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General discussion

Wireless printers without an existing network or router

Nov 3, 2009 10:32PM PST

I am looking to buy a new laser printer and am attracted to the notion of being able to print from my laptop (built-in wireless) without having to attach/detach a cable to it all the time. Is it possible to print to a wireless printer without having an existing network or router in place? I am looking at the brother HL-5370DWT or HL-2170W but am open to other suggestions. Thanks.

Discussion is locked

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Only mildly hard.
Nov 3, 2009 11:06PM PST

You'll learn about ADHOC WIFI networking to get this to work. The only problem I run into is that many want this stuff to "just work." We're not there yet.

So yes, you can print to most wifi enabled printers but setup is mildly taxing.
Bob

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adhoc connection
Nov 4, 2009 4:09AM PST

Having never heard of adhoc networking, I did some checking and am concerned with some of the issues that appear to be involved with this type of connection. 1) First is the security issue. I will be using this printer in a large office building even though I will be the only one using this printer. I do not want my laptop to be vulnerable while working at this office. My laptop is currently not connected to any network at this office. 2) I also use this laptop at home on a wireless router network and wonder whether I will be able to go back and forth between the two types of connections. 3) Is the decreased speed of the connection noticeable while printing?

Given all these issues I wonder what is the benefit of having a wireless printer, when you have to still have to use a router or access point anyway. You might as well hardwire your printer with LAN cable to the wireless router and connect to printer that way. Is there a way to connect to a printer wirelessly without all these drawbacks.

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Which is
Nov 4, 2009 5:52AM PST

Why you would enable WPA on the adhoc setup. Sorry but all this is mildly hard but not impossible. What I find is most don't want or need a course in networking but it sure can help.

In short, set it up and don't fret about the security at the first go round but select WPA if you can. And there is no need to switch networks as we can have one network on our ethernet port and another on the wifi and it all works out.

Sorry but if you wanted something else that was not in your post.

Why not a BLUETOOTH enabled printer so you don't deal with or change your wifi?
Bob

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bluetooth printing
Nov 4, 2009 11:56PM PST

Can't find bluetooth printer, but did find adapters that cost as much as the printer.

My laptop does not used a LAN connection at home. That means more plugging in. I use wifi network at home. What I need to know is if use adhoc at work will I have to constantly modify settings when I go home?

Is there a noticeable print speed decrease in adhoc connection?

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Fast answers.
Nov 5, 2009 12:50AM PST

Windows Wireless Zero Configuration helps to mitigate constantly modifying settings. I'll stop here since to write about WZC means I would duplicate ready web content.

Print speed should be nearly the same as a direct connection. At least it was here.
Bob

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connecting wireless hp deskjet f4583 to a wireless xp destop
Nov 12, 2009 1:38AM PST

I've read that it is possible but hard to connect. How do you do it without a router?

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Without a router.
Nov 12, 2009 1:57AM PST

In the setup instructions that came with the printers you look for the word ADHOC and that's what you would do. Remember I don't duplicate the manuals.
Bob

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wireless connection on hp f4583 minus router
Nov 12, 2009 2:19AM PST

I tried setting up the network but after refreshing the list there's the message "No wireless networks were found in range".
Could you please give me a step by step process, if you don't mind. I'll greatly appreciate.

John Siyumbu

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No can do.
Nov 12, 2009 2:23AM PST

A step by step would require I own each of the products under discussion. I don't have these in this office but have set them up for years.

But that doesn't mean we can't discuss the other ways such as GUIDES to how this is done.

When we set up the ADHOC method we usually don't see that message. It means you likely are trying to set it up in infrastructure mode. Try again but read about ADHOC setups. Again I stop short because I would be duplicating the web.
Bob

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hp f4583
Nov 12, 2009 2:35AM PST

Thanks for the reply. There something am assuming which could be wrong. Can this printer connect realy without a router?

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Who has the manual?
Nov 12, 2009 2:57AM PST
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareList?os=228&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=aa&product=3944759&lang=en gets me some drivers and a network setup tool that I can't explore (I don't own your printer.)

You are under some one else's discussion so let's keep it short and not have me ask you many many questions such as did you setup your windows machine's ADHOC network? I would not expect this to work without the first step.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00035871&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=305980&rule=8674 is for another printer but unless you can supply me with the manual that's all I got.
Bob
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ok, I'll post this only
Nov 12, 2009 3:11AM PST

I'll admitt. I dont think I have set it up alright. I'am trying your second link. Will notify you. Thank you in advance

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Wireless w/o router
Nov 4, 2009 10:19PM PST

Bluetooth printer used in conjunction with bluetooth dongle (adapter), get your checkbook out, good luck.