Conflicts with printer connection: ethernet, wireless

DCSBS

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This is for a business where we have multiple computers, laptops, printers, and networks.

We have an HP Color LaserJet M252dw printer. It was connected to a wireless network which I'll call A1. All devices that wanted to connect to the printer used wireless network A1.

I was able to get a desktop (running Windows 8), which uses ethernet, to communicate with the printer that's connected to wireless network A1 and print.

However, I recently had to change the printer and all other devices in the office to a different wireless network which I'll call B2.

Now, the desktop cannot detect the printer at all even though all other devices in the office can, and won't even load the software. I've tried to do it by downloading the drivers from the HP website AND by using the CD the printer came with. Every time, it says that there's a problem and cannot download the software.
I've uninstalled and reinstalled it multiple times while following all steps correctly. I've restarted the desktop. All software is up-to-date. But it STILL cannot detect the printer.
I think it has to do with the change of wireless networks.

I can't get the desktop (ethernet) to connect to wireless network B2, even though it could connect to A1. So I can't print from this desktop.
The desktop is too far away to connect it directly to the printer (and the printer is actually connected to a different desktop that it's close to).

Since the desktop was able to connect to / communicate with wireless network A1, can I change it to communicate with B2 so I can print?
Thank you!!
 

palombian

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I am not a network specialist but IMO you have a routing problem.
Wireless is just a radio substitute for a cable, your wifi router B2 has to be connected properly to the network where your desktop is connected physically.
 

The Hat

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ThrillaMozilla

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OK, sounds like the problem is that your computer is not connected to wireless network B2. You need a computer help forum. My newest system is Win 7, so I'm not able to help with Windows 8.
 

msmart

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Do you have access to the IP Address info for the A1 and B2 wireless networks?

Here's what I need: Subnet Mask (example: 255.255.255.0) and the Default Gateway (example: 192.168.1.1)

On the desktop, get a CMD window and type "ipconfig/all". Let us know what the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway address for the wired ethernet adapter.

Since the printer is now connected to wireless network B2, it received a new DHCP IP address (dynamic). It seems as if the desktop is configured with a static IP address that needs to be changed to be in the B2 address range.

Also, it would be nice to know how/where the desktop PC's ethernet (LAN) cable is connected. Is it to the wireless hub/router for A1 or B2?
 

palombian

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Except for the limited range I have seldom problems with WiFi.
It is built in most any device and doesn't need additional (expensive) hardware.

As already picked up by msmart, both devices need to be part of the same subnet (fixed address or DHCP), or you need to setup a route.
 

The Hat

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@palombian Power over Ethernet has no range limits it’s 100% safe, secure with no drop outs and will work in every situation guaranteed, it beat the pants off Wi-Fi every time for stability, even in the hard to reach places..

capture-png.1597
 

ThrillaMozilla

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The Hat, he doesn't have a wi-fi problem. He has a network setup problem, apparently caused by being connected to the wrong network. He could get a bunch of new hardware, but he would still have to set up everything all over again. As it is now, all he has to do is set up one computer.

DCSBS, just check to see what network you are connected to. Disconnect and reconnect to the right one is one way (probably) to solve your problem. Msmart is also on the case and in spite of his bumbling name, probably knows what he is doing. Ipconfig /all is the correct diagnostic tool for this, and we'll need the output if you don't solve it by reconnecting.
 

msmart

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Msmart is also on the case and in spite of his bumbling name

Sorry about that, Chief!

@The Hat, you're using the term "Power over Ethernet" incorrectly. As the wikipedia link you provided shows, PoE is to provide power to a device that isn't powered by a direct electric connection such as an WiFi Access Point or IP phone. As Max would say, "Missed it by 'that' much."

The device in your picture allows ethernet to be transmitted through the electricity wires.

You probably knew that but I just wanted to clarify that.
 
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