Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

Trying to create two networks with 2 switches, 2 modems, 1 shared printer

Tags:
  • Networking
  • Cable
  • Computers
  • Printers
  • Modem
  • Shared Printer
Last response: in Networking
Share
September 30, 2014 3:32:04 PM

I work in a public library and we have 12 computers- 8 of them are for public use, and 4 of them for staff use. Currently, all computers are on one network, using two PPoE switches, and one printer. This has worked ok for a while, but now that we have more people using the public computers, especially kids playing games, it is sucking our bandwidth to the point where the staff can't work at times. So it was suggested we add another cable modem, and split the computers into 8 public on one switch, one cable modem, and the 4 staff computers on the other switch/ cable modem. The problem is that we all need to share the one printer we have. What would be the easiest and most cost-effective way to do this? If we didn't need to share the printer, it wouldn't be a problem.

More about : create networks switches modems shared printer

September 30, 2014 4:03:24 PM

If you can tolerate fixed ip configurations on the 4 staff machines you can run both modems/router on the same network If for example you current router is at 192.168.1.1 you could put in a second modem at 192.168.1.250 (some number out of the dhcp pool range of the first). You would disable the DHCP on the second router. You would then put static ip on the 4 staff machines lets say 192.168.1.200-192.168.1.203 and set a default gateway of 192.168.1.250. Very technically the public machines could use this other connection if they know the ip but you would need admin access to change it.

If you can't live with manual configuration then you can buy a dual wan router but you still must tell the router how to identify the 4 staff machines...maybe mac address...so it know which to send out the other internet connection.
September 30, 2014 4:07:06 PM

wouldnt it be cheaper for the library to just up their bandwidth rather than add a 2nd 'line'? I know for my residential I can got to 50Mb/'s for another 20 but to add another 'line' it would be $40/month.
Related resources
September 30, 2014 4:22:07 PM

We talked about increasing bandwidth, but the ISP said the kids playing the games would just suck that bandwidth up also, which makes sense. They are giving us one of the modems and service for free, so we would only be paying for the one, so actually for us, it is cheaper to do it with 2 modems.
September 30, 2014 7:43:44 PM

Nice!
October 1, 2014 9:04:51 AM

Every library I've seen blocks games and even things like facebook, so it's interesting that you guys allow that on the network.

For the printer, aside from simply getting a second one which is not too pricy and you may even get an older one donated for free, you can get an external print server that runs off the USB or parallel connection. Just configure the IP on that print sever for the second network and it will work just fine with two network connections.

http://www.newegg.com/Network-Print-Servers/SubCategory...

I have used the HP JetDirect stuff, and used off ebay those things go for very cheap, like 1/4 or less of new price which can be $100 or more for the HP equipment.

October 1, 2014 5:49:38 PM

Since they will be using two separate cable modems, it would be like trying to print from my house to your house. Setting the ip address to the first network isnt going to work without something bridging the networks.
A cheap printer would be the cost efficient answer I believe.
next up would be a smart switch setup with the printer is on its own Vlan and each routers lan cannot access the other. This should be do-able in the under $100 range I think.
October 1, 2014 7:56:12 PM

popatim said:
Since they will be using two separate cable modems, it would be like trying to print from my house to your house. Setting the ip address to the first network isnt going to work without something bridging the networks.
A cheap printer would be the cost efficient answer I believe.
next up would be a smart switch setup with the printer is on its own Vlan and each routers lan cannot access the other. This should be do-able in the under $100 range I think.


It will be a multi-homed printer. Two network cards, two separate IPs possible, even if they are totally different networks. A single NIC won't work, but they can add another one with an external network print server along with the one they have now.
October 2, 2014 12:13:54 AM

Ok, I see where your going. Thanks.
!