Connecting Brother MFC-7820N to a network with a USB printer

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Connecting Brother MFC-7820N to a network with a USB printer

Hey guys,

Currently we have an AirPort Extreme connected to an Epson Photosmart via USB, a PC via the ethernet port, and multiple Macs connected wirelessly. Currently the PC connects well, and the printer works (most of the time) very well. Now, we want to add a MFC, specifically the Brother MFC-7820N. Preferably we would like to have both the Brother and the Epson connected at the same time, with the option to print to either one. However, for this to work, I think we would have to disconnect the PC from the ethernet port. So, here are my two questions:
1) Would the Brother MFC work as a wireless printing option if plugged in to the ethernet port simultaneously with the Epson in the USB
2) Would there be any way to have the PC connected (for instance connecting a cheap bridge to the ethernet port of the AirPort, plugging the computer into one and the Brother into the other) to the network at the same time as the Brother and the Epson, or would we have to buy a wireless adapter for the PC.

Thanks so much,

Sid

Posted on Oct 3, 2005 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

Henry B.

Level 9

78,731 points

Oct 3, 2005 8:50 AM in response to Sid Mandelbaum

The best (and also the correct) way to set this up is for you to buy an inexpensive 4-port ethernet switch (NOT a router!). That should cost you around $30 at any computer shop.

Then cable to separate ports on the ethernet switch:
- the LAN port of the Base Station
- the PC's ethernet port
- the printer's ethernet port

This will all "just work". There is no need to change any of the configuration settings on the Base Station.

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