How to Hook Up a Printer Through a Wireless Modem
By Michaele Curtis
Updated September 26, 2017
Networking your printer is a way to enable wireless printing on a non-wireless printer. Your wireless modem broadcasts an Internet connection, and by connecting your printer to the modem, any computer that has access to the wireless connection has access to the printer. This means that you can have multiple computers in your home or office connect to one printer without having to physically connect to it.
Verify that your wireless modem is broadcasting an Internet connection. Connect your printer to the wireless modem through the Ethernet ports on the back of each machine.
Click “Start” on your computer to view the Start menu. Click “Devices and Printers” from the right side of the menu. Click “Add a printer” to open the printer installation wizard.
Click “Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer.” Select the printer make and model from the list of available printers. Click “Next.”
Click “Install drivers” if prompted. Select “Use the driver that is currently installed” if given the choice to use an installed driver or download another one.
Select whether to share the printer on your home network. Click “Next.” Check the box to make the printer the default if you want your computer to automatically select this printer when you are within range. Click “Finish.”
Items you will need
Ethernet cable
Wireless-enabled computer
Tips
Remember that your computer will only have access to this printer when it is within range of the wireless modem.
Warnings
There may be variations on these instructions depending on your brand and model of wireless modem and printer. If you have trouble completing the setup, consult your user guide or the equipment manufacturer.
References
Writer Bio
Michaele Curtis began writing professionally in 2001. As a freelance writer for the Centers for Disease Control, Nationwide Insurance and AT&T Interactive, her work has appeared in "Insurance Today," "Mobiles and PDAs" and "Curve Magazine." Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication from Louisiana State University.