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Combining two networks

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Background – I am a college student in computer applications with ONE network design course completed. (Lots of programming) My company gives me no budget (must grovel for resources). And this is not my primary job. (I “lucked” into it becouse I cando more than just turn on a computer).
Situation – I have one network that gives 10+ computers access to the internet through a DSL modem. The modem and computers are connected to a 32 port 10b100 fast ethernet switch. They are using DHCP with the modem acting as the router (I believe). I have added a network printer and several computers to this network. I also have another network that comunicates to a private server through an earth station (satalite). It is also DHCP with an NT server in house. They use an 8 port hub to connect. There are two computers on this network that I want to give access to the internet and network printer on the first network. The question is what is the best route to do this.
Additional info – the first network we own everything. The switch has the uplink port and several regular ports available. The second network is a leased network. It also has several application dedicated computers and a in house live video training center on it. It also is supposed to have internet access but it is through a dial-up connection. (why spend money for a second ISP to step backwards?)
Hope this is enough info for a reasonable answer.

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Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

On the two comptuers you want on both networks, add a second NIC card to each, and cable the second NICs to the hub of the other network. Configure the second NIC’s for DHCP, and everything should work. If these are NT machines (as opposed to Win2K or Win9x), there is a setting for IP routing, which you should uncheck (turn off). You will get better results if the new NICs are NOT the same brand as the existing ones.

If the second NIC’s do not work with DHCP, pick two addresses in the Class C controlled by the network they will connect to, at the top or bottom of the range. On the router, in the DHCP section, exclude those addresses from the DHCP range.

Good luck.

Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

I liked the info about using two differant nic cards. My current solution was to pull a P-75 out of retirement and set it up in a neutral location for both users. Not the greatest. But it cost nothing and everyone is happy for now.

Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

It seems I can not add a comment to you suggestion without Accepting or rejecting it. So I am adding some more info here. I have thought of adding a network card, but this computer is under a lease agreement and I do not have permission to change the configuration of it. I should have made that more clear. I was also hoping for a more scalable solution. One where I could share all the resouces from both networks. I have not rejected your answer becouse it has merit, but I am hoping you or someone else can offer another alternative.

Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

Hi! Generally my idea is to use your NT server at Net2 as gateway to Net1. You can simply connect this networks together and configure second IP address (which belongs to Net1) on it’s NIC. Better way is to install second NIC to have one in Net1 andanother in Net2. Then in both cases configure clients to have NT-Net2 address as default gateway. But in any case you should consider company’s security regulations.

Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

If I have this right I can run a cable from net2.hub to net1.switch. Then in the net2.server I install the gateway of net1.

Combining two networks

In reply to Combining two networks

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