Windows XP - Multiple networks

[Raz316]

Afternoon! Right the situation...

User has a laptop that connects to the local network. Now, the user has NTL broadband at home and would also like to connect to that network.

While at work
IP Address : 193.0.0.206
Internet Explorer Proxy : 193.0.0.73:3128
Connects to Domain : MRF

While at home
IP Address : DHCP assigned
Internet Explorer Proxy : No settings
Does not connect to Domain : so... LAPTOP (local computer)

I know the internet explorer settings can be changed on a per user basis, but can the IP address settings be? I have had a look around google, but as of yet havent really found anything that works without user intervention (which is a requirement!)

Cheers!

[wasabi]

Depends a bit on what he is using to connect to NTL - is it a USB modem thingy or through the network port? XP pretty much handles this sort of stuff on a per-device basis, so the USB network connection would be handled differently from the NIC.

Proxy is slightly more fiddly. Easiest way is probably to have two IE shortcuts, one of which runs a .bat file to set proxy then start IE. There are several freeware taskbar proxy switchers out there too, but that's a 2 icon solution, which is bad.

[nichomach]

Afternoon! Right the situation...

User has a laptop that connects to the local network. Now, the user has NTL broadband at home and would also like to connect to that network.

While at work
IP Address : 193.0.0.206
Internet Explorer Proxy : 193.0.0.73:3128
Connects to Domain : MRF

While at home
IP Address : DHCP assigned
Internet Explorer Proxy : No settings
Does not connect to Domain : so... LAPTOP (local computer)

I know the internet explorer settings can be changed on a per user basis, but can the IP address settings be? I have had a look around google, but as of yet havent really found anything that works without user intervention (which is a requirement!)

Cheers!

XP has the facility to configure two separate networks for one NIC under the TCP/IP properties. Basically, open Network Connections, look for the Local Area connection, Properties, TCP/IP Properties. Set the IP config to automatic - you'll now see a separate tab appear, "Alternate configuration", and you can enter the details of your static (i.e. work) network there (IP, DNS, WINS etc). Bob's your uncle, it'll use the static IP at work, but should be able to acquire a DHCP address at home. Any use?

[Raz316]

EDIT: Robert...

Cheers mr!

He uses the USB connection, but it would appear to alter/use the "Local Area Connection" settings.

Sorry, I wasn't overly clear, the proxy part isn't a problem because those settings are kept in the user profile and I have encouraged him to use one profile for home use and one for work.

[Raz316]

Stuff

Thanks
Yeah I did try this, to an extent it works, but the DHCP timeout is 60 seconds (well, apparently that is what it is, but it seems to take a hell of alot longer).

Using this process has the user waiting for "60" seconds when he tries to log in at the office, which at the moment, may be the only solution.

[nichomach]

Cheers mr!

He uses the USB connection, but it would appear to alter/use the "Local Area Connection" settings.

Sorry, I wasn't overly clear, the proxy part isn't a problem because those settings are kept in the user profile and I have encouraged him to use one profile for home use and one for work.

Ah...my fault. Surely the NTL adapter should appear as a separate interface with its own properties? In which case it should use DHCP automatically unless told not to.

[Raz316]

Cheers mr!

He uses the USB connection, but it would appear to alter/use the "Local Area Connection" settings.

Sorry, I wasn't overly clear, the proxy part isn't a problem because those settings are kept in the user profile and I have encouraged him to use one profile for home use and one for work.

Ah...my fault. Surely the NTL adapter should appear as a separate interface with its own properties? In which case it should use DHCP automatically unless told not to.

Woops, sorry, that was aimed at robert, I didn't edit the message quick enough

[nichomach]

Thanks
Yeah I did try this, to an extent it works, but the DHCP timeout is 60 seconds (well, apparently that is what it is, but it seems to take a hell of alot longer).

Using this process has the user waiting for "60" seconds when he tries to log in at the office, which at the moment, may be the only solution.

Now that shouldn't happen - I've just set this up here, and there isn't a 60 second delay. I wonder; are you using WINS or DNS for hostname resolution?

Also, do I take it that the NTL supplied cable modem does not have an ethernet connector?

[Raz316]

It has an ethernet connector as well, but he is using the USB at home.

I didn't decide on the network setup here at work, but there is no DHCP server everything is static. We are using DNS.

[Shorty]

Have a look at this..

http://www.netswitcher.com/product_info.htm

[Raz316]

Ooo, could be what I need, Ill give it a look : D Ta!

[nichomach]

I'd give some thought to using the ethernet connector on the cable modem and using the onboard ethernet on the machine; it really should work OK, and you wouldn't need to buy any other software.