I think I need to bridge a Verizon wireless broadband network modem with a simple cross-over cable network so I can share the internet service. One computer is Win7 Home 64bit, the second Win7 Home 32bit, The Win7 64bit also hosts a printer and the internet broadband modem. Everything works, Homegroup is fine and data flows back and forth with no problem. I can't bridge the two "networks". I think the trouble is that the cross-over LAN network is public... I can't figure out how to set it as private. Seems like bridging will let the second Win7 32bit have access the internet as well. Simple ICS doesn't work. Any suggestions? Ron

The public/private setting should not affecting the bridging and/or internet access. Since you are trying to bridge the network, if your Win 7 64bit computer shows that the bridge was established, you can then compare the IP settings on both machines. They need to be on the same network, with different IPs, of course. But their subnet mask, default gateway and DNS settings need to be the same. Check on that and feel free to post the results from both machines using IPCONFIG /all Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

Hello, Can you please tell us what is the objective? Are you trying to get a group of computers to share an Internet connection from the wireless modem? MiguelMiguel Fra / Falcon ITS Computer & Network Support, Miami, FL Visit our Knowledgebase Sharepoint Site

Yes, that is it exactly... two Win7 computers sharing the Verizon Wireless internet connection. R

When I highlight the two networks (Verizon wireless and the cross-over mini LAN), I can't bridge... it is not an option. Thought it might be because of private/public... what else could lock out the bridging? R

JM - Stupid question... how do I copy the ipconfig /all results??? R

Hello, Network Bridging is a layer 2 function used to separate two network segments and divide collision domain. It's sounds like what you need is routing, not bridging. When you want to share a single IP network conenction with multiple comsupters, you need a routing device capable of NAT/PAT. I would recommend using ICS. Here are the configuration steps. Miguel p.s. to copy and past from a CMD prompt, right click on the top bar of the CMD window and select edit/mark. This will allow you to highlight your text. Next, right click on the top windows again and select edit/copy. Miguel Fra / Falcon ITS Computer & Network Support, Miami, FL Visit our Knowledgebase Sharepoint Site

Saville, generally, what you are attempting is done via Internet Connection Sharing (ICS). However, it can be done with bridging the networks as you are attempting. The difference between the two is that in ICS mode, one network (Verizon) would become the "public" interface and the LAN would become the "private". Windows would then enable NAT services and basically forward all traffic from the LAN and NAT it accross the Verizon interface. Computers on the LAN side would use the the Windows "LAN" interface as their gateway. You can think of your machine become an internet router similar to those devices you would purchase for your home or small office for internet access. With Bridging, Windows turns your computer into a " bridge, or switch" Both the Verizon and LAN interface are now basically on one network. ONce the interfaces are bridged, both NICs would need to be configured on the same subnet. Based on your description, "bridging" is not going to be an option as you do not have the ability to set up your LAN interface on the same network as the verizon card. Your only option is to use ICS. The link that Miguel provided, explains the steps on how to set up ICS on Windows XP. For Windows 7,the concept is the same, but the steps are a little different. Take a look at these resources. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Set-up-a-shared-Internet-connection-using-ICS-Internet-Connection-Sharing http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Using-ICS-Internet-Connection-Sharing Visit: anITKB.com, an IT Knowledge Base.

Saville, Also please note that there are routers designed for use with Wireless Broadband adapters. Sonicwall TZ-200 for example , allows you to plug in a USB wireless adapter and use it to share Internet connections or as a backup/failover. Of course there is extra cost involved but if your above plan is for redunancy, one of these may be a good option. Thanks Jorge, I had not realized about the Win7. MiguelMiguel Fra / Falcon ITS Computer & Network Support, Miami, FL Visit our Knowledgebase Sharepoint Site