PC to Printer via WiFi and/or LAN

[bawldiggle]

I am having trouble printing from Toshiba laptop to a new Brother printer.

The PC to Printer was originally

   Note

Toshiba > Wifi > Router > WiFi > Brother printer

... and printing was successful

BUT when I substituted ...

   Note

Toshiba > LAN > Router > WiFi > Brother printer

... disabled WiFi from PC to router
... printer does not print

I disabled PC to Router WiFi, assuming the LAN connection from PC to router would not "spoil" the router > Printer marriage.

Is it safe practice to have both LAN and WiFi connection between PC and Router ?
I assumed they would clash

The PC has a semi permanent place at a dedicated place, but on occasions I have to rely on WiFi in non LAN locations.

What am I doing wrong?
.

 

[chev65]

From my point of view this network isn't set up correctly but that may be because of the way you have it labeled.

Everything needs to be downstream of the router, as in modem>router>PC's either wired or wireless. Wired or wireless won't matter when they are connected correctly.

I'm not sure why you are showing the PC first or if that is actually how you have it but the modem and the router needs to be the first.

 

[IsaacFL]

Your router may not be set to allow wifi access to your LAN. Some routers by default isolate the wifi network. There should be a setting in the router.

 

[bawldiggle]

Thank you chev65 and IsaacFL for your responses.

I'm not sure why you are showing the PC first or if that is actually how you have it but the modem and the router needs to be the first.

My apologies for my clumsy attempt to describe my situation. My knowledge of WiFi/LAN/routers/devices is zero.
Any guidance is deeply appreciated.

Everything needs to be downstream of the router, as in modem>router>PC's either wired or wireless. Wired or wireless won't matter when they are connected correctly.

Just watched a UTube Difference Between Modem and Router. Now I know. (I feel like a dummy)

From my point of view this network isn't set up correctly but that may be because of the way you have it labeled.

I now understand how my use of paths and not knowing the difference between modem and router, even confused me.
(Another dummy moment)

My dilemma:-
PC-1:- a laptop (Toshiba) ... internet connection
PC-2:- a custom built tower ... stand-alone no WiFi connections with any device, no internet access
Printer:- Brother XP-400 mono laser ... used by both PC-2 (USB connection) + PC-1 (WiFi connection)
Modem Router (MR):- NetComm NB604n-02

Connections:-
MR <> LAN <> PC-1
MR <> WiFi <> Printer
PC-2 <> USB <> Printer
PC-1 <> WiFi <> Printer

With PC-1 connected by LAN to MR -- I presumed WiFi should be off. I have disabled the WiFi.
I assumed the printer would "connect" ... PC-1 <> LAN <> MR <> WiFi <> Printer
But sending documents from PC-1 to Printer ... the doc does not print.

Is it OK to have PC-1, LAN connected to MR AND have PC-1 WiFi enabled too ?
So that documents will print whether PC-1 is LAN or WiFi enabled to MR?

To disconnect PC-1 LAN and re-enable PC-1 Wifi just to print seems complex, when 98% of the time the PC-1 is LAN connected to MR

I hope this all makes sense

Thank you

 

[chev65]

Using LAN or WiFi shouldn't matter, and you can use both at the same time although windows will choose the wired connection if it has a choice.

Yes the custom machine can have WiFi enabled, it should also be online. The main thing is to install the printer drivers onto each machine that uses the printer.

 

[bawldiggle]

Using LAN or WiFi shouldn't matter, and you can use both at the same time

Gotcha!
Thanks for clearing that one up

... although windows will choose the wired connection if it has a choice.

... If it has a choice?

Can Windows be set to only use WiFi for printing from laptop, and all other web stuff via LAN ?
Printer is in another office with the custom build -- a separate office to the laptop.
I only print occasionally (once a week if that), from the laptop.
Laptop is dedicated to web use only.

Is it possible to print from laptop via LAN to router then router to printer via WiFi ?
If so, how ?
(Sorry about the paths ... I am so used to path strings in coding)

Yes the custom machine can have WiFi enabled, it should also be online.

Custom build cannot be online because of the nature of my work. So the custom-build is USB connected to the printer.
Am I exposing the custom-build to risk if the USB connected printer is also Wifi connect to the router ?
(Or should I say from router to the printer!)