Need help with strange file-sharing config

Hi, i am trying to set up a folder on one computer that is visible on another



This is basicly it, i have 2 routers and one router is connected to the net through the other

one DHCP gives out address's 192.168.2.X, the other gives 192.168.1.X

i have tried exposing the 'computer 2' using the DMZ, however that produced no results

They are both PC's, one running vista, the other XP

im hoping one of you have had experience with something similar or have an idea, i feel like ive hit a brick wall

thanks in advance!

 

You cannot share a folder like this because your computers are for all purposes on separate networks.

Conventional file sharing requires that the computers be on the same network--you have two

assuming normal subnet masks
Network one is 192.168.1 (the X is the node)
Network two is 192.168.2 (again, the X is the node)

Even exposing one to the DMZ, they are still on separate networks (routers route between networks, switches switch within the same network).

Do share files on this setup you would need to set up a different kind of setup...ftp, for example or even some peer to peer solution that works across networks.

Why are you set up like this?

 

I agree w/ one thing you said gerryf; and that's the question "Why are you set up like this?"

IMO only one Router should be performing NAT and DHCP functionality, I don't see why both should be doing it. The other should be set up as an AP (Access Point) or in Repeater Bridge mode.

Nevertheless, there should be a way to set up a Static Route in the Advanced setting of the Routers so they know that each other exist and how to forward packets between themselves. So if Router 2 has the IP Address of 192.168.2.1 you should set a Static Route on it similar to the print screen attached. And do the reverse for R1 using 192.168.2.0 as the Destination address etc.

Your Router should have a section that has "Advanced Routing" settings. But honestly, this could have been much easier if it wasn't set up this way, w/ the Routers on two different networks.

Edit: I've never physically done this but it should work.

 

That will allow him to find the other PC, but it will not allow standard windows file sharing across networks (these are still disparate networks)

 

Interesting...so even if he can see the computer he can't share files between them? I've never done it so I can't say you're wrong.

 

It is possible to setup a gateway route from one router to anouther. Some routers allow you to setup a seperate gateway. Thus if the 192.168.1.x router encouters packets destined for 192.168.2.x, it will send them to a seperate gateway, instead of the default gateway, which is the internet.

You can then access your fileshare bytyping "\\ IP address" into the Explorer bar. Not an elegant solution, but it works.

edit:
I think some routers call it a static route.

 

Yea on my Linksys Router it's called Static Routing...but yea, OP I think it's worth a try!

 

I'm still trying to figure out why....I'm not saying it cannot be done (sharing files), I am just saying windows file sharing as conventionally discussed isn't possible.

You could setup a ftp server on one and the direct routing will work fine.

 

Basically, the two routers are connected to each other. But they are not on the same subnets. If you make them aware of each other, they can send packets destined to another subnet to the proper gateway. So basically, you gotta make router 1 aware that 192.168.2x network is behind router 2 and vice versa. Otherwise, they will send their packets to the default gateway, which is the dsl modem.

edit
Wireless man was so much better at explaining these things than I was. I miss him :cry:

 

you can however tunnel windows file shares

http://www.bitvise.com/file-sharing

 

The best way is have the main router handle the DHCP and turn the second router into a switch. Trying to get 2way through a NAT is not doable with out opening up all kinds of holes in your security. Just turn the second router into a switch and every thing will work. I tried what your trying to do for a friend, I could get outbound to work from the second but could not get the inbound to work with out dropping everything down. So it;s ends up a switch anyway.

 

How did you setup the home network?

You could also remove the firewall to see what happens.

Anyway, home routers are level 4 switches, so some manual manipulation should accomplish what you want.

 

This is by far the most stable solution. I was just offering another solution and complicating things.

If you are moving files between the machines, UAC also will give you a hiccup. If you are logged in the Vista machine and you try to move files onto the XP machine, you'll run into a hiccup. Since UAC by default performs all operations at the Users priviledge level, you could get an error message. You need to go into the XP machine and open up the Permissions windows and give the Users group Modify permissions.

I hope that made sense. I'm probably making things complicated again.

 

okay ill have a play around changing the second to a switch etc

im not really savvy with this stuff, i have concrete slabs inbetween floors and needed a second wireless AP. (btw, i have many many many more computers on this network, for simplicitys sake i left them out)

i also needed the cat5 ports that i wouldnt get from just a signal repeater

 

Setting the second router up as a switch is easy.
1. Set a static IP on it outside of the DHCP range of the main router. This will allow you to admin it easier. It will work in dhcp but you will have to hunt for it every time through the main routers log.
2. Then turn off/disable DHCP on the LAN ports. You do not have to touch the AP side.
3. Now connect the router using LAN to LAN, this will make the main router issue IP's. Your done every thing should work.

 

Basically, you should turn router #2 into an Access Point.

It would help if you listed the model and make of your router. That way we don't have to guess at the setting names and we can better help you out.

on #2, he means turn off DHCP on Router #2. The wording was confusing IMO.