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Connect to two wireless networks?

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8 replies

by day1118

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Hi Guys, I have a laptop running Vista which has a built in wireless NIC that works fine. However, I have a Belkin 54mbps wireless network adapter as well. I am wondering if it is possible to use both NIC's, connected to different wireless networks at the same time?

This is obviously possible using one wired and one wireless, so can it be done using two wireless?

Thanks

8 replies

by older mycroft

You cannot run WIRED and WIRELESS connections at the same time from a single laptop.

Whoever told you that has a head with a zip up the back. ;)

As for using a USB wireless at the same time as the internal wirless that also is a non-starter. To use the USB wireless, you would HAVE TO disable the Wireless Zero Configuration utility within 'Services.msc' - which would inhibit the internal wireless capability.

You wouldn't be missing much since the USB wireless is far slower than the internal wireless anyway. :)

by wscottc

I am not an It Pro but I disagree with your assertion that you cant not run the wired and the wireless networks simultaneously. I do it successfully all the time. I don't use the wireless zero config... I use the software that cam with the usb NIC.
But this bates the question I am currently trying to work through.
Can I use on wireless NIC card Linksys wmp110 for one wireless network internet connection... Verizon MIFI 2200 and another Linksys wusb54g in combination with a Linksys wireless router for the other wireless network. The second network is for connect printers and other networking non-computer items.

by cg it

you can tell what traffic to go through what interface, but what you really are going is using the computer as a router. So the point is why would you use up processing resources for routing?

This type of question has been asked literally 100 time on TechRepublic either for wired or wireless connections.

So the answer is yes you can but why would you want to.

TechRepublic has quite a few questions asking this question for wired networks

by wscottc

I can not connect my printer or my other hardware through the MIFI-2200. It is only a router in as much as 5 computers can access it at once but I can't set up my printer etc to network through it. I need to have the other network in place also. Consider the following scenario I am online paying bills and banking and I need to print a receipt of the transaction. I guess further context is in order. I live very rurally and have no available land based internet connection. All my internet comes through the MIFI. The MIFI and internet in general is new to the house. The printer is in another room and I have had all my hardware connected wirelessly for a while. Now I want to be able to access both simultaneously.

by older mycroft

YOU are the one that can't get (my assertion) to work.

I wonder why that might be? ;)

by wscottc

I have a wired network running with the on-board network interface and a wireless running with a wireless PCI NIC. But I cant not get two wireless networks running through two individual wirelsss NIC's. I have since learned that I can not have two individual wireless NIC's opperating at the same time. One wireless NIC will have to work for both wireless networks. And I am given to understand that it is a matter of parameter settings that will allow this too happen.

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