problem with local network

[euklid]

I am connecting two computers to the internet through a router. Both computers have no problem reaching the internet at large, but they have problems talking to each other.

The router will assign IP addresses such as 192.168.1.100 to one computer and 192.168.1.101 to the other. According to everything I have read, this would mean that the two computers are on the same local network, and should be talking to each other via bonjour, or something.

The problem is that they usually don't find each other. Sometimes one of them will show up under "Network" in the finder window of the other, and then I can connect, and transfer files across, etc.

Sometimes they won't see each other at all. Sometimes, it seems to help to activate apple talk on one or both computers, which I find strange, because I read that they shouldn't need apple talk to see each other.

The worst is that I cannot really find a pattern. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don't. Once I managed to get them both to see each other at the same time, and I was able to connect to each from the other, but even then, they weren't sharing their itunes music folders, even though I carefully followed all instructions to set up music sharing.

I am thoroughly stumped and confused. Any help would be appreciated.

I have a G5 power mac (1.6 GHz) and a G4 powerbook 15 inches. Both are running tiger. The router is linksys.

Best wishes,

Kai

 

[ra3ndy]

It's more reliable to assign static IP addresses to your Macs. This can be done thru the Network tab in System Prefs. Just set the Ethernet to DHCP with Manual Address.

Also, a better way to connect to your other computer (this is facilitated by completing the above) is to choose "Connect to Server" from the Go menu in Finder, enter the other computer's IP address, and then just enter the Admin Name/password of the other computer to connect to it. Works like a charm.

 

[euklid]

Dear Ra3ndy, thanks for the help! I fiddled around a little with your suggestion, but couldn't get it to work. I'm not sure I know what I'm doing and couldn't find any "HOWTO" on this by googling. Is there a place where I can get more detailed instructions?

What settings do I have to change on the router, for example?

Best, --Kai

 

[ra3ndy]

You shouldn't have to change anything on the router. But if you have been changing setting in the router, you might want to try to reset it (unplug it completely and hold the "redet" buttong for 30 seconds) to see if that doesn't clear up the issue. Also, check linksys's site for firmware upgrades.

A good test to see if your computers are both communicating well on the network is to enable Bonjour in iChat and have them both on. If you can see the other computer, then you SHOULD be able to establish a "Connect to server" request.

As an elementary suggestion, make sure you've enabled File Sharing in the Sharing tab of System Preferences on both computers.

 

[euklid]

Hey Ra3ndy, thanks for your patience. If I swich from "using DHCP" to "using DHCP with manual address", then assign manually an IP address (I used 192.168.1.101) then hit "apply", the computer loses the connection to the router: the router field is empty and I lose the internet connection. Do you know what I'm doing wrong? Thanks. -Kai.