Router & Printer problems

S

Siriusguy

Registered
I am running a Mac pwerbook G4 though a wireless router (Network Solutions) and a USB hub. My cable modem feeds the router/switch, which inturn feeds my VOIP and other 2 macs. Through my hub I have an espons c60 printer as well as a Brother HL 1435 laser printer.

If I print through the Epson everything works fine. If I print through the laser printer, I lose my Internet contectivity and I have to either wait or reboot the router. My cable supplier states all is well with my connection and my moden is rock solid I am told.

Any idea of how a printer on a USB hub can take down my connectivity?

Thanks
 
How is each device connected? By this, I mean which devices are connected wireless? Which devices are connected via Ethernet? Which devices are connected via USB? Also, what is your communications protocol between your Mac and each printer?
 
I am conncented via a USB 4 port hub. Only my interenet is wireless. My hub carries my epson printer, my brother laser printer and my scanner. I am not sure of what my protocal is. As stated I use a USB port to print.
 
My cable modem is plugged into my wireless cable/DSL Router with 4 port switch. My laptop is connected wirelessly and my USB hub is hard wire plugged into my laptop.
 
Hey, Siriusguy!

I've had the same problem for a few years and it was driving me and my wife nuts. But I found you can fix the problem by connecting your laser printer to a long extension cord that you run to another electric wall outlet on another circuit (probably in another room). Make sure it's a heavy duty cord that will handle the power safely.

I've been having the same problem for awhile. I finally figured out that my powerful laser printer is causing a power "sag" in the house electrical circuit that feeds my home office (where all my equipment is). It's all on the same circuit breaker. Whenever I print with my laser printer the sag temporarily knocks out my cable modem (and dims the lights in my office). I even have my cable modem and router plugged into an uninterruptible power supply that comes on if the power drops or goes out. But the problem still happens.

I've since found in research that laser printers draw a lot of current (as do hair dryers, vacuum cleaners and refrigerators). To make it worse, laser printers cycle through regular warm ups to always be ready to print for you. This can cause the sag problem too.

After you plug in your laser printer elsewhere you can verify that you are on another circuit by printing and observing whether your problem is solved. Another way to figure out if you're on a different circuit is to turn off the individual circuit breakers in your circuit box and see if your cable modem and laser printer both go off at the same time when you turn off the circuit.

Good luck with it and let me know if this worked for you too.

Best Regards!

-- Mike Gates


Siriusguy said:
I am running a Mac pwerbook G4 though a wireless router (Network Solutions) and a USB hub. My cable modem feeds the router/switch, which inturn feeds my VOIP and other 2 macs. Through my hub I have an espons c60 printer as well as a Brother HL 1435 laser printer.

If I print through the Epson everything works fine. If I print through the laser printer, I lose my Internet contectivity and I have to either wait or reboot the router. My cable supplier states all is well with my connection and my moden is rock solid I am told.

Any idea of how a printer on a USB hub can take down my connectivity?

Thanks
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