SHARED WIFI PRINTER.

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SHARED WIFI PRINTER.

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-24 23:23:32 - last edited 3 weeks ago
Model: Deco M4  
Hardware Version: V3
Firmware Version: 2.14.2

I managed to install both units of my new Deco router 2-pack. I gave the new Deco network a name and security password. I have 2 PCs running windows 10 - upstairs/downstairs. My existing router and service provider is BELL Fiber Optics. I could always log into my Bell router and see all devices defined or known to it and whether they are connected or not. I gave them all familiar nicknames. The were all connected using WPS. I thought that this would all be inherited by the Deco system but not so. It seems that a device is either known to the Bell network (being boosted) OR Deco but not both. However on each PC once I found the new Dec network on Available Wifi Networks and logged on to the new Deco network on each PC they seem to work fine, maybe even faster. I placed one network unit upstairs and one downstairs. However an existing printer which was known to the Bell router and could be used by either PC stopped working. I realized that I had to re-config. the printer (Brother MFC-J425w). Once  it found the new network name and I provided the password it connected but ONLY for my downstairs PC. The upstairs PC which is also logged onto the new network can not print. Any windows app SAYS an item was printed, but the printer shows as OFFLINE for this PC. It gets queued but I can't get it to print. When I look at my TP-Link phone app, I can now see the printer as a new device and confirmed if I LOCK it on the app, it no longer prints. If I unlock it, it prints BUT ONLY from the one PC. Any ideas how to get it functional for the other PC? Aren't the devices listed in the app available to either Deco unit?

Thanks

Brewster

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-24 23:49:26 - last edited 2022-07-24 23:49:47

  @Brewster 

 

What you need to do is configure Deco mesh to run in Access Point mode. This should fix WiFi printer access. I also expect your Bell router will again show your devices with familiar nicknames you gave to them.

See How to set up Deco to work in Access Point mode

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-25 03:22:09

  @Brewster Thanks for the quick reply. I configured as a router since it was recommended and had more function. I will make the change and let you know. I do need the printer to be shared. The way I have it is there a way I can tell from the app.which of the 2 Deco units any of my devices is using? I ran OPTIMIZE but it made no difference (I bought Deco because the Bell signal was not reaching my deck outside. Now even as a router it does. I also have a wireless WIFI speaker on the deck which no longer works configured as router.)

Brewster

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-25 17:41:10

  @Alexandre. Just to clarify, is configuring as AP the ONLY way to share a printer? I like the Router config. features. Need to know if I can find a Windows/PC problem (compare the 2 PC Windoes configs & options myself) for my wife's PC or is it a Deco design characterisitic. Seems to me single printer sharing is a very common household requirement.

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-25 20:41:43

  @Brewster 

 

You should be able to share printer in Deco Router mode. It is, indeed, common household requirement. Conceptually, Deco mesh in Router mode is single WiFi router with very strong WiFi signal. 

 

The reason you came here is because something going on with your home network and Deco mesh that prevents printer sharing. There may be multiple possibilities why sharing doesn't work. Changing Deco mesh to Access Point mode eliminates one or two of them.

 

In Access Point mode, Deco is not much more than WiFi traffic pass-through. As explained in What’s the difference between Access Point mode and Router mode on the Deco? If you can't make printer sharing work to your satisfaction even with Deco in AP mode, you may wish to return that product and try WiFi mesh from different brand.

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-25 20:59:01

  @Brewster Thanks again Alexandre for your candid reply. I will try moving the PC without access to the printer down beside the other PC so they share the same Deco unit. If that works i will let you know.

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Re:SHARED WIFI PRINTER.
2022-07-26 18:36:55

  @Brewster FYI I now have my shared printer accessible to both of my PCs on Deco as a Router. Access Point was not necessary. The problem appeared to be with the printer config. in Windows 10 on the one PC after I set up Deco. I had to delete the printer queue; remove the printer from Settings/Devices/Printers and Scanners; then re-add it. 

Thanks for all the feedback.

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