Using open wifi

[GEH64]

I installed the printer software on my laptop which is connected to an unsecure open wifi connection in my apartment building. The printer successfully connected to the same wifi, but the computer won't recognize the printer. Can this setup work, or will I have to forget cloud printing?

[sabretooth04]

You NEVER want to connect your printer to an open WiFi connection.  This will allow others to find the printer and print gobs of paper and waste all your ink. 

Either set up a secure private LAN or use a USB cable.

[GEH64]

Thanks. Not withstanding the security issue, could it be done?

[sabretooth04]

Yes it should as long as your apartment is not using Enterprise Authentication.   If your computer connect to the network and does NOT ask for anything else to get on the Internet like username or password and any type of browser redirect, it should work.

[GEH64]

The wifi is open and not secured by password. The computer is connected and so is the printer. The name of the wifi is the same on both, but the computer will not connect to the printer. I've tried the trouble shooters and none work.

[sabretooth04]

What is the IP of the printer?

What is the IP of your computer?

[GEH64]

Computer: 10.52.102.134

Printer      : 10.52.103.60

Thanks

[sabretooth04]

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@GEH64 wrote:

Computer: 10.52.102.134

Printer      : 10.52.103.60

Thanks

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There is your problem.  Not on the same subnet.    Suspect one device may be on a guest network. 

Make and model of router?   Suspect this device is a gateway device also.

[GEH64]

This is all I can tell abut the access point device: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8GwQf5ZNsFGsSZTF3

The community where I live has several hotspots some of which are password secured. There is one open one called "guest" and that is what I use on my laptop, and also what the printer is showing it is connected to. 

[sabretooth04 · Accepted solution]

Not much you can do since you have no control over the network.  Both devices need to be on the same subnet in order to see each other.  Again, using an open network is bad.

Connect a USB cable to print.  Or you can create a private LAN here.  This will work and fix the issue.

Connect wireless printer anywhere, convert from wired, bypass failed radio, add WPA2 security.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Networking-and-Wireless/Connect-your-wireless-printer-when-away...