Internet Connection Sharing and 2 PCs

[Guest]

Hi all

I will be switching to broadband within the next few weeks after being on
“dial-up†for so many years.

Unfortunately, I have had a technical problem with the phone wiring in my
home and that should be sorted this week.

Once the telephone cable is replaced and connected with a BT socket, then
all will be up and running so that I can place my broadband order.

However, to the point, I have some more questions about implementing ICS
with Windows XP Professional on my 2 PCs so that I can get ICS up and running
without any problems when my broadband is activated.

My two PCs' are on a network and can “see†each other okay.

I can share all files as well as printing between the two PCs'.

Here is the problem -

The IP addresses of the computers are “manually configured†according to
Windows.

The static IP addresses are the ones that I have given to each computer by
myself as Windows/DHCP does not allocate any IP addresses by itself.

These are in a range of numbers that start with 131.107.2.xxx to
131.107.2.xxx for both computers.

So, what is the problem? - could it be faulty network patch cables between
the two computers?

Or, could it be a faulty switch?

How come DHCP doesn't allocate the IP addresses by itself?

How do I check if DHCP is enabled and working?

Either way, what should I do to address and resolve the problem so that I
can use ICS?

Does ICS work with static IP addresses or not?

Would I need to include a subnet mask as well?

According to this website here:-

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics.htm

and

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

it says that:-

“ WARNING #1: When you enable ICS, the network adapter connected to the
local area network is assigned a static IP address of 192.168.0.1. The client
computers are assigned other IP addresses in the 192.168.0.x range. These
addresses may not be compatible with an existing network. â€

So, if I have already assigned static IP addresses to my 2 computers, then
how will this affect my LAN?

Will I still be able to “see†my PCs' on the LAN, as well as sharing files
and my printer?

If this is a silly question, then please forgive me - I don't have any
problem with networking at all as I do a lot of it on a daily basis, it's
just that the ICS concept has got me stumped as I have never needed to use it
before.

You will probably also say:-

Forget ICS and use a router - I do not want to go down the router way of
things as I will only use the Internet enough on both computers on a daily
basis for emails and general surfing. I just want a fast connection to do all
this on both computers.

If I have missed any points that I have not covered here, please let me know.

All replies will be welcome and gratefully received.

I look forward to your response.

Please keep up the good work.

Regards

happy37

 

[Guest]

Is the firewall configured for ICS? Frankly, the time and hassle you have
with ICS is time and money better spent on a router.

 

[Guest]

Which firewall are we talking about? - Windows Firewall ot Norton Internet
Security 2006 which is what I am running on both PCs.

How would I go about configuring the firewall for ICS?

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Consult the manual and the Help Files. I do not use that program so am at a
loss but it has to be set to allow traffic between the two. A quick test
would be to shut it down and see if ICS works, if so, then you know you have
a configuration issue with that product.

 

[Guest]

Hi again

Thanks for your reply.

Will try this and see how it goes - will post back to let you know how I get
on.

Yet, please could you advise about the issue with the IP addresses?

“ The IP addresses of the computers are “manually configured†according to
Windows.

The static IP addresses are the ones that I have given to each computer by
myself as Windows/DHCP does not allocate any IP addresses by itself.

These are in a range of numbers that start with 131.107.2.xxx to
131.107.2.xxx for both computers.

So, what is the problem? - could it be faulty network patch cables between
the two computers?

Or, could it be a faulty switch?

How come DHCP doesn't allocate the IP addresses by itself?

How do I check if DHCP is enabled and working? - do I need DHCP?

Either way, what should I do to address and resolve the problem so that I
can use ICS?

Does ICS work with static IP addresses or not? â€

If the network adapter is given a static IP address of 192.168.0.1., then
would it make sense to give the other PC an IP address of 192.168.0.x.?

Or is this done automatically by Windows?

I look forward to your response.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

If you use the router, then use DHCP (Obtain Addresses Automatically)

 

[jtpr]

Hi all

I will be switching to broadband within the next few weeks after being on
"dial-up" for so many years.

Unfortunately, I have had a technical problem with the phone wiring in my
home and that should be sorted this week.

Once the telephone cable is replaced and connected with a BT socket, then
all will be up and running so that I can place my broadband order.

However, to the point, I have some more questions about implementing ICS
with Windows XP Professional on my 2 PCs so that I can get ICS up and running
without any problems when my broadband is activated.

My two PCs' are on a network and can "see" each other okay.

I can share all files as well as printing between the two PCs'.

Here is the problem -

The IP addresses of the computers are "manually configured" according to
Windows.

The static IP addresses are the ones that I have given to each computer by
myself as Windows/DHCP does not allocate any IP addresses by itself.

These are in a range of numbers that start with 131.107.2.xxx to
131.107.2.xxx for both computers.

So, what is the problem? - could it be faulty network patch cables between
the two computers?

Or, could it be a faulty switch?

How come DHCP doesn't allocate the IP addresses by itself?

How do I check if DHCP is enabled and working?

Either way, what should I do to address and resolve the problem so that I
can use ICS?

Does ICS work with static IP addresses or not?

Would I need to include a subnet mask as well?

According to this website here:-

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics.htm

and

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

it says that:-

" WARNING #1: When you enable ICS, the network adapter connected to the
local area network is assigned a static IP address of 192.168.0.1. The client
computers are assigned other IP addresses in the 192.168.0.x range. These
addresses may not be compatible with an existing network. "

So, if I have already assigned static IP addresses to my 2 computers, then
how will this affect my LAN?

Will I still be able to "see" my PCs' on the LAN, as well as sharing files
and my printer?

If this is a silly question, then please forgive me - I don't have any
problem with networking at all as I do a lot of it on a daily basis, it's
just that the ICS concept has got me stumped as I have never needed to use it
before.

You will probably also say:-

Forget ICS and use a router - I do not want to go down the router way of
things as I will only use the Internet enough on both computers on a daily
basis for emails and general surfing. I just want a fast connection to do all
this on both computers.

If I have missed any points that I have not covered here, please let me know.

All replies will be welcome and gratefully received.

I look forward to your response.

Please keep up the good work.

Regards

happy37

In order to use DHCP you must have a DHCP server. So, that being said,
you need to setup both systems with a static number of your choosing.
Then, you need to set up one system with 2 NIC's, one for the internet
(WAN) connection, one for the LAN. You set up the WAN NIC to get its
address from your cable/dsl modem or your ISP or however your broadband
is set up. The other NIC talks to your LAN and the ICS bridges them
both.

So, instead of spending $20 for another NIC, spend $40 for a router,
enable DHCP, plug both computers into it and you are good to go. If
you turn both systems off at night you will recoup the extra $20 you
spend by always having to have 2 systems on just to get to the net.

What exactly is your fear of the router? It's pretty much plug and
go...

Jim

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Hi all

I will be switching to broadband within the next few weeks after being on
“dial-up” for so many years.

Unfortunately, I have had a technical problem with the phone wiring in my
home and that should be sorted this week.

Once the telephone cable is replaced and connected with a BT socket, then
all will be up and running so that I can place my broadband order.

However, to the point, I have some more questions about implementing ICS
with Windows XP Professional on my 2 PCs so that I can get ICS up and running
without any problems when my broadband is activated.

My two PCs' are on a network and can “see” each other okay.

I can share all files as well as printing between the two PCs'.

Here is the problem -

The IP addresses of the computers are “manually configured” according to
Windows.

The static IP addresses are the ones that I have given to each computer by
myself as Windows/DHCP does not allocate any IP addresses by itself.

These are in a range of numbers that start with 131.107.2.xxx to
131.107.2.xxx for both computers.

So, what is the problem? - could it be faulty network patch cables between
the two computers?

Or, could it be a faulty switch?

How come DHCP doesn't allocate the IP addresses by itself?

How do I check if DHCP is enabled and working?

Either way, what should I do to address and resolve the problem so that I
can use ICS?

Does ICS work with static IP addresses or not?

Would I need to include a subnet mask as well?

According to this website here:-

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics.htm

and

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/

it says that:-

“ WARNING #1: When you enable ICS, the network adapter connected to the
local area network is assigned a static IP address of 192.168.0.1. The client
computers are assigned other IP addresses in the 192.168.0.x range. These
addresses may not be compatible with an existing network. ”

So, if I have already assigned static IP addresses to my 2 computers, then
how will this affect my LAN?

Will I still be able to “see” my PCs' on the LAN, as well as sharing files
and my printer?

If this is a silly question, then please forgive me - I don't have any
problem with networking at all as I do a lot of it on a daily basis, it's
just that the ICS concept has got me stumped as I have never needed to use it
before.

You will probably also say:-

Forget ICS and use a router - I do not want to go down the router way of
things as I will only use the Internet enough on both computers on a daily
basis for emails and general surfing. I just want a fast connection to do all
this on both computers.

If I have missed any points that I have not covered here, please let me know.

All replies will be welcome and gratefully received.

I look forward to your response.

Please keep up the good work.

Regards

happy37

I wrote the PracticallyNetworked page on ICS in Windows XP, and I'm
happy to answer questions about it.

You've assigned static IP addresses in the 131.107.2.xxx range. I see
two problems with that:

1. ICS sets the host computer's LAN connection to 192.168.0.1. Two
computers can only communicate via TCP/IP when their IP addresses are
in the same subnet. If the host is in 192.168.0.x and the other
computer is in 131.107.2.x, they won't be able to communicate with
each other.

2. The range that you've used isn't one of those that's reserved for
use on private networks. Using that range could block access to some
sites on the Internet. The private IP address ranges are:

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

Examples of pairs of private network addresses are:

10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2, subnet mask 255.0.0.0
172.16.0.1 and 172.16.0.2, subnet mask 255.240.0.0
192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question about faulty cables or
switch. What problem are you seeing? You say that your network is
working well.

Your current setup doesn't have a DHCP server, but that doesn't mean
that you have to give the computers static IP addresses. When there's
no DHCP server and a computer is configured to obtain an IP address
automatically, it assigns itself an address in the 169.254.x.x range,
as explained here:

How to use automatic TCP/IP addressing without a DHCP server
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/220874/en-us

When you enable ICS on the host computer, its LAN connection will be
set to 192.168.0.1. You will then have these two options on the other
computer:

1. Configure it to obtain an IP address automatically. The host
computer will run a DHCP server that makes the assignment.

or:

2. Assign its TCP/IP properties manually, specifying all of these
values:

IP Address: 192.168.0.x (1<x<255)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS Server = 192.168.0.1 or your ISP's DNS server
--
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

 

[jtpr]

I wrote the PracticallyNetworked page on ICS in Windows XP, and I'm
happy to answer questions about it.

You've assigned static IP addresses in the 131.107.2.xxx range. I see
two problems with that:

1. ICS sets the host computer's LAN connection to 192.168.0.1. Two
computers can only communicate via TCP/IP when their IP addresses are
in the same subnet. If the host is in 192.168.0.x and the other
computer is in 131.107.2.x, they won't be able to communicate with
each other.

2. The range that you've used isn't one of those that's reserved for
use on private networks. Using that range could block access to some
sites on the Internet. The private IP address ranges are:

10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255
172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255
192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255

Examples of pairs of private network addresses are:

10.0.0.1 and 10.0.0.2, subnet mask 255.0.0.0
172.16.0.1 and 172.16.0.2, subnet mask 255.240.0.0
192.168.0.1 and 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question about faulty cables or
switch. What problem are you seeing? You say that your network is
working well.

Your current setup doesn't have a DHCP server, but that doesn't mean
that you have to give the computers static IP addresses. When there's
no DHCP server and a computer is configured to obtain an IP address
automatically, it assigns itself an address in the 169.254.x.x range,
as explained here:

How to use automatic TCP/IP addressing without a DHCP server
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/220874/en-us

When you enable ICS on the host computer, its LAN connection will be
set to 192.168.0.1. You will then have these two options on the other
computer:

1. Configure it to obtain an IP address automatically. The host
computer will run a DHCP server that makes the assignment.

or:

2. Assign its TCP/IP properties manually, specifying all of these
values:

IP Address: 192.168.0.x (1<x<255)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS Server = 192.168.0.1 or your ISP's DNS server
--
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

Steve,

Thank you for the clarification, I was not aware that ICS ran a DHCP
server by default.

But I still think it's a lot of hoopla with no percieved benifit over
just buying an inexpensive router. I mean, comon, the router will have
more lights;+}

-Jim

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

[snip]
When you enable ICS on the host computer, its LAN connection will be
set to 192.168.0.1. You will then have these two options on the other
computer:

1. Configure it to obtain an IP address automatically. The host
computer will run a DHCP server that makes the assignment.

or:

2. Assign its TCP/IP properties manually, specifying all of these
values:

IP Address: 192.168.0.x (1<x<255)
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS Server = 192.168.0.1 or your ISP's DNS server

Steve,

Thank you for the clarification, I was not aware that ICS ran a DHCP
server by default.

But I still think it's a lot of hoopla with no percieved benifit over
just buying an inexpensive router. I mean, comon, the router will have
more lights;+}

-Jim

You're welcome, Jim. The ICS host's DHCP server is very basic, with
no configuration options. It assigns addresses in the range
192.168.0.2-192.168.0.254 to client computers.
--
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