Suggestions for printer that can work with two wifi networks.

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Hello

I am looking for a wireless printer that I can use with two different wifi networks. I have a home internet set up that my current printer connects to, but occasionally I use my hotspot device (not my phone) – a different network  and then I can’t print – the printer doesn’t recognize that wifi network. I could probably reset it to work, but then it wouldn’t work with my main home internet wifi, which is what I use most of the time.

So – is there any type of printer that can “see” different networks and connect to whichever one I would choose – kind of like my laptop does?

Thanks! An odd question, I know, but there have been times when the hotspot works better and I’d like to be able to print from that connection as well.

 

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Set the printer to DHCP.
Reset all your printer connections to use the DNS name of the printer instead of a fixed IP address.
Now any network the printer connects to will record the DNS name and you will be able to print.

(This is what I do, but I don’t change networks)

cheers, Paul

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Thanks Paul. I’m not sure that works on my printer. When I switched to the T-Mobile home internet from the hotspot as my main source, I had a very hard time getting the printer to recognize the network. I finally had to add it as a separate “network” as per TMo’s instructions, and it now shows up in my list of networks on my laptops. I don’t “choose” it – but it somehow does work.

So do I need to look for a printer that has the DHCP setting?

 

 

 

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The printer is using DHCP, just on a less secure wifi (using WPA instead of WPA2).
You can still use the DNS name to connect.

Print a network info page from the printer, or connect to its web page.
Find the DNS name. e.g. hpj574352097543
Ping the DNS name from a Command Prompt. ping hpj574352097543
If the ping works you can use the DNS name as the printer port (this is the method I use for my printers).

cheers, Paul

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Thanks Paul. I’ll take another look at it.

I think maybe the problem is that the home internet gateway is still active when I am trying to also use the hotspot, and so the printer is already connected to that network and won’t/can’t be on two networks at the same time, possibly? I don’t turn off the gateway, and the printer is already connected there, so if I then try to use the hotspot, I can disconnect my laptop from the gateway and connect to the hotspot – but the printer is already connected.

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Yep, can’t connect to two networks at the same time. You’ll need to turn the home router off.

Then the issue might be that the printer won’t connect to the wifi from the hotspot without pressing a few buttons on the printer (printers aren’t expected to connect to multiple networks like your PC / phone).

cheers, Paul

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LHiggins

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Thanks Paul. That is the problem, and since I never turn off the home internet (barring a power outage) I guess that is going to be my only way to use that printer – not with the hotspot.

Thanks for the advice.

 

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Why not choose a direct connection to the printer?  Most home printers now have a direct connection that shows in wireless list.  If you install the printer using that direct connection, it might work regardless of which network your laptop is connecting to.

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LHiggins

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I’m not sure if I already have it set up that way. When I am connected to my home internet, in my list of connected devices, the printer is listed. But I think that is because it was added to the home internet somehow – not a separate device that connects to either network. I’ll have to turn on the hotspot to check, but I don’t believe the printer shows up there – at least while the home internet is on, which I really don’t turn off.

Thanks – will investigate…

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