[AGayer]

Hello all,

We have a WinXP PRO SP2 computer (on a domain) here that needs active connections to two networks simultaneously. I have 2 NICs (1 wired, 1 wireless, but it shouldn't matter) and one is connecting wirelessly to our corporate Intranet for network printing and Exchange Server e-mail and other network resources (the Intranet is capable of accessing the Internet), and the wired NIC is connected to a totally separate DSL modem for Internet access to a specific VPN. Our corporate firewall prohibits this VPN connection; that's why we added the DSL line.

However, when the wireless works, Windows ignores the Ethernet connection... And when I can get the Ethernet connection to work, Windows ignores the wireless. Both say they are "Connected" in Network Connections, and wireless range is not an issue (Excellent signal strength.) Is there a way to get these connected without compromising security on all the other computers? I don't want any of our other computers on the Intranet getting to the DSL service as it's not protected by our corporate firewall, and they don't need any special VPN connections... Thanks!

 

[Anthony:-P]

Hi and Welcome to TSG!

The following is directly from microsoft.

There are a number of scenarios where it is desirable to have a wireless device connect to multiple networks simultaneously. Currently, this is possible only by using multiple wireless network cards in the device. Unfortunately, using multiple wireless cards causes excessive energy drain and consequent reduction of lifetime in battery operated devices. In this paper, we propose a software based approach, called MultiNet, that facilitates simultaneous connections to multiple networks by virtualizing a single wireless card. The wireless card is virtualized by introducing an intermediate layer below IP, which continuously switches the card across multiple networks. The goal of the switching algorithm is to be transparent to the user who sees her machine as being connected to multiple networks. We present the design, implementation, and performance of the MultiNet system.We analyze and evaluate buffering and switching algorithms in terms of delay and energy consumption. Our system has been operational for over twelve months, it is agnostic of the upper layer protocols, and works well over popular IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN cards.

Hope that helps in a way.
Kind Regards
Anthony

 

[AGayer]

Thanks, that looks like a pretty interesting concept, but currently I'm trying to get a wired and a wireless connection going, not necessarily 2 wireless connections. I'd have to stick a wireless router on the DSL modem for that to work. Even though that's actually how I'd like to do it the company won't spring for the router. I'm not really concerned with the medium (wireless/wired) as I am the connection itself. 2 connections, 1 PC, endless possibilities. Can I make it happen?