Internet Connection Sharing 3 computers

[CombatRob]

This is giving me the biggest headache, Im good with computers and networks but I just cant figure this simple one out. I want to use Internet Connection Sharing to set up the following network.

CABLE MODEM -> Windows XP Machine ->Windows ME Machine -> XBOX

Both Computers have two network cards in them.

The Windows XP machine has ICS set up and the Windows ME machine gets internet fine. The problem is when I try to add the XBOX to the daisy chain I get problems.

When I run home networking wizard on ME I tell it that I get my internet from another computer that connects directly to my ISP. When I tell it that, however, it does not ask me if there are any computers beyond this one to share my connection with. So I try again lying saying I have a direct connection to my ISP in hopes I can manually configure the connection to the XP machine. Even though I use the same exact ip addresses, gateway and dns settings as the prior automatic config that works, I then get no internet on the ME machine.

So, my brain is now fried and all I wanted to do is add an XBOX, so does anyone know how to use ICS with 3 or more devices?

[bassinvader]

What you have in effect are two multihomed pc's or routers.
You will need to have ip forwarding setup on the me machine so that the xbox can reach the xp machine who's routing is working properly - ICS on the XP box is doing this automatically. Why dont you just put the me machine and the xbox on a small hub and connect the xp , me and xbox into the hub - thats my setup and it works rather well.

I dont know how ME handles its routing as ME is a nightmare and I only used it once but never again - I imagine its the NAT on both boxes thats causing a problem with the ME box adding an extra layer of complexity because it cant route ip datagrams - I hope you are using crossover cables for connecting pc to pc to xbox without a hub - An unusual setup.
I take it you cant afford a hub?

Make it easy on yourself and get a hub - a 4 port comes in at around £25.

[sm8000]

I have to agree with bassinvader, putting (in effect) two DHCP servers on the same subnet is a nightmare. A good hub/switch/router is well worth the money and will make life easier for you and your computers. If you want to follow through on your plan though, consider changing Windows ME to 2000 or XP.

[Sterling_Aug]

I agree, remove one NIC from the XP and ME boxes and conect them all to a 10/100 5 port switch ($35-$40 if you look around).

Get back to only one subnet and everything will work much better.

[stevty2889]

You could also take one of the network cards out of the win ME machine put it in the xp machine, and bridge the connections..Haven't tried that with 3 network cards, but it has worked for me with 2..

[Midknyte]

If you're gonna lay down money anyways, get a router/switch.

[omendata]

Hey MK dontya check the dates - this is an old thread!!!~

years old!!!

Hard day???
:t
:D

[Midknyte]

Hard week more like. **** MSblast. :rolleyes:

[omendata]

Our site is a1 secure - well I am security admin,.
:D

teehee

well i do have to laugh
a local university have every machine infected bar none
and they are supposed to be running janet security plus their own
i doubt you'd like to be working there MK

the patch has been out for a while so there really is no excuse for good sysadmins not to be keeping up with security , its got to be top of everyones list including techies , management etc
there is some talk at the various security seminars of a really big Worm hitting us within the next 6 months so get checking those security updates , close down services , spyware filters and more work on internal attacks than focussing on hte net primarily .. the net isnt the main enemy now ( the enemy within is)
all the usual stuff plus the unusual

I do very good rate!!!
:D
:t

[Midknyte]

My network didn't get affected either, but I had to help some other guys :rolleyes: . I do a NAVCE update on the server everyday at 5am (scripted of course). I also did a group policy distro of the patch. I don't think anyone in our office knew about the virus until it came out on the local news. The fact that they didn't know means I did my job right. But isn't that the case of IT admins? None of the glory, all of the grief. :(

[omendata]

Yeah our virus updates run every 1 hour now on the servers and we are planning for clients too!!! - never used to be that way but youve got to get the updates yesterday.