Making a network capable printer into a wireless capable printer.

[Lemon law]

Since I live in a rural area have no hard wired broadband internet options like DSL, Cable, FIOS, or uverse, my remaining options are dial up, satellite, or 3G or 4G data plans. For what its worth, my area has been finally become 4G capable with Verizon LTE. Its the same price as I had before 3G, except speeds have increased from an average of 700kbits/sec down to about 10mbits/sec down with 4G.

My network set up is as follows. I have a verizon 4620L jetpack MIFI modem, which is a basic modem plus a wireless N. router that can wireless connect up to 10 wireless capable devices. I have 2 XP pro desktop computers that I have made into wireless capable by adding a USB receiver. In addition I have two wireless capable laptops, one running Vista and the other one running windows 7. One desktop is connected by USB cable to a network ready but not wireless capable Brother MFC 7820N laser printer. Leaving the Ethernet port of the 7820N still free. The other desktop is connected via USB to a non-chipped Canon inkjet I refill dirt cheap. Leaving both laptops unconnected via hard wire to any printer at all

So I ask, is there any economical way to make the brother 7820N into a wireless device so the laptops can print to it. Or alternately hard wire them to the brother printer using the Ethernet Port? Would I need a crossover cable or a patch cable?

Any help appreciated.

 

[JackMDS]

In your specifc case since you have already a Network capable printer, the best solution is to get an inexpensive Wireless Router that cam be flashed with DD-WRT and configures as Wireless bridge.

This will provide you with a 4 ports Switch that makes the Network and Internet available through wires to the printer and other Network devices.

Example, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833320066

http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Client_Bridged

 

[superccs]

Just set up the printer to be shared on the PC its connected to. It should then be available on the wireless network.

 

[Nuwave]

Just set up the printer to be shared on the PC its connected to. It should then be available on the wireless network.

This is also a possibility but you then have to have that PC on anytime you wanted to print. That may or may not be a problem.

Jack's solution is what I would recommend as well, and eliminates the requirement to have the PC the printer is connected to turned on.

 

[her209]

What JackMDS said.

 

[VirtualLarry]

There's no ethernet jacks on the MiFi device?

 

[Lemon law]

There's no ethernet jacks on the MiFi device?

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Correct Virtual Larry.