Is it possible to be connected with a 3G modem for internet access and a WiFi router for printer sharing at the same time?

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Level 1

4 points

Is it possible to be connected with a 3G modem for internet access and a WiFi router for printer sharing at the same time?

For our only internet access we have a 3G wireless modem. I have since purchased a WiFi printer and router to connect all the comptuters to in the house. The PCs have no problem with using both the 3G connection and the WiFi signal at the same time to print, however, the MacBook Pro will not connect to the 3G network and the router, it will drop the internet access from the modem and attempt to connect via WiFi (which has no internet access). Is there a solution that is available to remedy this? I attempted to create an adhoc printer network, however, the macbooks again will not print off of this, only the PCs. And I'm getting a bit frustrated overall with this.

MacBook Pro-OTHER, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Mar 27, 2012 1:59 PM

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Answer 1

wjosten

Level 10

95,429 points

Mar 27, 2012 2:21 PM in response to wirunner

Help me understand this setup...you've got a 3G Modem putting out a WiFi Hotspot, correct? You've also got a router putting out a WiFi Hotspot, correct? If that's the case, are these two different networks? If so, I don't understand how your PC's are connecting to both networks at the same time. Please explain.

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Answer 2

ds store

Level 7

30,855 points

Mar 27, 2012 2:25 PM in response to wirunner

The 3G wireless modem is on one of the PC's correct?

Why don't you pass the Internet through the Ethernet port to the router via Cat5 cable, then have that transmit a Wifi signal that everything else can use, then connect the printer to the router for print sharing?

You would have to turn off the wifi on the comptuer with the 3G modem as it's physically connected to the router and can't connect to the other machines as they are all connected to the router for sharing.

The Mac has the ability to pass, Internet Sharing in the System Preferences.

Do you have software for the Mac to run the 3G modem?

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Answer 3

wirunner Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2012 2:38 PM in response to wirunner

We do not have a 3G hot spot. Each computer has access to the internet via only a USB modem.

The modem connects to whichever computer it is plugged into via USB. The PCs are able to use the 3G internet connection (via a dialer software from the carrier) as well as print over WiFi. The macs will connect via the 3G internet connection (also via the dialer software from the carrier) but will drop the internet connection when trying to print.

Right now I can't even get the macs to print over the ad-hoc wifi network that the printer created.

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Answer 4

wjosten

Level 10

95,429 points

Mar 27, 2012 2:48 PM in response to wirunner

I suspect when you use the 3G Modem with your Mac, it creates a new location & by default disables all other network interfaces. Have you tried adding the WiFi interface to the 3G location?

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Answer 5

wirunner Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2012 2:52 PM in response to wjosten

i have no clue how to do that (or what that is). On a scale of 1-10 on mac knowledge, i'm still trying to find the right mouse button.

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Answer 6

wjosten

Level 10

95,429 points

Mar 27, 2012 3:01 PM in response to wirunner

Click the WiFi Fan in your menu bar, click "Open Network Preferences". Under location, what does it show & what's listed on the left. I suspect if both the 3G Modem & Wifi are both listed under the same location, your problem will be solved.

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Answer 7

wirunner Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2012 3:15 PM in response to wjosten

they both are listed there. However, when I am connected to the internet via the modem, and go to print on WiFi it still drops the connection to the modem in favour of the wifi connection.

I've discovered that it is quick to switch back, but is quite frustrating needing to do so. I've also moved the modem to being top priority on the list, it was last before, this didn't seem to help.

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Answer 8

wjosten

Level 10

95,429 points

Mar 27, 2012 3:21 PM in response to wirunner

Try creating a new location, call it Test. Click on Edit Locations, then the "+" sign, add a new location called test. Then connect your 3G Modem, then add the WiFi.

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Answer 9

wirunner Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 27, 2012 3:29 PM in response to wjosten

i'm not sure what i did, but I removed all the locations and then added them in, put the modem on top, and the wifi on the bottom. I think i'll just get an external hard drive to network instead of trying to do a file share.

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