WPA Wireless Network with File Sharing

[WebStuck]

Hi,

I have 4 computers (2 Windows XP and 2 Windows 98) on a wireless network. I use IPX/SPX for file sharing across my home network. I had been using 128 bit WEP security for my wireless network. I had read that WPA security was better. So, I switched to WPA security, but then started having file sharing problems. One of my Windows XP computers can only see and access itself in network places. The other Windows XP computer can see and access all the computers except the other Windows XP one. When you try to access the other Windows xp computer, it says, "the computer is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. The network path was not found." Does IPX/SPX not work over WPA wireless security or something? How can I fix this? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Ben Cunningham

 

[bcastner]

. First, Windows 98 clients cannot do WPA
. Second, the implementation in firmware and client software for WPA is still a bit rough.

WPA is not a valid choice in your setting unless you purchase third-party client software. Funk Software's Aegis client can be made to work in your setting if you insist on WPA.

As to your last question about IPX/SPX:

. it is not supported under wireless at all
. it is not necessary at all -- use Netbios over TCP/IP

 

[WebStuck]

Well, my Windows 98 computers are part of a wired network so I don't have to worry about them not being able to work with WPA. I had IPX/SPX/NetBIOS file-sharing working when using WEP security. The reason I have not been using Netbios over TCP/IP is because I have heard and read that it is safer to use seperate protocols for the internet and local area network.

Thanks!
Ben

 

[bcastner]

You heard wrong, or misheard.
Use Netbios over TCP/IP, use a firewall, and remove all other protocols under Windows XP.

This is particularly true with a mix of wired and wireless clients, as neither IPX/SPC or Netbui handle a wireless connection well at all.

Use Netbios over TCP/IP, use a firewall, and remove all other protocols under Windows XP.

 

[WebStuck]

Ok...I set up Netbios over TCP/IP and bound it to file sharing (even though I have heard many times that this a less secure way of doing it) and I have the exact same problem. Any ideas?

Thanks!
Ben

 

[LloydSev]

Did you reboot the machine after changing the protocols?

Computer/Network Technician
CCNA

 

[WebStuck]

Yes

 

[WebStuck]

One Windows xp computer has the same problem of only being able to see and access itself. The other Windows xp computer can only see but no longer access the workgroup. Any ideas?