Workgroups Sharing / Security

[Guest]

I am working with a 4 computer workgroup that shares a switch with a 7
computer workgroup. All computers use XP and all 4 of mine use XP Pro. We are
all able to see each others computers and shared files across workgroups. Is
there any way to secure a workgroup from another workgroup, i.e. all
computers in workgroup1 can share files and printers and block workgroup2
from seeing their files. We have 2 non-profit organizations sharing a
biulding that has commom network cabling and a common Cisco 48 port switch.
We want to keep the computers of one organization transparent to the other.
Possible? There is no server, just file sharing and printer sharing.

 

[Jack[MVP]]

Hi
It can be a simple affair to separate them or a very complicated one, it
depends on how the cables are connected, and why they are on the same
switch, and (I.e. is this switch is also bringing the Internet or other
resources to both LANs. If you can isolate the cables of the four computers
and plug them into a separate switch that is not connected to the main
switch you would have you own Network. Otherwise, you might need a Router
between your four computers and the rest of the system. Other wise, you can
device and elaborate Security policies system that would control who can
access which computer. Or block IPs with software firewalls.

Jack (MVP-Networking).

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I am working with a 4 computer workgroup that shares a switch with a 7
computer workgroup. All computers use XP and all 4 of mine use XP Pro. We are
all able to see each others computers and shared files across workgroups. Is
there any way to secure a workgroup from another workgroup, i.e. all
computers in workgroup1 can share files and printers and block workgroup2
from seeing their files. We have 2 non-profit organizations sharing a
biulding that has commom network cabling and a common Cisco 48 port switch.
We want to keep the computers of one organization transparent to the other.
Possible? There is no server, just file sharing and printer sharing.

As you've discovered, workgroups don't provide any type of security or
access control. By design, a computer in any workgroup can access a
computer in any other workgroup.

You need to physically isolate the two groups of computers by putting
them on separate networks. A simple way to do that is to get two
inexpensive home broadband routers. Connect each router's WAN
(Internet) port to the existing switch. Connect one group of
computers to each router's LAN ports.
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

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