File Sharing with Neighbour

[underclocker]

Both my neighbour and I have separate internet connections (ISPs), wireless routers and networks.

We have been wanting to setup a common file sharing / NAS system between our networks and a VPN tunnel would be too slow (512 up).

We also live beside each other, so it would be easy enough to run a CAT5 cable across the lawn, but neither of us know what to so with it to join the networks (I don't think we can just plug it into the routers).

Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[RealBeast]

The easiest thing to do if you run a cable is attach it to a computer at each end either with a second Ethernet port, or an Ethernet port where the computer is connected wirelessly to your own network for each of you -- then simply bridge the two networks on one of the machines by going into network control panel, change adapter settings, highlight both networks, right click and select bridge networks. (do not enable ICS -- Internet connection sharing -- as it conflicts with bridged networks).

Each of you can prioritize your Internet connection to use your own ISP in the network control panel, change adapter settings, hit the alt key, select advanced from the file menu choices, and use the up/down arrow to select your primary Internet connection.

 

[underclocker]

Thanks, I didn't know it would be that easy.

Follow-up questions:

1. Would DHCP IP assigning work seamlessly to allow all hosts to communicate with each other?

2. Will I have external internet access (through my neighbours isp) if my internet goes down?

Thanks for the help

 

[RealBeast]

Using one DHCP: not the way that I have described the connection, and you should each be using different networks, like him 192.168.1.1 and you 192.168.0.1 -- if you both want to be on the same network it would be set up a little different and then you could both only use one Internet access, as there would be no bridge to share networks in that case. Once the networks are bridged you can contact any computer on either network. By having two networks, you could each use your own Internet access and then be able to use the other if one goes out.

 

[underclocker]

Best answer selected by underclocker.