Network Question

[Bsmith278]

Is there a way to set-up a network so people at two different locations (within 5 miles of each other) could share files, and play video games. Maybe a network via the internet if possible?



What is a VLAN? Would a VLAN help?

[Nexans]

Not sure what a VLAN is but if talking about connecting two points with each other and the distance is more than 2000 meters ( LAN ) then we are speaking in this case about WAN ( Wide Area Network ). Fibre optic cables in singlemode are used.

Rgds

Nexans

[Ian Patrick]

I think what you're trying to do is create a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) using a tunneling protocol.

I'm not sure if something like PPP (Point to Point Protocol) would do it, or if there is something more suited for this type of network.

Not being a specialist in this field, I really couldn't give any more details except that you may need to use static IP addresses to configure the VLAN.

If anyone can answer this I would be very interested to know how it's done. It must be possible because websites like GoToMyPC.com use a secure method of connecting people to their home or office computer from anywhere in the world over the Net!

[nchuser2k]

A vlan is a logical switch composed of ports assigned from one or multiple switches
within a single LAN. (The V stands for virtual and the LAN stands for local area
network). A Vlan would not provide a solution for the problem stated.

One solution to set up a connection across the internet would be to set up a
VPN (virtual private network using PPTP or L2TP) One end would require a VPN
server (Microsoft). and any number of users could connect from anywhere in the
world through the server over the internet. The Microsoft site is the best place to look for details.

[pete]

I could use a course on Networking 101 regarding WANs! I can't really grasp how a T1 line can shift data over what might be a 60 year old voice cable, or a cat5e link can feed a switch with 20+ PCs plugged in. Where could I find a tutorial that ties everything together? Thanks, Pete

[Ian Patrick]

I don't know if this will work or not for gaming but it is a P2P application for file sharing.

You can get the Free trial version from here:
GigaTribe

If anyone tries it, let us know if it works or not.