[msc]

Ok, My wife runs a business and had Geek Squad come in and hook up the network. There are 8 desktops throughout the building, 2 phone lines and a fax machine. This is DSL by the way. Here is essentially how it goes:

The DSL line runs out of the wall into a "modem". Out of the modem runs the ethernet cable to a switch. Out of the switch come all the connections for the desktops, wireless router, and stand alone printer. The issue is is I have all 12 laptops that I am trying to network with the desktops and the ability to print to the standalone. But when I have the wiring set up so the networking is possible, I cannot find the printer, but if I can find the printer with the desktops, I cannot add the laptops to the desktop network. They are all on the same domain just cannot see each other. I do not feel like giving Geek Squad another $1000 or so as this is what they were supposed to do when they first came out and will not come out and fix it without charging again.... HELP!!!!!!!!

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Hi there msc,

I'm new here, so I'm not sure what it's worth, but here's my 2 cents. Certain features of a wireless router may be conflicting with the local area network set by your modem. Here are two things that might help out. First, check the wireless router to see in which port is the cable from the switch connected to. If it's connected to the internet port, try connecting it to the wireless router's switch port.

A second way is to get rid of that wireless router and attach an access point instead. It might be easier.

[PostMark]

Hi there msc,

I'm new here, so I'm not sure what it's worth, but here's my 2 cents. Certain features of a wireless router may be conflicting with the local area network set by your modem. Here are two things that might help out. First, check the wireless router to see in which port is the cable from the switch connected to. If it's connected to the internet port, try connecting it to the wireless router's switch port.

A second way is to get rid of that wireless router and attach an access point instead. It might be easier.

[CamTheMan]

msc & PostMark,

I don't mean to interrupt but I was just wondering Msc, you want all your computers to basically print from one printer? And the laptops will not find it, but the desktops will?

[TheQuickBrownFox]

Hi CamTheMan,

Yeah, I think that's the situation. If msc is using a wireless router, then that could be the problem, as the router separates the laptops from the desktop network.

Additionally, if you want to keep the wireless router and not replace it with an access point like PostMark's suggestion, you could get a router with routing capabilities. But only if you have one already. If you don't, PostMarks suggestion is what I'd do.

[msc]

Hi CamTheMan,

Yeah, I think that's the situation. If msc is using a wireless router, then that could be the problem, as the router separates the laptops from the desktop network.

Additionally, if you want to keep the wireless router and not replace it with an access point like PostMark's suggestion, you could get a router with routing capabilities. But only if you have one already. If you don't, PostMarks suggestion is what I'd do.

Sorry for the lack of a fast response. Yes I do want to be able to print on any printer in the building from anywhere, wireless or not, however, the wireless router is causing an issue where I cannot see the desktops. They are both part of the same domain and as far as an access point, I will try that tonight as I am at work now and cannot get there until later tonight. But with the access point will I lose wireless? How do I tell if the router has routing capabilities? I am confused so please be patient!!

[PostMark]

Hi there, the access point will act as a wireless switch, so you'll get wireless connectivity with it.

[msc]

Hi there, the access point will act as a wireless switch, so you'll get wireless connectivity with it.

Thanks, before I buy an access point is there a way to configure the router to be an access point?

[PostMark]

Yup, try visiting this website, it's fairly easy.

[msc]

Thanks, I will give it a shot and let ya know what happens!

[PostMark]

Sure, good luck!

[CamTheMan]

Guys,

What about a print server? Would that help any in this situation?

[Gravity Gripp]

By ensuring that all of the computers and printer are on the same logical network that would give the computer access to the printer, so yes it would help.

[CamTheMan]

By ensuring that all of the computers and printer are on the same logical network that would give the computer access to the printer, so yes it would help.

If all his are on the same network, maybe he can just buy a print server and save him time and money?

[msc]

it is not just the printer though I need all computers to be able to see each other and right now I only have the wired that can see each other and the laptops can see each other.... but wireless cant see wired.

[Gravity Gripp]

Right, so right now you have this, sorry for the crude drawing:

Modem (Assuming that this modem has some routing features)
  |
  v
Switch
  | -> Computer A (Wired)->Computer B (Wired)->Printer A
  v
RouterB (Wireless Router)
  | ->Computer C (Wireless) -> Computer D (Wireless)

Because Computer's C & D are on their own router (RouterB) they can not see Computer A & B because they are on separate logical networks.
By switching Router B to become an Access Point, it will in turn make these two networks into one.

Modem (Assuming that this modem has some routing features)
  |
  v
Switch - RouterB (Wireless Router)---------------------------------v
  | -> Computer A (Wired)->Computer B (Wired)->Printer A	 |>Computer C (Wireless) -> Computer D (Wireless)

Hope that helps some.

Edited by Gravity Gripp, 18 April 2008 - 01:32 PM.