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Question

Connecting one printer to two networks

Aug 24, 2016 10:47AM PDT

Our office has one internet modem, and connected to that modem are two routers, both with their own network (Lets call them network A and network B). Right now, one of our printers is hardwired to one of the routers (network B). Is there some way to also be able to access this printer from network A?

(*Switching to one router/network is not an option -- we have two routers/networks because some of the work we do involves confidential information, and we are required to use a different network than the rest of the office).

Discussion is locked

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Answer
In the past
Aug 24, 2016 10:55AM PDT

We would solve this by configuring our Windows Servers to pipe the printer over to the machine that did the printing.

It's something your IT staff does. The thing is, getting a second printer is far cheaper in most cases.

There's another solution and that is to not use 2 networks but one. There was some false hope that these networks would safeguard infections or block shares but that was blow up years ago.

Your IT should have run down these options for you.

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We have no IT
Aug 24, 2016 11:15AM PDT

We have no IT personnel on staff. Any chance you can explain/link how to do option 1? Happy

(I wish I could just go down to one network, but I have been told that I am not able to do that, even if it doesn't help, bah.)

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Sadly no.
Aug 24, 2016 11:56AM PDT

It involved steps specific to your server and since you must support it, you must know all about it.

It appears you have no control over your network so how about PLAN B?

This unknown printer is say something with both WiFi and Ethernet. Connect the WiFi to one LAN and the Ethernet to another. Some printers like that.

Another option is a PC with two network cards, one on each LAN and Windows Server that shares the printer on each LAN.

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Answer
While I agree with the first answer
Aug 24, 2016 11:14AM PDT

there is a clunky way to do this if your printer also has a USB port that can be wired to a print server. The print server can be wired or wireless depending on your network setup. It could even made from some old retired PC laying around. Frankly, however, I'd say buying another printer would produce fewer headaches than configuring the USB port as a second entry point.

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Can't get another printer..
Aug 24, 2016 11:26AM PDT

The printer is actually a very expensive photocopier, so unfortunately getting a new one is not an option. There is no USB port either.