I have an unusual set up, which I’m having a small problem with. First I’ll explain what I have and why, then I’ll explain the problem.
I have 2 main computers, as well as a few other computers belonging to other family members.
PC1 is running Vista Ultimate, and is connected to a low speed, low latency DSL connection (I live in a rural area, so my internet options are limited). I primarily use this PC for online gaming, hence the need for a low latency connection. However, because it’s low speed/bandwidth, it is unsuitable for doing any web surfing or downloading.
PC2 is running XP Media Center 2005. It is connected to the internet via satellite. It provides decent enough bandwidth, but very high latency. I use it to surf the web and to download. Also, the other PCs in the house connect to it and use its shared internet connection.
PC1 currently has 2 NICs, while PC2 has 3 NICs.
PC1 NIC1 is connected to the DSL modem. NIC2 is connected to a network switch.
PC2 NIC1 is connected to the satellite modem. NIC2 is connected to a wireless hub, which other PCs in the house connect to, and it provides the shared connection. NIC3 is connected to the same switch as PC 1.
The problem I have is with the connection between PC1 and PC2. I gave them their own separate connection because I don’t want either PC using any part of the other PC’s internet connection, but I wanted to be able to transfer files between them in addition to using Multiplicity to allow me to control both computers with one keyboard/mouse. They are both set up with static IPs (10.168.2.xx, though I’ve used a multitude of different IPs while trying to correct my problem). Neither of them has a default gateway set up, and the prefered DNS is set to be each PCs own IP for that connection, with the alternate being the other PC’s IP. Both PCs connect and see each other fine. However, on PC1 (the Vista machine), the connection is labeled as “Unidentified Network”, it won’t let me rename it, and it defaults to being a public network. Is there any way to correct this? Is there some better way that I could set up my network while still keeping internet availability isolated between the two machines?
