Connect to a wired LAN network and to Broadband MiFi through WiFi

yernubear

Reputable
Oct 13, 2014
2
0
4,510
We have an office at a remote site. We connect to broadband via Verizon MiFI 5510L. No problem there.

We also have a wireless router (Cisco Linksys EA3500) to which we have printer(s) connected to (wired LAN).

I can WiFi to Cisco router to print, but lose internet and vice versa.

Tried to plug my computer into the router (using switch ports) while connected via WiFI to MiFi. Internet connection is unavailable as soon as I connect.

If I plug the MiFI into USB on my laptop in Tether mode I can get internet access on the Cisco router and use the printers. But if my laptop is not present, the connection is broken.

Have not tried (dont have the adapter, if one is even made) to connect MiFI in tehter mode via USB to the uplink (internet port) on the Cisco router. Would that work? Probably a non starter, as MiFI is battery powered through USB. Connected to router via an adapter would probably not provide power.

How can I accomplish what I am trying to do?

Thanks,

Ernie
 

kanewolf

Titan
Moderator
Assuming that you want everything that the MiFi can control to have printer access, you would configure the Cisco as a wireless bridge -- If you get this configured then the Cisco will WIRELESSLY connect to the MiFi and so will your laptop. You should then be able to print wirelessly.
 

yernubear

Reputable
Oct 13, 2014
2
0
4,510
Thanks for the suggestion.

I switched the EA3500 to Bridge Mode. I got a warning that I would lose the capability to log into the admin console wirelessly, and only thtough the IP address. I had set it to 192.168.1.2 to differentiate if from the Mifi (192.168.1.1). Now, even wired up to it, 192.168.1.2 will not respond. Tried this before I recall with the same effect.

Had to reset the router.

Any other ideas? I saw some traffic on the web about DD-WRT, but my router is not listed as one that can be reconfigured.

Oh, I forgot to mention this. We started by trying to connect the printers wirelessly to the MiFi along with other users. It worked fine until the printer goes to sleep. When it does, it's sleeping beauty time. It will not wake up, it locks up. Requires unplugging and rebooting the printer. Hence the desire to link the router to the MiFi.