How to share files across 2 routers

sparky777

Honorable
Apr 20, 2012
5
0
10,510
I'm not very experienced with networking, so advice is requested. A client of mine needs to share files across two computers with a not so simple network configuration. I don't have all the details, but may be able to find more info.

Internet comes in via dish to Belkin wireless modem/router.
Laptop #1 connects wireless to Belkin W/M.
Belkin W/M connects by cable to 3TB network storage device,
and by cable to a Cisco router in another nearby building.
Cisco router connects by cable to Office PC, and to Laptop #2.

The file(s) of interest are on Office PC, and need to be shared by both laptops.

Laptop #2 can connect to Office PC with login/password and open the file of interest. Laptop #1 cannot see Office PC. How can I get Laptop #1 to connect through the Belkin W/M and the Cisco router to Office PC the way Laptop #2 does?
 

sparky777

Honorable
Apr 20, 2012
5
0
10,510
I think we want to have one network, but the Office PC is in a different building, therefore a ~100 ft cable with the second router out there. The office router is a Cisco Linksys WRT54G2. I figured out how to get into the router control panel; it still has the default password, and I reset it once already.

"While connected to the main router go Start then Run in XP - (Windows key plus R in Vista and Windows 7), then type in the following, including all the spaces:- cmd /k ipconfig /all -- then press Enter and from the black form that shows up, take a note of the numeric code beside the word "gateway" -- usually something like 192.168.0.1. Type exit to close the black form."

Under Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection, it says
Default Gateway...: 192.168.1.1

"Now connect the router to be converted only to a computer via network cable and log in

"Setup the wireless security"

Under Wireless->Wireless Security it Security Mode: set to Disabled. Other options are WPA Personal, WPA Enterprise, WPA2 Personal, WPA2 Enterprise, RADIUS, WEP. Should I change it from Disabled to one of these?

"Disable the DHCP..."

In Setup->Basic Setup, changed DHCP Server: from Enable to Disable, no problem.

"... and change the LAN IP to match the gateway IP but ending in something like .253"

Same page, Local IP Address is 192.168.1.1. Changed that to 192.168.1.253, and lost connection to router, lost internet, had to reset router again and start over. Leaving it at 192.168.1.1.

Some other posts mention changing from Gateway to AP. On Setup->Advanced Routing, Operating Mode is set to Gateway. Changed it to Router. On same page, there is RIP (Disabled / Lan & Wireless / WAN Internet / Both), Destination LAN IP, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, Interface (Lan & Wireless / WAN Internet). I tried different combinations, then...

"Finally connect one of the four LAN ports of the AP to the main router, do NOT use the WAN port."

Moved the incoming cable from Internet port to Ethernet 1 port. Could then see Laptop 1 up at the house in the Network, but internet connection went out, and I got the yellow warning triangle on the network icon in the corner. I had to set Operating Mode from Router back to Gateway.

Please advise proper settings and connections.