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Resolved Question

Can I use a wireless printer with my laptops without an ISP?

Aug 19, 2011 1:01AM PDT

I have two laptops, both running Vista and want to get a wireless printer to use with them. I do not have a wired ISP; I get my internet through a laptop connect card. I've been told all I need is a wireless printer; I've been told I need a wireless printer and a router; and I've been told I cannot do it without an ISP (i.e., AT&T, Roadrunner, etc.). Which is correct?

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lhrascal has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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They may be referring to skill?
Aug 19, 2011 1:10AM PDT

While I have done this I'm a bit advance in that I wrote a NAT router app over a decade ago. So while we know it is possible the problem is that the setup is advanced and some folk will falter or try to do this without a router.

So when I do this I use a router without the ISP feed to create the WLAN and LAN with the printer on that W/LAN. Then I've good. The setup is going to be rough on some as there is no document that describes every step.

They may be right that some folk can't do this.
Bob

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They may be referring to skill? - New!
Aug 19, 2011 2:01AM PDT

Thanks for your reply. I really think they were telling me it was not possible without an ISP. It was a "specialist" at one of the large electronics stores who told me this. A specialist an another store in the chain had told me I could do it with a wireless printer and a router, without the ISP. Surely I can have a professional do it for me, then?

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Sorry for the typo's.
Aug 19, 2011 2:12AM PDT

I ripped that out too fast.

I would never have a specialist near any of my computers or such gear because I've found them to be not as good as they think they are.

Let's recap that we need the common LAN (wifi adds the W) for the common wifi printer to be used. There were some attempts to have ADHOC wifi printers but the makers discovered that while that does work the consumers are not ready for that.

Ok, you know that for decades we had LANs without an internet path. So we get some wifi router and set it up and leave the WAN port empty. We start with our laptop connecting to that WLAN and install the printer and then the printer software on our PC. At this point we can print. Add your internet broadband and retest.

Seems simple to me.
Bob