Share Copier with two networks
I have two networks in one closet for a small shared office. there are two internet connections going to WiFi. There is one copier that the two offices want to share. I need to know the best way for the two networks to share the printer but keep the networks separate. Could I connect a L2 router to the two current wifi routers and direct traffic that way?
John
If the networks are truly separate and you wish to keep it that way, it is probably easiest to connect the two networks by IPsec VPN.
ASKER
they are on two different sub nets 10,8.0.1 and 192.168.1.1 could I just use a routing? the copier is set to 192.168.1.20 and route the 10.8 network somehow to use the copier?
When you route across networks like that, you just connect the two networks. So that will present a security issue. If you are not concerned you could try it. I have not connected two different networks without VPN.
If IPSEC is too complicated, you can also just place a spare PC in either on of the networks (assuming both LAN are seperate networks, seperate IP segments).
This spare PC has 2 NICs (for both LANs), and has ONLY ONE function, to share the printer for the other LAN. (One NIC to connect to the copier, one NIC to share to the other LAN).
This spare PC has 2 NICs (for both LANs), and has ONLY ONE function, to share the printer for the other LAN. (One NIC to connect to the copier, one NIC to share to the other LAN).
ASKER
Do you have an example of hardware and config needed for the vpn to work.
In this situation, I use a Cisco RV320, RV340 VPN router. You need one for each Office and then set up the tunnel.
If you have not done this, it is a bit complicated. Then you need to work out Printer/Scanner functions.
Along the lines suggested above, put an HP All in One Printer/Scanner in one office and use the Copier in the other office. People could physically go to the copier to make volume copies. A good HP OfficeJet printer can make copies too.
This may be the easiest solution of all.
If you have not done this, it is a bit complicated. Then you need to work out Printer/Scanner functions.
Along the lines suggested above, put an HP All in One Printer/Scanner in one office and use the Copier in the other office. People could physically go to the copier to make volume copies. A good HP OfficeJet printer can make copies too.
This may be the easiest solution of all.
just put the printer in a shared vlan for both offices. and youre done. keep it simple
Ideally we should check some background info before making recommendations as there are a lot of factors here.
I.E.
Why are there two separate networks? it is even viable to link the two regardless of how it is achieved at a technical level?
Are there any existing devices/systems that are shared between both?
What are the subnets used on each network?
What make/model is the printer/copier? does it have a network connection (or two?)
What firewalls/routers do you use one each network.
There may be some simple options available here but I'd like to check the above before making assumptions.
I.E.
Why are there two separate networks? it is even viable to link the two regardless of how it is achieved at a technical level?
Are there any existing devices/systems that are shared between both?
What are the subnets used on each network?
What make/model is the printer/copier? does it have a network connection (or two?)
What firewalls/routers do you use one each network.
There may be some simple options available here but I'd like to check the above before making assumptions.
To amplify a prior comment, put the printer on its on vlan and share this vlan.
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