Home wi-fi network

[Epicyclic]

I have a wi-fi enabled laptop (HP 6735S) that I connect to the interweb with via an Orange mobile dongle as BT is pretty useless here. I have just aquired a HP 5510 printer/scanner that is also wi-fi enabled.

So, could anyone please advise what options I have to connect the two? Simple and cheap is good as I'm not into this sort of stuff! I have looked on the web but it seems everything is aimed at connecting all sorts of stuff and over complicated for my needs.

Thanks in anticipation. H.

 

[Robotstar5]

Probably load the printer disc onto the laptop then open "network connections" and look for the printer.

 

[Epicyclic]

Is it that easy? The printer hand book is absolute rubbish! I'll give it a go......

 

[FranV8]

Epicyclic, it looks like you need a wireless access point to complete the kit you have, it didn't seem to me that you directly connect to the printer.

Typically the access point is a router, for example the BT Homehub is a router and model combined. Then HP has some specific instructions on how to set this up on tour PC.

If it's not clear what I said, here's how I think it works:

Laptop>>>>(wireless)>>>router>>>(wireless)>>>>printer

 

[Robotstar5]

That's what I'd try first, ideally laptop, printer, etc. should all connect to a central WiFi router but your internet connection is on the laptop so not sure if it would work?

 

[Epicyclic]

Thanks both. Yes, that's my point - I don't have a router and the internet connection (dongle) is on the laptop. Don't mind getting one but is that the only way?

 

[Dev]

You can probably connect the printer directly to the laptop using USB and the software that came with it. Usually you connect it this way first and configure the wireless settings on the printer.

If by dongle you mean a wireless one like one of those pebble things you may then be able to configure the printer to connect to the dongle using wifi.

If the dongle is just a USB one you won't.

 

[Robotstar5]

I've got a spare Sky wireless modem/router (Netgear) if you want to have a play with it, just using the router bit?

 

[the snooper]

im sure you can connect 2 laptops using wifi with no router so it may be the same for the printer, google would be a good place to start

 

[Robotstar5]

im sure you can connect 2 laptops using wifi with no router so it may be the same for the printer, google would be a good place to start

Windows has a "wizard" for home networking, maybe the place to start?

 

[Epicyclic]

Thanks Dev - I'll see if I can borrow a USB cable and give it a go.

My "dongle" is USB - its an Orange supplied ICON make that came as part of a business broadband package.

 

[the snooper]

just looked at the instructions it seems you will need a router

 

[hareng]

You have a wifi lappy and can print direct by wifi to HP printer.
http://www8.hp.com/uk/en/support-topics/mobile-printing/understand-mobile-print.html

Can also print over internet such as cloud.
No need to buy a router and network it.

Just butchering a 6910 and NC6400 and could do it with both to an 8500 Pro by ethernet, wireless and bluetooth without going through routers.

 

[Epicyclic]

Cheers R5, for the offer - I'll try the cable first, on reread of the manual I found a reference to that so that might do it. PM sent also.

Snooper, first palce I looked but, as my first post, it seems to be aimed at the router route, if you see what I mean!

Hareng - brilliant! Just what I needed, I think. Just wish I knew a bit more about these thing, wouldn't have to ask daft questions then!

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. H.

 

[Engineer1964]

If you don’t set up the wireless connection during the start-up process you can set it up later. Depending on the printer, the wireless set-up 'wizard' that will help you set up the wi-fi connection is likely to be within an option named something like ‘wireless settings’ or ‘networking’ within the printer’s menu.

You can also use this option in the menu to add the printer to another wireless network that’s within range if you want to.

There’s more that one way of connecting to a wireless network, and you may be offered a few different options for setting up the connection.

Wi-fi set up using WPS

If your printer and router are both compatible with Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) there should be an option in the printer’s network menu to use this method of set-up.

If so, when prompted, all you need to do is press the WPS button on your router and the corresponding button on the printer to wirelessly connect the printer to the network.

Connecting using a network key or PIN

If your printer doesn’t have WPS, you’ll probably have to enter a ‘network key’ – a series of numbers and letters – into the printer using the function buttons and screen on the printer in order to establish the connection between your printer and router.

Provided you haven't changed it, the network key will be in your router’s documentation, or on a label on the router.

What type of printer is it??

 

[Country Joe]

What type of printer is it??

Hewlett Packard
CJ

 

[Robotstar5]

If your printer and router are both compatible with Wireless Protected Setup (WPS) there should be an option in the printer’s network menu to use this method of set-up.

If so, when prompted, all you need to do is press the WPS button on your router and the corresponding button on the printer to wirelessly connect the printer to the network.

If your printer doesn’t have WPS, you’ll probably have to enter a ‘network key’ – a series of numbers and letters – into the printer using the function buttons and screen on the printer in order to establish the connection between your printer and router.

Provided you haven't changed it, the network key will be in your router’s documentation, or on a label on the router.

What type of printer is it??

He's trying to connect without using a router

 

[bump]

What you need is one of these, they are a home router that is designed to use a 3g connection.

Used ZyXEL gear for years with no issues, ebuyer and dabs are good suppliers.

 

[gaz1]

the new sytems you dont need nothin but the wireless connection too them

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5801300_connect-printer-via-wifi.html

 

[bump]

the new sytems you dont need nothin but the wireless connection too them

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_5801300_connect-printer-via-wifi.html

You still need a central point for the wireless devices to connect to. Usually this is your modem/router in a SOHO environment, so to the casual user you won't actually notice it performing the internal routing function.