How to Bind Programs to Different Network Adapters in Windows 8 and 8.1
Here's a short write-up on how to stay connected to and use multiple programs on multiple networks at once with Windows 8!
Requirements:
NoteTwo separate network connections (they must be of a separate type), for example a WiFi connection and an Ethernet connection.
At least two different browsers or programs you plan on using.
Uses:
NoteThis is particularly useful if you have a WiFi and a mobile tether connected at the same time.
You can also use it to balance network load if you don't bind the programs to specific IP addresses. Most workplaces and colleges with multiple access points do this.
Step 1
First you need to configure your networks (that'd be LAN and WLAN) to different types. I have mine as Private and Public:
Step 2
Then, you will need to install ForceBindIP from here.
Once you have that installed, the next step is to use your specific bit version.
x86 version: C:\Windows\System32\ForceBindIP.exe
x64 versions: C:\Windows\SysWOW64\ForceBindIP.exe
Step 3
Save that location for a later step. We will now need to press start > run (or Windows Key +R), then type in CMD, and run an ipconfig command. You'll notice you have different local area IP's assigned for your different hardware adapters:
Step 4
Note down both IPv4 addresses, we will need them. In this instance I have 192.168.2.15 which is my WiFi Adapter, and 192.168.42.189 which is my Ethernet Adapter.
Step 5
Next, you will need to create a shortcut on the desktop. First insert the location of ForceBindIP specific to your system, then the local address of the network adaptor, and then the full path to the application. If the application has spaces in its path, then you will need to use quotation marks. Let's say for example I want to use my Ethernet Adapter on a 64 bit Windows 8 with Firefox (where ... is Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox):
Step 6
Provided you did that step correctly, you can now do it for your other browser or application for the other network adapter, and you should be good to go. You can go to a website like this one to check that it is working correctly (the site will display your functional IP address).
Step 7
Run your program from that shortcut.
Side Notes:
If you don't run your application from the shortcut, network stabilisation will occur. Network stabilisation means that Windows 8 will dynamically retrieve data from both networks to optimise speed and performance. Can be useful for bandwidth intensive applications, and load-balancing.
You are able to pin these new shortcuts to both the Taskbar and Start Screen (but make sure you give them a custom icon first!).
And that's a wrap.
UPDATE: Please note, it is currently unknown if we are able to use a single adapter for 2 WiFi connections at the same time. More testing needs to be done on this.
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