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If you're going to use wireless or phone-line networking adapters in
combination with an existing 10/100baseT network, you should realize that this will add
another, separate network to your existing one, unless you
use a bridge product to connect the two networks together.
If you don't use a bridge, then computers on each type of network won't be able to see
computers on the other type of network, except for the computer where you have both
types of network cards installed (most likely the Sharing computer).
In addition, Internet sharing won't work for both of the networks.
So if you are adding wireless or phoneline nodes to an
existing network, we recommend the following:
Write down all your network settings before you start.
Make sure you have IRQs available (for the ISA cards) or have IRQ
sharing (for the PCI-based) cards, before you physically install
the cards. (See this page
if you need help doing this.)
Uninstall any existing Internet Sharing software before you install
the new adapters. This is very important. Some
Internet sharing programs really take
over the Network settings and install other adapters or copies of protocols and may really confuse
the new installation program. Reinstall the Internet Sharing after you get
your basic network working
Don't let the installer install Internet Sharing, if you can control
this. Do it after you get your basic network up and
running. Reinstall your old sharing program if you had one.
If you didn't have a sharing program, keep in mind that the bundled
sharing software will probably only support the new network cards.
Delete the unneeded Protocols that the installer installs.
(TCP/IP is really the only protocol that you need for both Internet
access and File and Printer sharing) Check and
remove unneeded bindings on the protocols you do need.
(Most everyone should unbind Client for Microsoft Networks and File
and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks from any adapter that
connects directly to the Internet.) This is for
security reasons. You can read more here.
What if I want it all?
To get the networks working together you'll need to buy a Hardware
Bridge that supports the types of networks that you need to combine.
You can find HPNA / Ethernet bridges listed
here and Wireless Bridges and Access Points in the Wireless
Networking Product Guide. There
are also "combo" routers available that support multiple LAN
connection methods. The
2Wire HP100 and HP100W
are good examples. You can find others by using the Hardware
Router Product Guide.
If you're a do-it-yourself kinda person, hop on over to this
page for instructions on how to make your own Mixed Media
Router!
