to make the networks totally separate and not access
each other. Can this be done using WinXP?

This looks like the same question that "kycruiser1" asked.

I suggest that you get two more broadband routers, which are commonly
available for $30 or less at computer and office supply stores in the
USA. Connect each group of computers to LAN ports of its own new
router. Connect the WAN (Internet) port of each new router to a LAN
port of the old router. Each new router must use a different subnet
than the old one. For example, if the old router uses 192.168.1.x,
use 192.168.0.x on the new ones.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Ron Lowe]

I am trying to setup a small office network that has 5 computers. I would
like to separate them into 2 different networks. I have one DSL connection
with a router. I want to make the networks totally separate and not access
each other. Can this be done using WinXP?

Not simply, without adding extra hardware.

With one router, ( say on 192.168.0.1 ) all the machines will need to share
the same range of IP addresses ( eg 192.168.0.x ).

With additional hardware, you could subnet up this address space and
hardware firewall between the subnets.

With no additional hardware, the best I can suggest is to:

1) Install XP-SP2;

2) statically assign the machines in one workgroup to one range, say
192.168.0.2 thru 192.168.0.127, and the second workgroup 192.168.0.128 thru
192.168.0.254. All with Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0, and Default Gateway
pointing to the router at 192.168.0.1.

This means they can all access the Internet via the router.

3) Then use the Windows Firewall to specify File and Print Sharing
exception, but adjust the scope to the limited subnet of that workgroup.

Exceptions Tab;
Select F+P sharing;
Edit button;
Change Scope;
Custom List;
Enter a list of IP addresses, eg
On all machines on workgroup 1, enter:
192.168.0.0/255.255.255.128
This means addresses 192.168.0.0 thru 192.168.0.127.
On all machines on workgroup 2, enter:
192.168.0.128/255.255.255.128
This means addresses 192.168.0.128 thru 192.168.0.255.

Now, each wokgroup is firewalled from each other as far as file and print
sharing is concerned.

( I'm writing this from a theoretical standpoint, I've not tested it. )

 

[Chuck]

I am trying to setup a small office network that has 5 computers. I would
like to separate them into 2 different networks. I have one DSL connection
with a router. I want to make the networks totally separate and not access
each other. Can this be done using WinXP?

Jamie,

It depends upon how you wish to make the networks totally separate.

Most SOHO / NAT routers have only one LAN port, and all computers connected are
on the same network (subnet).

You could install a software firewall on each computer, and setup each firewall
to only provide access to the other computers in the (logical) network.

Or, you could buy an additional pair of NAT routers, connect each to the current
router, and connect the computers, in each separate network, to the appropriate
router. NAT routers can be bought for $40 - $50 at almost any store that sells
computer equipment (even Walmart for instance).

--
Cheers,
Chuck
Paranoia comes from experience - and is not necessarily a bad thing.
My email is AT DOT
actual address pchuck sonic net