Use 2nd ethernet port as hub to access existing network

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Level 1

15 points

Use 2nd ethernet port as hub to access existing network

I am connected to a router through a switch on my first ethernet port. This gives me internet access and file sharing to other computers on our network.

Is it possible to connect another ethernet device to this network through the second port on my Mac Pro, as if it's a hub.

i.e. I have 192.168.1.1 and 192.168.1.11 which I would like to talk to each other through the 2 ethernet ports on the Mac Pro.

Many Thanks

Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Nov 20, 2006 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 20, 2006 2:48 PM in response to Paul D

It is possible, but far from an ideal solution.

The problem is two fold, first, any device connected on the second Ethernet port will not have access unless your Mac is turned on. Second, The second port can be configured to allow Internet sharing, but will be on a different subnet, this means you will have to manually configure a routing/arp table to get all computers to communicate, essentially your Mac needs to act as a router or bridge (depends on what you are trying to do).

I would be much more inclined to hook up any additional computer to a port on your Ethernet switch. If you don't have an available port, I'd just buy a small 4 or 5 port switch, and cascade the switches together to get more avaialbe ports. A 5 port switch can be had for as low as $10

Tom N.

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Answer 2

Paul D Author

Level 1

15 points

Nov 20, 2006 3:19 PM in response to Tom Nelson1

Thanks Tom

I will take you advise and buy switch. I was just curious to see if I could do it with the hardware I had already.

So the reason for 2 ports is the ability to talk to 2 independent networks simultaneously? Never had a computer with 2 on before.

Cheers

Paul

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