Networking via router

[Guest]

I recently installed a router connected to 2 PC's.
Used windows XP wizard to connect both PC's & internet connections, all
works fine. I now have to connection icons down in the indication bar, 1 for
local LAN & 1 for internet connection.
My query is i am now unable to disconnect my INTERNET connection, i have
tried right click on icon and used disconnect but this command seems to be
ignored.
I have tried the same thing on the network connection tab and same thing
happens.
In an ideal world i would like to have the LAN connected at all times and be
able to switch the INTERNET on & off as required.
Can any one help with this?.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi

Under normal settings, the Internet and the LAN are on the same Network.

So disconnecting on a computer the Internet would disconnect the LAN.

One solution that works well for small Network is described here,
http://www.ezlan.net/iprel.html

There are other cumbersome solutions, like building two parallel independent
Networks, or logging each time to the router, and disable the WAN
connection.

May be if you would voice what is your concern another specific solution
could offered.

Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[Guest]

Jack,
Thanks for the information, this solution looks quite complicated for a
novice like me but i will give it a go if nothing else comes up.
My main concern about having both connections on at once is security and the
network speed. I have noticed that as there always seems to be some internet
traffic on the line and the LAN connection sometimes "freezes" and then
restarts. My thought process was that if i turned off the internet connection
(i don't need it all the time) the LAN would be more stable.

 

[RalfG]

Check your Router WAN settings for the available connection types. Sounds
like you want to have a manual connection, basically connect and disconnect
from the ISP using the router. For instance with a Dlink router there is a
connect/disconnect button on the router's Status tab. It only affects the
internet connection. If the router is currently managing your connection to
the ISP (say, using PPPOE) it might be as simple as changing a WAN connect
mode option from always on or connect on demand to manual connect. Then have
the router connect to the ISP when internet is wanted and disconnect
otherwise.

 

[Jack \(MVP-Networking\).]

Hi
If the system is configured correctly and clean (I.e. No Viruses and the
like) the Idle Internet should not slow down LAN.
If you have applications that are auto updating through the Internet, set
their schedule for Off hours.
Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[RalfG]

That is quite true, however there is an exception. If the router (IP really)
comes under DOS attack, such as mine has been 24/7 for a week and a half now
of almost continuous Twinge attacks) LAN performance can be affected.
Spontaneous reboots of the router and other effects cause the LAN connection
to break and reappear, sometimes requiring a repair on the adapter
connection or a manual reset of the router before network shares become
accessible again.