Connecting computers to two separate networks

[SpencerQL007]

Currently have three computers connected to Starband through ICS on one computer. ICS computer has two NIC's. One connects to Starband modem. Other NIC is connected to WAN uplink port from router from two remote computers in separate office location. All systems W2K Pro.

Need to access a separate dial up account on the two remote computers. Would like to know if it is possible to add a second NIC to each of those computers, add another router which is connected to an external dial up modem, and be able to switch between the two networks (or use both networks simultaneously).

Is this possible? If so, suggestions on how to configure.

 

[AvayaNovice]

I would just put another router on the existing LAN.

And I'd also remove the ICS and the second NIC in the primary computer.

Using a Cisco router with four slots, you can connect one gateway to the starband, one to the dialup, and one to your remote access, the fourth would remain empty (I'm not sure if they make a three slot model or not).

Then, using routing tables, you can work all of that out on one router, and one switch.

 

[SpencerQL007]

On this particular Starband modem (360) it must be connected directly to a computer that is running the application to support Starband. ICS must be used. Newer (more costly modem) eliminates that, but not available yet for customer.

Already thought about adding additional router to the LAN to accomodate the dial-up connection, but wondering what the configuration settings are to access.

 

[AvayaNovice]

Well, if the starband connection MUST use a computer, and cannot be ran through an ethernet network... you'd have to put a computer in front of it, then use a second NIC as the output gateway... and connect that into the router.

Kind of tricky.

 

[franklin97355]

If the two computers need to connect to a dialup account why not plug their modems into a phone line and DIAL OUT?

 

[SpencerQL007]

System is a little more coplicated than just two computers. Have an SMC 8 port router connected at one end of the office with 6 computers connected. Only two of those need to dial out to the SAME ISP connection. Rest of computers need high speed access to Starband. This is the reason for the question for asking about putting in second router on the network at that location with second NIC in each to access the separate router.

One port of the SMC is connected to the second NIC now in the computer that is connected to the Starband 360. NIC #1 connects that computer directly to the 360 modem.

To reiterate, primary question is CAN one install two NIC's into a computer running W2K O/S, and separately access two different routers?

 

[AvayaNovice]

Yes. Win2k Server.