Two Computers, networked via the internet

[paulrockliffe]

I've got two computers, in the same building, but only connected by the internet. I don't mean the router, they're on two separate internet connections, so can't see each other via LAN etc.

I want to be able to access files from either computer on the other, synchronise some folders onto both computers and also to use Remote Desktop to be able to use one computer from the other.

Eventually I'll be putting them on the same network, which will make things easier, but I need some short term solutions.

Currently I'm using Windows Live Mesh, which does Remote Desktop and folder sync, though I haven't tested it for speed and useability yet, is there anything else worth considering?

How do I setup a network (VPN?)?

Cheers

[selwonk]

You could try LogMeIn Hamachi:

https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi2/

[Dave_ST220]

For the amount of pissing around I would drop the one internet connection as there is no need for two, buy a £30 router and connect both to that. Both machines will be networked when setup so folder sharing etc not a problem & both will share one internet connection saving the £££ on one connection each month.

[The_Doc]

try this:

http://compnetworking.about.com/od/vpn/a/vpn_tutor...

it looks follow-able....

[paulrockliffe]

The amount of pissing about is not inconsiderable, one computer is in a room with no windows and would require a 100m run of ethernet cable through a complicated maze of corridors, or outside and then back in. I'd estimate I'd need to set aside most of a day to getting it all done neatly, I don't have the time at the moment, hence my requirement for an inelegant short-term solution.

[Bibbs]

paulrockliffe said:

The amount of pissing about is not inconsiderable, one computer is in a room with no windows and would require a 100m run of ethernet cable through a complicated maze of corridors, or outside and then back in. I'd estimate I'd need to set aside most of a day to getting it all done neatly, I don't have the time at the moment, hence my requirement for an inelegant short-term solution.

A Wifi USB stick in each of them?

[tankplanker]

Dynamic DNS on both computers: http://www.dyndns.com/ And open up the relevant ports for the applications you want to use on the router and any PC based firewalls; from memory its 3389 for RDP. I wouldn't allow windows file sharing over the internet, I'd look at a SSL backed FTP or HTTP method.

[paulrockliffe]

Bibbs said:

paulrockliffe said:

The amount of pissing about is not inconsiderable, one computer is in a room with no windows and would require a 100m run of ethernet cable through a complicated maze of corridors, or outside and then back in. I'd estimate I'd need to set aside most of a day to getting it all done neatly, I don't have the time at the moment, hence my requirement for an inelegant short-term solution.

A Wifi USB stick in each of them?

I have a wifi card in both, but the PC downstairs is too far away to get reliable signal, in fact the one one upstairs I'v stopped using wireless on because it's always been slower and often unresponsive when compared with a wire.

So far that website looks like the best option.

[itsnotarace]

I would seriously recommend not exposing RDP port 3389 to the internet, unless your router allows granular control for port forwarding based on source address.

VPN is the best solution by far, short of running that internal cabling

Logmein Hamahachi is free for personal use and probably the easiest method

[jamoor]

Powerline networking?

[The_Jackal]

+1 for above

[Odie]

paulrockliffe said:

The amount of pissing about is not inconsiderable, one computer is in a room with no windows and would require a 100m run of ethernet cable through a complicated maze of corridors, or outside and then back in. I'd estimate I'd need to set aside most of a day to getting it all done neatly, I don't have the time at the moment, hence my requirement for an inelegant short-term solution.

its defonately taking the time to run the cable, and all you need after that is a 10/100 switch

[Fletch79]

http://www.teamviewer.com/index.aspx

Free for personal Use, and very easy to use with no need to do any network stuff (as your already on the internet)

[Mr_S]

jamoor said:

Powerline networking?

http://www.homeplug.org/home/

are both PCs on the same mains supply?

[paulrockliffe]

Odie said:

paulrockliffe said:

The amount of pissing about is not inconsiderable, one computer is in a room with no windows and would require a 100m run of ethernet cable through a complicated maze of corridors, or outside and then back in. I'd estimate I'd need to set aside most of a day to getting it all done neatly, I don't have the time at the moment, hence my requirement for an inelegant short-term solution.

its defonately taking the time to run the cable, and all you need after that is a 10/100 switch

I will be, don't worry. But the time simply isn't there at the moment.

[paulrockliffe]

jamoor said:

Powerline networking?

Interesting. How fast and any downsides?

[paulrockliffe]

Just had a quick look, they look fast enough and fairly cheap.

Can I just link the two computers together with these and leave their two internet connections as they are?

Thanks all, very helpful.

[Petrolhead_Rich]

Mr_S said:

jamoor said:

Powerline networking?

http://www.homeplug.org/home/

are both PCs on the same mains supply?

Best solution - but both need to be on the same ringmain, usually each floor would have a separate ringmain so these do not connect!

selwonk said:

You could try LogMeIn Hamachi:

https://secure.logmein.com/products/hamachi2/

Second Best Solution - (software VPN) - not as fast but easy setup and secure.

tankplanker said:

Dynamic DNS on both computers: http://www.dyndns.com/ And open up the relevant ports for the applications you want to use on the router and any PC based firewalls; from memory its 3389 for RDP. I wouldn't allow windows file sharing over the internet, I'd look at a SSL backed FTP or HTTP method.

NO NO NO NO NO

Opens your applications/ports up to the entire internet, Id give it 30 minutes before your network becomes a botnet sending viagra offers to everyone!!!

edit - @tankplanker - Im guessing the OP wont have the knowledge to setup SSL FTP/HTTP so will just setup an FTP site using some free ftp software, hence my NO NO NO NO NO

Edited by Petrolhead_Rich on Wednesday 4th August 22:27

[Pigeon]

Petrolhead_Rich said:

Mr_S said:

jamoor said:

Powerline networking?

http://www.homeplug.org/home/

are both PCs on the same mains supply?

Best solution - but both need to be on the same ringmain, usually each floor would have a separate ringmain so these do not connect!

Both need to be on the same phase. The signal can pass from one ring main to another by going all the way back to the distribution board, as long as they are on the same phase.

I don't know whether the OP is talking about domestic or commercial premises. If domestic, chances of different floors being supplied from different phases are as near zero as makes no difference. If commercial, need to check.

[tankplanker]

Petrolhead_Rich said:

NO NO NO NO NO

Opens your applications/ports up to the entire internet, Id give it 30 minutes before your network becomes a botnet sending viagra offers to everyone!!!

edit - @tankplanker - Im guessing the OP wont have the knowledge to setup SSL FTP/HTTP so will just setup an FTP site using some free ftp software, hence my NO NO NO NO NO

Edited by Petrolhead_Rich on Wednesday 4th August 22:27

I like how you recommend a VPN solution which also requires the use of open ports, its not like there aren't exploits for VPN software out there.