Does homegroup only work when going wireless?

Question

Recently had a big problem getting my two computers to be members of the same homegroup.  I was finally able to do it (after mucho hours...days of questioning and trial and error) when I saw that the computers weren't on the same LAN network (although the laptop, via ethernet cable, is connected to the same modem as the desktop.)  So I put the laptop on wireless and found the common network.  However, when using the LAN connection, the Laptop is on the "Network," whereas the desktop is on "Network5."  I have the feeling that if I can get both computers on to a network with the same name, I can then establish a homegroup that will work when not wireless.  Or, am I completely off track and the homegroup only works when wireless?  Obviously very much confused abd need guidance.

Answer 1

Hi

In principle Wireless is a substiute to a wire. As long as their is a connection between the Wireless card and the Wireless Router it does not make any difference Network wise.

As a matter of fact beside been more comfortable in moving around with a laptop, network technology wise, a wire connection is superior to Wireless.

The Network name and the computer's name are independent from the adpaters or the Router, and it should be configured here.

Control Panel System, http://www.ezlan.net/vista/vs-sys.jpg

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Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

Answer 2

I'm really new to networking and the use of routers, so please foregive me for asking a lot of questions before I attempt to utilize your suggestions.  I just need to feel confident that I won't mess up.  I at least have the two computers networking when the laptop is wireless (because in this case i was able to get them on the same Homegroup) and would hate to screw that up while trying to get then to network when the laptop is hooked in via ethernet cable...

Anyway, with the problem beingl getting then on the same LAN network, here's a little more information that you might use to help me better understand "bridging the networks."  My modem is a Thompson that is also a router, however I'm not using its wireless function.  I have a Linksys 320N router also hooked into the system (got this router because I didn't realize that the Thompson could also go wireless, and also thought that it would be a better hookup using the same manufature's equipment as I needed to wirelessly connect my desktop to a repeater hook into my Panasonic TV in order to have Vieracast bring the internet to my TV). 

Now, as I write this I think I'm seeing where the problem really lies: The incoming cable goes to the Thompson, the Thompson ethernet cable goes to the desktop, the laptop is connected to the Thompson via ethernet cable, BUT the Linksys is Not hooked into the Thompson, but rather into the desktop.  Could it be that if I hooked the laptop ethernet cable into the Linksys ethernet port, I then would be able to get a LAN network?  Or, just how confused am I? LOL.

Answer 3

Hello flycaster,

You will not be able to setup a Homegroup if the computers are not on the same network. If you have bridged the networks, that is the Network and the Network 5 are bridged using any router, you should be able to connect the computers to the Homegroup.

It is essential that you have the computers over the same Network to be able to connect to the Homegroup.

Thanks,

Irfan H, Microsoft Answers Support Engineer. Visit ourMicrosoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 4

Hi

You click on Start, then Control Panel, then System.

In the System screen (shown in the link of my post before) click on the Change setting (in the middle right).

Choose the computer name tab click on change. Give each computer a unique name, check the Work group button and give both the same Group name.

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/net_name.jpg

http://www.ezlan.net/Win7/group_name.jpg

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Jack-MVP Windows Networking. WWW.EZLAN.NET

Answer 5

Jack, could you elaborate  further on what you are suggesting I do  to get the two computers to share files when the laptop is connected to the internet via ethernet cable?  Specifically, if I do indeed need to get both of them onto the same newtork name (the same LAN network), how?  Thanks.