Internet Connection Sharing Question

[drunkmestupid]

Hi,

I've got a 2K Server setup fully configured (and working) with DHCP, DNS, and AD. Right now I only have a dial up internet connection. The modem is installed in the server box with the connection shared.

If I connect to my ISP, then the 2K workstations (connected via 10/100 switch) CAN use the internet... no problems.

THE PROBLEM: I need the users to be able to initiate the connection and dis-connect from their workstations. How do I do this?

FYI: At one time I also checked the box for "On Demand Dialing," but found that is was inconsistant in what software actually triggered it to dial... plus the workstations have no way to shut off the connection... I had to go to the server and do it manually.


TIA!

 

[w1nn3r]

Is ISDN an option at all? I know most good ISDN routers(Like Netopia) have very impressive Dial-On-Demand IOS's. I know that Windows XP has the ability to show network connections on other WinXP PCs in the same workgroup, so you could have DHCP and Inet access handed out by a winXP and still use your 2k server for a domain controller. You would just migrate your current users to windows XP. These may not be the solutions you are thinking about, but its a start

 

[Shad007]

You could try creating a network connection that can be launched from a batch file...all you would need then is a vbs script that monitors the folder every 5-10 seconds to see if a batch file has been requested...if it has it runs the batch file from the server which launches the internet connection... sounds like a bit of 'jiggery-pokery' but it may work

 

[drunkmestupid]

Thanks for the responses.

First, no ISDN is not an option nor is cable or DSL at the moment (not available in my area) or I would be a very happy person. Believe me connecting at a maximum of 28.8K with a 56K modem makes it worse...

Anyway, I am not interested in moving the stations to XP. 2000 is my pride and joy and well... enough said.

Also, the batch file idea is interesting, but I think there is more of a convention approach and if so, I'd like to find out what it is.

Anyone else?



Just FYI. What I am doing right now is using Funk's Proxy (Master/Host) software to access the server remotely to "On/Off" the connection. Now this is working, but is not the preferred way for obvious reasons.


TIA!

 

[drunkmestupid]

Anybody?

 

[den65]

seemingly microsoft state that you should not use ics on a 2k server.

you need rras. set it up for internet routing and create yourself a demand dial interface.

then all you need to do is setup users with your server ip as their gateway either at the pc or through dhcp and robert is your relative !!

you may have to create a static route too - all outbound traffic routed through this device (zero ip/mask/gateway)

hope this helps

 

[MFuhge]

Static route.. hm... Batchfile.. hm.. i think i've got an idea...

Combine Batch file and routing!

Set the server dial on demand and don't set default gateway. Create a batch file that sets the gateway router (route) and is called "on.cmd" and another that kills the route and call it "off.cmd". hey, it's dirty, but it should work...