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New Visitor
Posts: 1
Registered: ‎08-25-2003

For Experts only - Can't ping network printer

I just installed my comcast connection. It's working fine. I have my computer, the cable modem, and my HP laser printer (using a network card) all connected through an ethernet hub.

I can no longer see my printer. It worked fine before I added the cable modem and the comcast install.

I tried pinging the printer's address without success. I tried using the HP jetdirect software and it can't see the printer's HW address, where it could previously. All the link lights are on. I've tried cycling on and off numerous times without success.

I have another computer attached to the hub (not using comcast) and it can see the printer without any problem. Also the 2 computers can no longer ping each other.

Suggestions?
Regular Contributor
Posts: 62
Registered: ‎07-26-2003

Re: For Experts only - Can't ping network printer

Do you have a firewall? If you do that may be your problem. Check documentation for settings.
New Visitor
Posts: 4
Registered: ‎08-27-2003

Re: For Experts only - Can't ping network printer

OK... Let me get this straight...

Your setup is like this:

<=> Cable Modem
|
|
<=> HUB
|
|
+-------+-----------+
| | |
| | |
Printer {=} PC (=) Other Devices

If this is the case then this could be the reason why you can't see the printer...

*> Unless you change the Printer to DHCP it will not get a new IP address that will be in the same network as your PC. And "NO" you should not just give it a static address in the scope as you will cause issues upstream on your segment. The recommended configuration for what you're trying to do would be more like:

<=> Cable Modem
|
|
<=> SOHO FW
|
| Hub
+------<=>----------+
| | |
| | |
Printer {=} PC (=) Other Devices

In this case the SOHO firewall will get the Comcast Public IP and then hand out internal DHCP addresses for your internal elements. It will also protect you from all of the nasty teenies out there with more mad skillz than $3n$3. Yes, they really are out to get you.

- MichaelE (Chief Geek : www.phillyshipyard.com)
Networking Expert
Baric
Posts: 24,231
Registered: ‎07-28-2003

Re: For Experts only - Can't ping network printer

I'd make a further refinement, replace the SOHO FW and HUB with a 4 port Cable/DSL Router (example: Linksys BEFSR41). In has a built in firewall, 4 port 10/100 ethernet switch, NAT, and DHCP server. Set each device to get an IP via DHCP and just make sure Comcast knows the router's MAC address, or clone the MAC fo the working system into the router. There are wireless versions of the above as well.
New Visitor
Posts: 5
Registered: ‎08-28-2003

Re: For Experts only - Can't ping network printer

You should not need to replace the hub. Just make sure your firewall on your PC is off and you should be able to see the printer.