My home network (simplified) is as follows: My main computer is connected to router 1, which is daisy-chained to router 2 which is feeding my laptop in another room [Desktop <-> Router1 <-> Router2 <-> Laptop]. So here's my problem: I can't get the desktop and laptop to network through Windows, eg. file/printer sharing. I can, however, get the laptop to access the desktop using the remote control tool Radmin. But the weird thing is, the desktop can't access the laptop using the same program and settings. I have all the right ports forwarded and all firewalls turned off on both computers. In fact, I have the laptop in DMZ mode. But still for some reason, they don't see each other for the most part. Router1 is a Belkin router and Router2 is Linksys, but I didn't think that would be a big problem. Can anyone else think of a setting I might be missing? Thanks!

Just get rig of the second router. I don't see what purpose it would serve and is most likely the cause of the problem. Michael J

You are right, why didn't I think of that? As a matter of fact, if I just got rid of my computer, I wouldn't even need a network. But on the other hand, I did say that was a simplified description of my network. Since you must know the details, my first router is wireless and the second is for VoIP. So they both serve individual purposes and just "getting rid of one" is not a very realistic option. Thanks for your input though.

Sorry if I was blunt, but the truth of the matter is that routers are not meant to be used together in that manner. Because of the way you have them connected, there could be a multitude of scenarios that are causing your problem. Try attatching both computers to the same router temporarily to see if that solves the problem. If it does, then you know the problem has something to do with the 2 routers being on the same network. I would think that with the Laptop in the DMZ that would cause the least amount of issues - go figure. You could also get a Wireless Access Point and add it to the VoIP router thereby eliminating the need for the wireless router. Michael J

Thanks again, but my impression was that routers were well capable of being networked together. I don't think I had them connected in any weird way, so I doubt that was where the problem lied. As for your second suggestion, I had already determined that there was a problem with both routers being on the same network - sorry if I didn't make that clear earlier. And for your last suggestion, maybe you misunderstood - I already have a Wireless Access Point that I was using in this scenario, but my whole problem, in case you forgot, was trying to network them together to act as one. Basically, I didn't see any worthwhile suggestion in your reply, so I kept trying other methods. I ended up solving the problem by connecting a cross-over cable between the two routers. Now the computers that are on the second router act as if they are connected to the first router, and everything works fine.

I'm glad you got it working. But, when I mentioned a wireless access point I meant a "pure" wireless access point. Wireless routers are routers with a built-in wireless access point. But, you can buy just a wireless access point that is not a router. So, there was a "worthwile suggestion" in my reply, but your ignorance blinded you from that fact. Michael J

Sure, I could spend more money on more gear that might eventually work, but only an ignorant person would do that instead of trying to figure out how to make what he already had work. Basically so far you've wanted me to just get rid of one of the routers to eliminate the problem, and now you want me to buy something else to avoid it??? When your computer needs to be defrag'd, do you just go out and buy a new computer or do you sit down and fix it? That's what I meant when I said you had worthless suggestions. I can see you are trying to sound knowledgeable but you are really just wasting my time with your senseless solutions. Anyone can suggest replacing the problem, but only a real tech can tell you how to fix it.