Computers don’t see each other – How?

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My wireless router is a Mi-Fi, and both my laptop and desktop can connect to it and both can access the internet. (Thanks to the help I got here.:) But they cannot see each other.

Previously I had an ethernet network, and all my computers were connected using cables to a router and all could see each other. Now they cannot, and I haven’t changed any settings. Wireless is new to me. Both the laptop and the desktop are setup as a “work network”. I want to be able to share files and a printer.

Both computers are Win7 Pro X64.

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Sheila

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It’s likely the Mi-Fi unit doesn’t allow that. Do you have a model number?
You may be able to make it work by using a conventional wireless router in front of the Mi-Fi unit.

cheers, Paul

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It is a HUAWEI, no specific model number. I am in Belize, Central America, and this is supplied by SMART, the local phone/internet provider.

If the unit doesn’t allow me to share files, etc., is there a way I can do it with cables? I have several cat5 that I used with my ethernet connections back in the States. Someone thought a pass-thru cable might work?

Sheila

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You would want a CROSSOVER cable. The wires in the connector will not be in the same positions.

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Thank you – I will try the crossover cable.
Sheila

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I can’t find out if the Mi-Fi unit supports local networking, but given it’s function I suspect not. If you have a spare wireless router you can set it up to provide the wireless connection and the Mi-Fi unit will then provide internet access.

You do not need a crossover cable to connect modern PCs. They all have auto-sensing ports and will work with a standard network cable between 2 machines.

cheers, Paul

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Did not know that Paul, guess I’m not modern any more :o:

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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I tried the crossover cable, and it works!!. I didn’t try a standard network cable, but I will, just to see if it would also work. I am happy to have a solution, and I thank everyone for their help and suggestions!!

Sheila

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