Running two different networks from one computer

ej53 · 25 Oct 2021

Here is my scenario -

I will be at a convention center and we will be using their internet via Ethernet. All computers are running Windows 10 Pro.

I also will be setting up several laptop workstations that will need to share information from one computer, but I do not want them to have access to the internet.

So there will be several computers connecting via Ethernet sharing data with our "Server" computer, and I need the "Server" computer also to have access to the internet (using the conference center Ethernet) to be able to upload and download files from Dropbox.

I've attempted this before but have never been able to make it work. Can anyone offer me some guidance on setting this up?

Additional information: In the past, I have used a NetGear router in default configuration to assign IP numbers. the workstations are connected to a switch, and the "server" is also connected to a switch. If I have needed to access the internet, I have had to disconnect the "server" from the network, and then connect it to wifi to download what is needed from the "cloud" and then turn off wifi and connect the network again. Also, the "server" is actually just a larger computer running software that provides data sharing information. It's not a true server. We also use it as a print station.

Thanks
EJ53

MaloK · 25 Oct 2021

Hi,

The easiest way to do it, is to bring a preconfigured Wifi Router.

Connect all the computers to the router and use MAC address restriction to cut internet from desired machines.

You can test everything from your office before the event.

Once on site. Connect the router WAN on their network... Start to work.

Try3 · 25 Oct 2021

And many/most/all routers allow for a choice of restrictions.

Instead of

setting it to Deny internet access to a long list of computers,

you could

set it to Allow only the server.

So you only use a single network [which is all that Windows can cope with anyway] but achieve two different experiences.

The router is the all-important item in controlling your network. You will have to read its manual - some are well-written, others are appalling.

All the best,
Denis

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Samuria · 25 Oct 2021

It's very simple give all pcs connected to the router a fix ip but No gateway so they can access local pcs but not the net the server will need a gateway