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View Full Version : Two NICs configuratiobn help.


Paul Komski
11-05-2007, 10:16 AM
I'm sure that one of you networking geeks out there will be able to give some good advice.

Main PC (XPpro) attached to ADSL Router in Main Admin Office; in its own prefab building. Wireless connections to two Laptops (XPhome) with WPA encryption and MAC address filtering all properly configured and working.

Secondary PC (XPhome) in public office in the main building 20 yards away. This PC runs the stock control software and has a wired LAN attached by crossover cable to an older PC (XPhome) kept in the main Stock Room some 100 yards away. Both these PCs use the same backend on the PC in the office and IP addressing is automatically configured.

It is desired to wirelessly network to two office PCs together using a USB dongle on the one in the public office; a dongle that came with the router package so there should be no incompatibilities there. This is to allow both file sharing and internet access.

I assume that such a configuration should be relatively straightforward but just wonder whether I can anticipate any problems - especially with regard to IP addressing on the PC with both a Wired PCI NIC and a Wireless USB Dongle.

If necessary the stock room PC could be connected directly to the router but they dont really want internet access to be available from that PC. Also it's probably at the limit for wireless and it would be awkward to have to re-lay the ethernet cable to the Main Office in the outside prefab building.

Any thoughts and advice most welcome.

mjc
11-05-2007, 10:46 AM
I think the main problem you are going to run into is going to be a matter of wireless signal strength. If the prefab buildings are steel and the one machine is near the edge of the wireless range, the USB dongle isn't going to cut it...

Paul Komski
11-05-2007, 11:14 AM
I think the main problem you are going to run into is going to be a matter of wireless signal strength
20 yards ??
Well it may be a problem but I could organise a run of cable if necessary though that would mean a second PCI card and disruption that it would be best to avoid.

I take it that the two LAN adapters isn't going to be a source of conflict?

mjc
11-05-2007, 11:47 AM
It is the metal build that would be the problem...the steel construction is usually "earthed" so it acts somewhat as a Faraday cage...unless the computer is located near a window facing the other building/wireless source, you'll have problems, especially with a USB device.

Not really...

Paul Komski
11-06-2007, 03:14 AM
Thanks mjc - I'll let you know how I get on. The firm is an unusually long way away from my usual haunts but I hope to get up there sometime this week. Not being near home I didn't want to get caught out so I'll be bring lots of cable and crimpers just in case.

Paul Komski
11-19-2007, 10:07 PM
The office with the ADSL router was in a metal prefab but the Wireless USB dongle (TP-Link Wireless USB2 adapter 108Mbps) worked just fine on the PC in the adjoining building - some 15 metres away. A laptop could connect using its native wireless NIC up to 25 metres inside the building and up to 60 metres away in the car park outside.

So all went well - and to plan - and no cables were necessary.

mjc
11-19-2007, 11:24 PM
Good...a bit stronger signal and or clearer channel, than I have.

Paul Komski
11-20-2007, 12:59 AM
Or the quality of Irish Steel even! ;)