Networking Wired (4 Desktops) + Wireless (Laptop) + Linksys WRT54GC

Hi, I have 4 desktops hooked up to my router using cables, and I have my laptop using wireless internet from the router.

I have a printer that connect to my Main desktop, in which the other 3 desktops can print from it.

Obviously the Laptop cannot print because my router doesn't have a port for the printer.

I was wondering if I am able to create or connect my laptop to the network I already have with my 4 desktops without using cables. So I want my laptop to connect to my Wired Network, Wirelessly since the router is able to transmit wireless internet signal i am hoping it can also work for the network as well.

I do not wish to get a wireless card for my desktop, but I have a feeling I would need it to to create this network I need.

Also what about getting a Router with a Printer port, would my Laptop be able to print with the existing network setup I have? Or would I need to do more?

Thanks in advance,

MysticGolem

 

If I am guessing what you're talking about, use the "Wireless Network Setup Wizard." See if that works. If you don't know where that is it is located in "Control Panel."

 

Well, if you're already able to print to the printer from the wired computers not connected to it, then you already have it shared out.

Can you see the wired desktops in your "My Network Places"? If so, go to the computer that the printer is physically connected to, right click the printer, and click on Connect. You'll have to have the drivers available if it can't use a standard Windows print driver.

 

what you have already is all you need. The wireless network that the laptop is connecting to is the same network that the wired computers are one.

As long as it is connected wirelessly to the router than just treat it like any of the computers that are plugged in sharing the printer already.

 

Yah, the printer is already shared, so it seems all if have to do is put the laptop in the same network name right? Or should I, need to run the Wireless Network Setup Wizard?

So if that gets the printing to work, after I install the printer drivers into the laptop.

What about file sharing, and synchronizing certain folders. I have shared all 4 of my desktops to each other, now I want to share all 4 desktops with my laptop and the laptop to each of the desktops.

I am thinking that after doing the Wireless Network Wizard, I would be able to do so. Meaning I can transfer files from my laptop, it would reach the router wirelessly, and then from the router to my desktop through the network cable. Does this sound right?

Thanks for your help

MysticGolem

 

The Wireless Network Wizard sets up your wireless connection. If you're already on the wireless network, that's unnecessary.

Make sure your laptop is in the same workgroup as your desktops. Easier to find each other then.

I put up a post yesterday with some links to setting up folder sharing.

 

Excellent thanks, I've tested wireless file transfers from my desktop to my laptop, finished a 700mb movie in 7-8 minutes and also printed from the laptop. This is really neat not having to transfer files from my laptop to my desktop to print.

Now my laptop is truly autonomous.

Thanks,

MysticGolem

 

Glad to help out, MysticGolem.