Help with networking

[matt819]

Here's the situation.

I connect to the internet via a Sprint Overdrive device. Long story. Just accept that as a given.

I have a router, and the printer is wirelessly connected to the router, which is then accessible by all computers in the house.

When I want to print, however, I need to disconnect from the Overdrive "network" and then connect to the router with access to the printer. This is a pain. Not a problem, really, just a pain. Extra steps, stops downloads/uploads, and is generally annoying.

Question 1: Is there a way to connect the printer to more than one network?

Question 2: If so, how?

Question 3: If answer to 1. is no, how do I connect the printer wirelessly to the overdrive "network" rather than through the router.

Thanks.

[Sentath]

1. WDS?

Can you put your home wireless router in WDS mode to cooperate with the Overdrive?

[matt819]

2. I suppose that might be possible

if only I knew what WDS mode is.

I tried connecting the overdrive unit to the router using the usb cable, but the router wouldn't recognize the device. The other, more important, issue, is that the overdrive is power hungry, and so I have to keep it plugged in to AC power. Now you would think that the router would recognize the wireless modem, but I can't seem to get it to do that.

[Sentath]

3. WDS is something that some WiFi devices support

It allows you to extend a WiFi network over two routers without any physical connection, and puts the physically connected devices of the remote device on the network of the connected device. It's device specific and I cannot tell if the Overdrive will do it.

[ChromeFoundry]

4. Router support Repeater Bridge mode?

or can your router firmware be upgraded to DD-WRT so that it does support this mode of operation?

Here is a guide that cover the connection method:
http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Repeater_Bridge

These are your cheapest options.

You could also use another with a wireless and a wired connection. Linux and Windows both support "bridging" the two networks. Your Router's default gateway would just need to route traffic to the IP address of the Overdrive router.

Or, get one of those tiny 802.11 N USB network adapters so you can connect to two WiFi networks at the same time. Cost: about $10
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7205505&csid=_61

[matt819]

5. Thanks all.

I will explore those over the weekend. Also, I think there's a way to connect the printer to the overdrive, either directly or through the router. Not sure, though. Fun with computers, hey?

[ChromeFoundry]

6. This support link may be helpful...

http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/89432

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. You need to do one of two things:

Last edited Fri Jan 25, 2013, 10:19 AM - Edit history (1)

1) Configure your router to "bridge" mode (or get a router which can operate in bridge mode.)
2) Connect your printer via WiFi to your Sprint device.

I have read that as of a few years ago Sprint was changing for data usage for all of the data going through the Overdrive device. In short, in scenario #2 Sprint may count the data sent to your printer against your usage. If your usage is unlimited then this is not a problem. Otherwise, pursue scenario #1.

I'll need the model #s of your printer and router to be of more help.