1. NETWORK
a) A computer is used as gateway for other computers to access the Internet
For example, a (Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP) based computer
can offer Internet sharing service to other computers in the network.
b) A hardware router is used as gateway for other computers to access the Internet.
Under both network structures, the computer which runs HotSpot Manager service requires two network adapters installated. One adapter is to connect to internal network (a network hub) and the other adapter to connect to network gateway or router. Following is the network diagram:
For a) , the computer as "controller computer" will also run HotSpot Manager
service. NAT service is required to be running on the same computer.
For b), the controller computer (which runs HotSpot Manager service) will act as a virtual
bridge to redirect all IP to the physical router, NAT will be run on the physical router.
¡@
2. INTERNET SHARING BEFORE RUNNING OF HOTSPOT MANAGER
In Windows 2000 , if your ISP offers fixed IP (not dial up and dynamic IP), Internet access sharing can be provide by its Internet Sharing service. For dial up and dynamic IP , a third party software such as Sygate or Wingate will be required.
In Windows 2003 or Windows XP Professional, both fixed IP and dynamic IP (by ISP) connection is supported. Therefore we recommend the use of Windows 2003 for Internet sharing service.
After successfully configured, all your network computer should be able to access the Internet before the running of HotSpot Manager service. Each workstation should be automatically assign an IP (e.g. 192.168.5.x).
¡@
3. NETWORK SETTING FOR ACCESS THROUGH A PHYSICAL ROUTER
See this network diagram,
Two internal network sections will be required: 192.168.5.x and 192.168.0.x (controller computer to physical router).
Another method other than the above is using the Windows 2003 "network bridge" function. Enable network bridge to the two network adapters on the controller computer will seamlessly allow all internal IP to forward to the physical router.
¡@
4. DHCP SERVICE
The DHCP service is required to run on the controller computer
¡@
5. ODBC
The "sipdb.mdb" is where the passwords generated will be stored. In ODBC System Data Source, an entry "sipdb" is pointing to this database file.
¡@
Trobleshooting
What OS is compatible?
A: Windows XP Pro / Windows 2000 Pro / Windows 2000 Server / Windows 2003 Server
Do I need two network cards installed on my control PC ?
A: Yes. One is connect to your ADSL (to your ISP and Internet); the other is called the Internal network card (connect to your internal network. such as a hub).
How is client computer connect to the Internet?
A: Client computer --> Wireless AP --> Gateway(HotSpot Manager installed) --> (physical router) --> ISP --> Internet
Do I need the Windows ICS (Internet Sharing Service) service to be enabled?
A: Yes. The HotSpot Manager software is not a Internet Sharing software. So you need the ICS in order for all client computers to share the Internet from the Gateway computer - that is the control PC.
I see in my network properties (of the Internal network card) a service called "SIP Monitor Driver", should I enable it?
A: After installation, you will see this "SIP Monitor Driver" in the network properties of the Internal network card (which connect to your internal network and your wireless AP). You should enable it.
Does it work for wired network?
A: Yes, HotSpot Manager works for Wired and Wireless networks.
What if I still cannot get it to work?
A: Don't panic. Sit down and ask yourself a few questions: 1) Can all PC share the Internet Connection without installing the HotSpot Manager; 2) Recheck carefully your network map; 3) Does all PC has a unique IP assigned by DHCP; gateway IP of client computer should point to your wireless AP and then the AP should point to your Internal network card; 4) Have you stop the WWW service of IIS (this need to be stopped); 5) NAT service of your wireless AP should be stopped.
Q: It displays error that Port 80 is in use by another service?
A: Use NETSTAT to check if port 80 is in use. Stop WWW service of IIS.
Q: How to purchase a site license?
A: You may use PayPal to purchase a site license. Email to sales@com2000.com.hk for payment instruction. Thank you for supporting our work.
Q: I open the Internet browser of client computer and it does not automatically redirect to login page?
A: Type in manually "http://xx.xx.xx.xx" where it is the Internal NIC IP address (this web URL is also contained in the Login ticket). You may also work on DHCP to allow the client computer to auto redirect to the login web URL.
Q: I type in the password at login page and still cannot use Internet?
A: Check that if the second network card of control PC (which connect to ADSL or your ISP) has "SIP Monitor Driver" enabled, this will prevent any IP from passing through. It should be disabled on the second network card.
Q: In Windows XP Professional version, there is a feature called Network Bridge. May I use it to set up Internet Sharing ?
A: Yes. Hotspot Manager software also work for network bridge.
¡@
Web Reference in Internet Sharing knowledge
General: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/
Windows 2000 with broadband connection: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/ics/ics_win2k_install_bband.htm
Windows XP: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/xp_ics/
Using DHCP: http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/dhcp.htm
Third party Internet sharing software: http://www.wingate.com/ ; http://www.sygate.com/