Hello,

My network has a wireless Motorola SBG900 cable modem and a wired (not wireless) D-Link DI-704P Router connected to it.

Connected to the wired router are two PCs both running Win XP Pro SP2. Then, I have a laptop (also running Win XP Pro SP2) that connects wirelessly to the modem.

I have full Internet access, and the two PCs can share files, printers, etc. No problem.

My problem is that the laptop, although I can connect to the Internet, cannot see the other PCs on the network. What can I do to get them all connected and sharing happily?

Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

the router is providing routing services to the two PCs but is not connected to the laptop. your laptop is connected to the modem only. you need to get a wireless access point connected to your router or just get a wired/wireless integrated router connected to your modem that can provide both types of connection to your end devices (PCs). the cheapest option you have for connecting everything with what you have is to attach your laptop to the router with a crossover cable when you need to share files and use the wireless aspect when you need to use the net. not the best solution but a whole lot cheaper than an AP.

if you need any help or advice, reply as such.

*D*

nosey aren't ya, readin me sig?

"attach your laptop to the router with a crossover cable"

Sorry but you use a regular patch cable not a crossover to go from laptop's ethernet port to the router. Being wired would give you internet access also.

Your issue is that the modem is giving out one ip range and your router a different range. Without boring you with the details and options lets just say this can't change.

Really comes down to these options:
1. leave as is and no networking with laptop
2. replace the router with a wireless version. You would need to turn off the wireless on the modem or you will have conflicts.
3. have all three wired into the present router. Disable the wireless on your laptop so the OS doesn't get confused as to whom its talking to. This will give you internet to all and all can be in the same workgroup sharing files/printers.

Imagine the power if you knew how to internet search

"patch cable"

my bad - wanderer is right. i always misquote those names - derr.

patch cable being a 'straight through'.

*D*

nosey aren't ya, readin me sig?

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking those might be the answers.

#2 would be optimal - a wireless router
#3 might have to do as well for now until I decide to upgrade

However, I was thinking it should be theoretically possible to communicate between computers with different IP ranges. For example, the laptop is 192.168.0.5 and one of the PCs is 192.168.1.132

They are on the same subnet mask 255.255.255.0, so shouldn't it work somehow?

Please bore me with the technical answer. I am not afraid.

Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

you would need the services of the router to allow communication between the different subnets.

isnt your wireless modem also capable of routing? most are when provided by an ISP.

you could always ebay your current router and get a combi one. shouldnt cost much in difference.

or you could peer to peer your laptop to one of your PCs when needed. this could be achieved with just one more wireless adapter.

nosey aren't ya, readin me sig?

Decker,

Yes, I assume that the modem has routing capabilities. It assigns IP addresses through DHCP. Or are there other services included in routing technology?

For now I am just going to connect the laptop to the router and forget about the wireless until I get a wireless router. But, I'd still like to know why I can't connect through the modem. If anybody knows, please reply.

Thanks,
Ben

your router will only route to its attached devices. so if your laptop is connected to your modem an then your modem to your router, your router will unfortunately not be able to see your laptop. your D-link is dsl enabled so you could eliminate your wireless modem all together if you are going for cable only.

Hope some of this has helped.

-D-

nosey aren't ya, readin me sig?