Hello,

I am working in a small research center in Greece, where
nobody knows much about networking, and a sketchy
computer guy comes to set up stuff and disappear
occasionally. We have a network problem, and I would
love to hear some suggestions.

We are using a single ADSL connection between all of us.
Some are hardwired, and others are networked wirelessly.
We have no dedicated central server of any sort; the
computer guy connected the printers (IP and non-IP) to a
particular desktop, and made a workgroup. So Windows
users look for a workgroup when adding a printer, and
Mac users just find the "Bonjour" (IP) printer (and just
don't mess with the other one, except for me since I know
how). So the situation is, network printing is down when
this particular laptop is turned off.

The issue here is, anytime somebody prints, it appears
that the entire wireless network drops during the process.
It is almost as though the printing command has some
sort of priority over any other connection, and temporarily
disables everything. Is this possible?

If so, what would be the workaround? Is the "workgroup"
the issue, or the way the network is set up? Can I change
the system without purchasing anything, or making a
small purchase? I'm afraid I don't know further details,
because the computer guy has the monopoly in this
region (middle-of-nowhere in Greece), and won't tell me
exactly how he set things up. Nobody else here knows
anything about computers, and are relying on me. Please
help!

The issue here is, anytime somebody prints, it appears that the entire wireless network drops during the process. It is almost as though the printing command has some sort of priority over any other connection, and temporarily disables everything. Is this possible?

It's likely that a big print job will basically hog all the available wireless bandwidth as it's transferring from the source to the printer. Wireless is never the best (or most reliable) solution. I imagine once the print job has transferred to the printer, normal bandwidth for wireless users resumes? If so, then that's likely the issue right there.

Other than upgrading your wireless, or changing everyone over to wired connections there's not a lot you can do about it.

I see - that makes a lot of sense. The fastest available
connection here is 1028 kbps - which is revolutionary here,
but obviously not elsewhere that would set up a network
connection for a large group...

Thank you for your reply.