How to Print on a Wireless Network Through a Second Router
Unbeknown to most people, it is possible to have more than one wireless network in the same location. This function is best suited for businesses with different levels of access -- some employees can network with a few computers, while some can network with others. It's no different to set up wireless printing through a second router. Some printers require connection to a wireless print server; others can simply be connected directly to the second router.
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Things You'll Need
- Wireless print server (eg D-Link DPR-1260)
- 2 CAT-6 cables (also known as Ethernet cables)
- Computer with wireless networking capability
- USB cable for printer (USB Type A to Type B)
- Printer, installed and functioning correctly
- Printer software
Instructions
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Using a Wireless Print Server
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1
Determine if your printer needs to be connected to a wireless print server. Some printers come with pre-installed wireless connectivity. Others can be networked using a CAT-6 (or Ethernet cable). Check your printer's manual to see if it has any networking capabilities. If not, proceed with installing the wireless print server.
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Connect the wireless router to the wireless print server via an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet port, which will be present on both the router and print server, looks and works like an overly large phone jack; simply insert the ends with the tapered end pointed towards the smaller side to connect. Then connect the printer to any available USB port on the print server. Finally connect the computer to the same router using an additional Ethernet cable. The Ethernet cables are for setup only.
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3
Enter the administration menu of the wireless print server. The print server will either appear in network places, or the manual will provide you with an address to enter into an Internet browser; often they are variations of 192.168.0.1, but this varies based on make and model of the print server.
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Run the initial setup, or the wireless settings, menu. Here you will need to wirelessly connect the print server and router. Though the method does vary, generally the screen will show available wireless networks, then give options for entering the password. Select the right network, then enter the password (if necessary). Once the setup is complete, reboot the computer. As the computer reboots, disconnect the Ethernet cables attached to both the computer and print server from the router.
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Wirelessly connect the computer to the router in which the print server is being connected to. In Windows, there will be an icon in the system tray in the lower right hand corner of the screen; on a Mac, double-click on the Airport icon in the upper right corner. Choose the name of the network, and enter the password (if there is one). Allow the computer to connect.
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6
Re-enter the administration menu of the print server. Choose to install a printer. Select your printer from the available list (there should only be one printer unless you've connected more than one to the print server). The print server will then proceed to install the necessary software. At some point, it might ask for the original drivers for the printer. If this happens, simply insert the original software that came with the computer into your optical drive. Allow the installation to complete, and print a test page when given the option.
Connecting Directly to a Wireless Router
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Connect the printer to the router as directed by the printer's manufacturer. Some printers can connect using wireless technology. Others need to be connected directly to the router via an Ethernet cable, then assigned an IP address. As these methods vary wildly by make and model of printer, follow the instructions provided with your printer.
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Wirelessly connect the computer to the router in which the printer is being connected to. In Windows, there will be an icon in the system tray in the lower right hand corner of the screen; on a Mac, double-click on the Airport icon in the upper right corner. Choose the name of the network, and enter the password (if there is one). Allow the computer to connect.
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Print something from any program to test the connection.
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