Using a Netgear WAG54G as a range extender, print server or both!!

[markwithey]

Hi

I'm a newbie so please don't mock my small brain! I have Orange Unlimited broadband with a livebox. I live next to the exchange so download speed is always decent. However...

I have recently been given a Netgear WAG54G Router Gateway. The Livebox is located downstairs so ideally i'd love to be able to use the Netgear as some sort of range expander - is this possible?

...on a separate issue, the Netger can live next to my printer upstairs and i'm wondering if it could somehow connect to my Epson Colour R800 and be used as a print server.

If anyone can shed any light on these issues i'd be so very grateful as i'd not be in with a chance otherwise!!

Many many many thanks,

Mark :)

[PrntRhd]

Well, a wireless router is not the same thing as a print server so I don't think that will work for you, but if you have a TCP/IP printer you can print as a local printer via the wireless router.
That Epson R800 is a USB printer, so it won't print directly from the Ethernet based wireless router.
The wireless router may be able to be configured in bridge mode, which may give you the extender function you desire.

[markwithey]

Right -so the print server idea is out. That's ok...but the range extender is possible.

I know I can set the Linksys to Bridged, not that I know what that is, but how might I go about turning it into a range expander in that way?

Any tips extremely welcome!!

[david eaton]

A Livebox! vade retro sathanas! I would suggest using the netgear router, and storing the livebox ( I have one here under the desk, still in the original packing)
The netgear router is easier to setup, and will work with almost any other wireless card, unlike the livebox which can only talk to the ones that orange supply (at inflated prices) so using the netgear as a range expander does not seem to be probable.

[markwithey]

Oh right.

I tried plugging the Netgear into the phoneline but it wouldn't seem to connect as i'm guessing everything is set up on the comp for Orange. Do you guys know what settings i'd need to change on the Netgear to make it work on the Orange Unlimited line?

Many thanks in advance!!

[johnny_quest]

to share the printer:

connect it normally to a "main" computer (that will always be on in order to print through). Right click on the printer icon, properties, "share this printer", thats the easiest way. you'll be able to browse for network printers from the other computers and install it.

[bassman]

I'm a newbie so please don't mock my small brain!
:D You won't get that around here. I did a bit of diggin around Netgear's site only to find that a WAG54G (http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=WAG54G&btnG=Google+Search) is actualy a Linksys. With that said, reading the manual for this product on setting up as a bridge will be your best source of info. At some point you are also going to have a conversation with the folks at "Orange" as to whether they allow this type of configuration. I am not aware of this company or their services, but they sound pretty stuffy and proprietery.

Not sure if that helps :rolleyes: