It's a question I've been mulling over for some time, but never got anywhere with. I have an older PC that's setup to occasionally run testing of Linux distributions, beta software installations etc. This is within easy cabling distance of my main PC, which receives its net connection wirelessly.

My idea was to cable up the test system, via CAT5 and a switch, to my main PC that has an unused NIC card, and provide it with net access, and access to the rest of my wireless network. (I'll use a switch because if this works I'd like to have the flexibility to add/remove PCs in the future)

My wireless is controlled via static IPs and a gateway (I prefer to be in control rather than let DHCP do the work). My sticking point is how to route net access from the wireless card to the NIC. Main PC is running XP Pro and I've tried bridging connections, which seems to link the wireless card and NIC successfully. But the result is that neither test PC on the end of the CAT5, neither the main PC get net access!

I hope this makes sense - I know what I'm trying to say, but it's possibly a bit difficult to explain in words!

Steve

You may be able to do it by using ICS rather than bridging, enable the sharing from your main PC's wireless card to it's unused NIC.

Routing is a little funny on XP at the best of times.

It will still allow you to have a static IP on the wireless side of things at least.

I've now ordered a D-Link DWL-810+ Wireless bridge to try and get round this issue. Anyone use one, or something similar? Just wondering if I can hook this upto a hub/switch, and then have a number of PCs/devices able to connect to my wireless network through it. Or whether I can only use it directly with one device?

Steve