The Maillard Reaction
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dumb question #655731
So what do you think... do I have a wireless network?
I just ordered a wireless printer, it's a HP laserjet and I'm reading about connecting it.
I don't know anything about networking.
We have a westell a90-750022-07 from Centurylink and it has a password that my wife, visitors and myself can use to get on the internet. I haven't done a wireless file sharing.
So, I'm trying to figure it dumb things like do I have a DSL modem or a modem-router? Do I have a wireless network? How will I get my laptops to see my printer?
Thanks for any tips you can offer.
best regards,
mike
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Tap
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/10 19:11:42
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My Father-in-law has a wireless printer at home, but didn't have a network. We were able to set him up to print from his laptop using the ad-hoc connection. My daughter bought a printer with wireless to use at school and for obvious reasons, they don't allow printers to be connected to their wireless network. Further, the wireless printer she bought doesn't work with a ad-hoc connection. She has to use the usb port to print.
* ( ad-hoc means it doesn't have to rely on a router. )
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Jonbouy
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/10 19:30:58
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mike_mccue
So what do you think... do I have a wireless network?
I just ordered a wireless printer, it's a HP laserjet and I'm reading about connecting it.
I don't know anything about networking.
We have a westell a90-750022-07 from Centurylink and it has a password that my wife, visitors and myself can use to get on the internet. I haven't done a wireless file sharing.
So, I'm trying to figure it dumb things like do I have a DSL modem or a modem-router? Do I have a wireless network? How will I get my laptops to see my printer?
Thanks for any tips you can offer.
best regards,
mike
It's not a dumb question, but it is difficult to answer as Westell only provide support for that product through the ISP's that use it. There are many ways of doing it but most will be specific in detail to the particular modem/router. A DSL Modem just handles the connection between your DSL phone line and your computer, whereas a modem/router normally combines this with an ability to allocate that modem between several network devices (computers and printers) either wirelessly, via cables or any combination of both. Without knowing the specifics of the modem/router you have it is difficult to advise. You'd have to ask for detailed instructions from your service provider in this case. You will almost certainly be able to share any modern printer between two computers though, whether it be via a router or via windows itself.
post edited by Jonbouy - 2011/06/10 19:39:32
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/10 19:49:20
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digi2ns
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/10 21:12:41
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Starise
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/10 22:31:55
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I have a HP wireless inkjet printer that is also hooked into my router. My wife can print from her laptop and I can also print via my hard wired connection .
It was no problem to connect my printer into the network. Win 7 and the included software were pretty much a no brainer here to get working.
I am using a cable modem . I had DSL awhile back and it should connect the same way using a simple lan cable between a wireless router and your DSL box. Most wireless routers now also have at least four lan ports for printers extra computers and such. So you can connect both wireless and wired from the same device. I believe wireless "N" is the fastest wireless router you can get.
If you decide on wireless N you will need compatable wireless N on your laptops although it is backwards compatible with the older formats.I would double check just to be safe though things change so fast in technology.
Unlike a cable modem DSL speed is dependent on distance from the nearest junction and number of users on the system. Cable modems and fiber optics are not influenced as much by these factors.
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The Maillard Reaction
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 08:18:23
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Thanks again the video was helpful.
The printer shows up next week and I think my DSL device is a combination modem and router so I assume that "westell7475" is my local wireless Network.
It looks like I'll be able to stumble through this.
I can't wait to get off the ink jet prices and especially the maintenance issues related to infrequent printing. The nature of infrequent printing also makes the wireless especially attractive.
Thanks again.
best regards,
mike
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Janet
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 17:27:01
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I just had this question myself cause my computers aren't in the same room as the printer anymore. An IT friend told me I just need to connect the printer to the modem (which both ARE in the same room!) with a network cable, and buy a USB print server. I found one on Amazon (or ebay) for $25, which he said was a good price.
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Beagle
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 18:07:11
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Janet
I just had this question myself cause my computers aren't in the same room as the printer anymore. An IT friend told me I just need to connect the printer to the modem (which both ARE in the same room!) with a network cable, and buy a USB print server. I found one on Amazon (or ebay) for $25, which he said was a good price.
I have a wireless print server. I didn't like it because it never would stay connected. I bought a wireless printer. I love it!
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Janet
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 18:13:32
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Great! 
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Beagle
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 18:15:52
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the wired ones might be better.
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mgh
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Re:dumb question #655731
2011/06/11 18:16:18
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q) do your laptops connect wirelessly to the network?
a) yes - then connecting the printer one-time via usb to the laptop, running the wireless set-up utility/printer driver will connect it to your network.
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