Wireless connection to printer

[berniemac2]

According to setup infomation the computer is connected to the same network SSID as the printer but when the printer setup wizard attempts to make a wireless connection between them, an error comes back saying they are connected to different networks.  One network address is 10.0.0.0 which seems to be correct but the other is 176.0.0.0 which is the address of the Netgear router rather than the wireless network with the specified SSID.  The router is the one providing connections for network with the SSID specified by both the computer and the printer so why doesn't the connection work?

[sabretooth04]

Do you have a separate modem and separate router?

[berniemac2]

There are two routers.  One is provided by a Telecom and is a combination wireless router that provides television, DSL and phone service and has a fixed SSID and password that I cannot change.  The other is a Netgear wireless router that I can change the SSID, password, and address.  The Netgear router is connected to the Telecom router with an ethernet cable so the signal out of the Netgear Router passes through the Hawaiian Telecom router before reaching the Netgear Router.  This was done because the Telecom router did not provide sufficient signal strength to work throughout the residence.  The system was configured this way by the Telecom's technicians.  The confusing thing for me is that the SSID and PW of the Telecom's router is completely different from that of the Netgear Router and so is the address.  When I connect the computer to the network I use the same SSID and Password as used with the printer and both list the same network SSID when they connect to the network.  However, when the network connection fails, the error message indicates they are connected to different networks and shows the address discrepancy I provided in the request for help.  One address is that of the Netgear router itself (176.16.0.0).  the other seems to be the address of the printer (10.0,0.0). and neither address is that of the Telecom's router.   Even though I can change the address of the Netgear router, I don't understand enough about how this works to know whether or not I should change it or what it should be changed to.  The computer, sans the printer, connects to the network without any difficulty and works without any problem with the printer when connected via a USB cable but it would be more convenient to be able to access it over the network.  Also, I'm having exactly the same wireless connection problem when I try to connect to either of two other computers that are in the residence.  The last point is that there is also a an Epson printer in the residence which works with the three computers and network without any particular problem.

[berniemac2]

Sorry I just reread the question and the answer is both routers are combined with modems.

[sabretooth04]

Make and model number of all network equipment.   Please diagram your connections.

Please explain this.

The Netgear router is connected to the Telecom router with an ethernet cable so the signal out of the Netgear Router passes through the Hawaiian Telecom router before reaching the Netgear Router.

[berniemac2]

Telecom's Modem/router combo - Pace HGV3801

Personal Modem/router combo - Netgear WNR2000v2

Pace Modem/router has three inputs - one is a coaxial TV style cable and provides DSL and TV.  Another is a phone line  connection.  The third is an ethernet connection which is not usually connected to anything.  I believe it can be used by the telecom to test the Pace Modem/router.

Pace Modem/router has four ethernet output connectors plus wireless.  One connects to TV.  One connects to Cisco model ISB7050 settop box provided by telecom and controls TV channels etc.  One connects to a DVD player.  One connects to one of the computers but disconnecting it makes no difference to the printer difficulties.  The fourth connects from one of the ethernet output connectors to the input of the Netgear Modem/router.

Netgear Modem/router has four ethernet output connectors plus wireless.  The input is connected to the Pace modem/router.  The ethernet outputs are not connected to any other device.

Question:  If this is a bad setup, why does the Epson wireless printer work but the HP printer does not?  The HP printer is in the same room as both modem/routers and located only 12 feet away while the Epson printer is located 50 feet away  and on the other side of two very thick concrete walls.

Answer to request for explanation about setup.  As noted previously, the Netgear Modem/router is only used to provide increased wireless signal  strength.  I already had the Netgear Modem/router when the telecom was contracted with by the homeowner's association.  I did not have an RF amplifier.

[berniemac2]

My guess is that something became corrupted in the HP 309a printer and I don't know how to fix it.

[sabretooth04]

Well you are running a double NAT situation (both units trying to give out DHCP addresses). First all Gateway devices (modem+router combo) units are terrible for wireless connectivity. I have all but given up trouble shooting these units. You are are trying to run one gateway as an extender.   Being that they are both gateway devices, this really is not what I would do.

This is what I would do, take it or leave it.

The Pace gateway unit should be put in full bridge mode.  This will disable the wireless and router portion retaining the other functions.

Now go buy a high quality router only.  Not a gateway device.  Connect this to your Pace unit and use this new router for all your wired and wireless devices.

[berniemac2]

Thank you for taking the time to elaborate and I gather you don't think thare is anything wrong with the HP printer even though the Epson printer works fine with the current setup.  There are a couple of issues for me.  One is that the Pace unit belongs to the telecom and I cannot personally change it.  Also, the telecom  wants in excess of $150 to visit and make any changes so I would prefer not to go that way.  I can remove the Netgear unit though and replace it with an RF amplifier for about the same cost.  Maybe I'll try that first.

Thanks again for your help.

[sabretooth04 · Accepted solution]

You can do bridge mode yourself.   You have every right to configure your gateway device from your ISP

Here is the manual.

www.danwilsonsoftware.com/dl/3801HGV.Manual.pdf

Bridge mode is supported.