Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

[ApeosMan]

Hey,

I had a customer the other day that didn't have a network setup, they just had one Windows 8 laptop which was tethered to their mobile phone using a 4G internet connection. I ended up connecting the MFP via a network cable to the Ethernet port (used windows alternative IP option) on the laptop so the user could print and scan.

Anyway I didn't bother trying this as I don't like playing around and testing things on customers computers etc but if I was to bridge the Ethernet connection the MFP is on to the WiFi connection which has internet access, would the MFP be able to access the internet? I take it no, as there is no option on the MFP to enter in static routes. I imagine when you bridge network connections in windows, windows creates static routes, but of course this would only apply within windows and not on the MFP.

Also I presume using internet connection sharing would give the same result of not internet access for the MFP?

Thanks for any input and I hope I made sense.

[slimslob]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

Hey,

I had a customer the other day that didn't have a network setup, they just had one Windows 8 laptop which was tethered to their mobile phone using a 4G internet connection. I ended up connecting the MFP via a network cable to the Ethernet port (used windows alternative IP option) on the laptop so the user could print and scan.

Anyway I didn't bother trying this as I don't like playing around and testing things on customers computers etc but if I was to bridge the Ethernet connection the MFP is on to the WiFi connection which has internet access, would the MFP be able to access the internet? I take it no, as there is no option on the MFP to enter in static routes. I imagine when you bridge network connections in windows, windows creates static routes, but of course this would only apply within windows and not on the MFP.

Also I presume using internet connection sharing would give the same result of not internet access for the MFP?

Thanks for any input and I hope I made sense.

You will have to change the IP address, sub net mask, gateway and DNS to match the WiFi connection. I have bridged wired port to wireless port to provide network printing to computers on a wireless network.

[copier tech]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

Your best option would be to fit a wifi card in the MFD

[ApeosMan]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

Thanks guys

The MFP I setup strangely doesn't have a wireless NIC option available at all, suppose a wireless bridge would be an option.

Also I noticed via the Microsoft 'How To' on creating a network bridge it gives warning:

'You shouldn't create a bridge between an Internet connection and a network connection because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.'

Bad Request

Note sure how the link could be unprotected if there is a firewall in place....

Thanks

[slimslob]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

Thanks guys

The MFP I setup strangely doesn't have a wireless NIC option available at all, suppose a wireless bridge would be an option.

Also I noticed via the Microsoft 'How To' on creating a network bridge it gives warning:

'You shouldn't create a bridge between an Internet connection and a network connection because it creates an unprotected link between your network and the Internet, which makes your network accessible to anyone on the Internet.'

Bad Request

Note sure how the link could be unprotected if there is a firewall in place....

Thanks

They are assuming that the internet connection does not have a firewall.

[wseyller]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

There are special routers you can buy that connects to the internet via 3g/4g devices. This will allow you to have a real lan to connect all your computers and other network devices but use the 3g/4g device for internet. If you search around I sure you could find one capatible with the type of 4g device the person is using.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

The Netgear WNCE2001 is a pretty nice little bridge from hard wire to wifi...............

[slimslob]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

The Netgear WNCE2001 is a pretty nice little bridge from hard wire to wifi...............

They are also a lot less expensive than what most MFP manufacturers charge for their wireless adapters. Coupled with a five port switch and you have a nice little work group setup. I have used them for wireless networks but have not yet tried one for WiFi.

[Tonerbomb]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

They are also a lot less expensive than what most MFP manufacturers charge for their wireless adapters. Coupled with a five port switch and you have a nice little work group setup. I have used them for wireless networks but have not yet tried one for WiFi.

I use 1 in the house to connect the older gear in the basement to my wifi on the main floor, works great!!!!!!!!!!!

[TheOwl]

Re: Windows - Bridging network connections / internet connection sharing

You can enable ICS from the Windows PC and then simply setup the machine to use the IP address of the PC as the Gateway. For DNS, just use the Google public DNS servers which are 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

If you have problems with the PC then connecting to the internet when the machine is connected via Ethernet, you will then need to change the Metrics of the WiFi adapter and LAN adapter in Windows to 1 & 2 respectively.

As mentioned already, you are better off getting the client to purchase a 3g / 4g router where by you can then connect the machine to. That way, everything is on the same network and not reliant on the PC being powered on and connected.