Problem creating a mixed network of network printers, Macs and PCs Airport Extreme
Hi
I have just purchased an Airport Extreme and Draytec 1300 router to replace my ageing Linksys router modem. My problem is that our broadband connection is very slow in our SOHO network of 4 Macbook airs 2 Imacs, 3 legacy windows 7 PCs and 2 network printers an HP 9500 mfp and Panasonic DPC 264. Before the conversion, all PCs and Macs could print from all printers and scan from them albeit slowly as well as see and connect to each other. The Linksys provides DCHP to all devices there are no static IP addresses. My intention was to install a second router and load balance the two routers manually using fixed IP addresses for the ethernet attached devices using a second Gateway address to the second broadband connection and allowing the wireless connected Macbook Airs to use the first Gateway - a form of DIY bonding.
But way before I have got to those complexities I cannot get the network set up to work properly. I have tried replicating what I have with DCHP from the Airport Extreme - which is dead easy to set up and whilst the computers can see each other (and connect to the internet) no computer can connect to either printer. They both are present and visible - using either DCHP or providing a fixed IP from the AE. But I cannot even log into the embedded printer websie using either method. When you reinstall the drivers they instantly install but when you try to print to either printer they just pause and as for receipt of scanned images - no chance!
I had thought it could be a IP address /subnet mask issue but the subnet is 255.255.255.0 for all devices and all have DCHP in the range 10.0.1.XX under DCHP or you can manually assign IP addresses outside the DCHP range 10.0.1.2XX using the MAC addresses.
The whole office ground to a halt when the AE was installed, but as soon as I put the old linksys back everything returned magically to normal. Given that is the only thing I need to change to get the system working again, there must be a setting or something I am doing incorrectly in the AE - but there aren't that many options - shall I send the thing back or can it manually be configured to work? Is it suitable for this application or is it a toy for home video streaming only??