Sharing second connection in XP

[nihili]

A friend has a small office network. The standard internet connection is via a router/firewall hooked to a cable modem. However he has to connect to a sate gov't computer periodically via a modem. Currently the modem is only accessible from the computer to which it is physically attached. The modem sets up what appears to be a VPN connection. He would like to be able to access the modem connection from another computer. It sounds to me like it should be just a matter of setting up ICS on the second connection. But XP seems to always grab the lan connection to share rather than the modem connection.

Anyone want to walk me through setting this up?

[KaHNZa]

Is there a way you can setup a VPN between the machines and link the VPNs?

[jajmon]

A google search on modem sharing, brought up too many hits to post, maybe you could find something that will work for your friend, looks like there might be some freeware solutions available, just looking at the hit returns.
Is it feasable to put a modem on another pc and split the current line?

[nihili]

we could do a second modem, but that would mean only one person could use it at a time. We'd like two machines to share the connection, but only on an as needed basis. The rest of the time they should have their ips on the lan.

We know it's possible, because another office has done it. However they just paid someone an exorbitant fee to set it up, so they can't tell us how to do it. And they're not close enough for us to go look at the setup.

[jajmon]

you've prolly gone down this road, but is there a secure website that provides the same service? just a thought.

[nihili]

No there is no other service. He's logging in to a state gov't database system. They're willing to have him log on multiple time, but their security requires a dialup connection directly to them.

[jajmon]

Sounds like this govt agency is 'way' behind the times. They should have a vpn solution like my work (a financial company) I have cable internet, I fire up my 128bit secure client (vpn), authenticate with username, and my 10 character secure id password (keyfob) and bang, I'm on my work's network, and it's almost like being at work, speed wise. Sorry, I know this doesn't offer any solution, just had to add my 2 cents in on vpn. My company sets up our vendors/partners and 3rd party support people with vpn, and only give them access to what they need access to.