Crazy weird setup for mesh and wired network trying to print

[cinimodphoto]

Okay, so this is a strange one and I hope this gets helped. I am currently jobless and have no money, so suggesting I buy new ones or get switches or other routers or whatever is a NO GO. I have limited knowledge with networking terms but still understand what to do if I get basic help. So here we go.

I have a Canon printer (Canon G3060) which is wireless only. I currently have a CBR2-T 6 port 10gbps Modem/Router combo from Comcast, I have a Nest Wifi router (Model Number H2D) and it is wired directly to the CBR, I also have upstairs a Nest Wifi Point. With all that said the setup is as follows [Primary work computer wired directly to CBR into port 1 using CAT 7, then there are 2 PCs, 1 Mac and 2 smart TVs all using CAT 7 plugged into ports 2-6] I have 3 PCs, 6 mobile devices, 1 ecobee thermostat and 4 smart TVs wirelessly connected using the Nest Wifi as the wifi. The reason I did this is cause the CBR2-T wifi SUCKS ROYALLY, however the computers plugged into the CBR directly are there cause I transfer a lot of files using the 10 gbps network.  The Canon printer is connected via wifi over the Nest Wifi. 

Now the issue is, all the computers that are WIRED to the CBR directly are unable to see the printer to print to it. All the devices connected via wifi are able to connect to it. I am able to connect the printer to the wifi from the CBR but then that means the wifi devices in the house do not see the printer, my primary work PC does not have a wifi card or adapter either. 

So my question is, without having to buy stuff is there a way I can configure all of this so that all the devices (wired and wireless) can see the printer and use it?

My Primary Work Computer specs - 
Windows 11 Pro 64 bit
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X, 32gb ram, x470 gaming pro MB, RTX 2060 and over 22 TB of different storage, primary OS is on a 2TB PNY M.2
All drivers are up-to-date and software required for printing also updated

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @cinimodphoto .

The issue is because you have two routers managing traffic, each with their own network. The devices connected to the Comcast device are on one network and the other ones are on the Nest Wifi network. There is no way to get the two networks to see each other without commercial grade equipment in the mix and some advanced configurations. You will likely also create a Double NAT situation which is going to cause more problems.

If you are getting 10Gbps download from Comcast then removing it or bridging it to the Nest Wifi is not going to get those speeds and you'll need to stick with their equipment. If you are on more like a 1-2Gbps plan, there shouldn't be any issues as long as the setup is done properly. If the 10Gbps is an internal speed Comcast device speed then it is highly likely you are not getting those since most devices aren't capable and will negotiate a slower speed instead.

Basically, either the Comcast device will have to be bridged with no routing or Wifi enabled or removed altogether and let the Nest Wifi handle everything or you'll just have to use the Comcast device itself. 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

[cinimodphoto]

Thank you for replying. As for the 10 Gpbs that is only transfer speed on the network, my internet speed is only 400 Mbps, I keep the wired systems on the 10 Gpbs network so that they can transfer files between each other cause I do a lot of video and photo transfer between computers. 

If I turn bridge mode on, on the Comcast CBR does that shut off the wired systems or just the wifi? Cause turning on Bridge mode is easy. 

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @cinimodphoto .

The Comcast CBR will need to have Wifi and routing disabled (if separate options) and then put into bridge mode. This will put the CBR into "modem only" mode and pass the internet connection to the Nest Wifi and will make the 10Gbps ports unusable.

Unless your internal devices are capable of 10Gbps, which most are not, and your cable connections between the devices support the same you are only getting the maximum speeds the devices can negotiate. The CBR may have 10Gbps ports but the speed is limited by what the devices and cabling are capable of. The CBR was originally deployed for business only use and then moved to consumer use later in the year. Unfortunately, you are not going to get 10Gbps internally unless you have the devices and cabling that support it; if Comcast told you otherwise, they were telling you a big lie.

Hope this helps.

[cinimodphoto]

That is the thing I have the devices and the cables. I run CAT 7 through the house, I have PCs and a Mac that can support those speeds or at least around it. The Nest Router only has 1 Ethernet port so I have to keep the CBR off bridge mode, so ultimately it seems I wont be able to print from the wired for now. 

[PatrickP_Viking · Accepted solution]

Hey @cinimodphoto .

In order for you to get 10Gbps speeds, both devices have to be capable of the 10Gbps speed and the network needs to have enough bandwidth to allow that speed, otherwise they will negotiate a slower speed which is likely the case here. Apple doesn't support Cat 7 cabling according to this article so you probably are getting slower transfer speeds: About the 10 Gigabit Ethernet port on Mac .

Unless you eliminate the CBR router, you will not only be creating a Double NAT situation which is going to severely effect performance and you will have two networks for the same home.

I have instructions on how to eliminate the ISP router/modem for Verizon Fios that should provide guidance for other ISP setups if you change your mind. Regardless, if you decide to keep the CBR, you should remove the Nest Wifi from the mix. You can use the Nest Wifi as a bridged point but it will have to be connected in bridge mode and you will not be able to chain additional points to it but may have success in adding them as individual bridge points, although neither setup  not recommended. I've linked two articles below that explain the setups in more detail.

Hardwire Wifi devices with Ethernet 

Bridge mode 

[cinimodphoto]

Thank you for your answers, however, like I said I do actually get 10 Gbps or close to it on my devices. Also that chart you linked shows that 10Gbit/s is on 6a and later. With that said, I do understand that having the two networks is the issue for the printing, for now that is the only issue that has presented itself in the last few years since I did this. I will just live with it till I have the money to get a better router with enough wired ports. The nest has only 1 port which means I would not be able to connect my main computers and mac and primary smart tv. So while you answered the question if it is possible to print from all devices, I am unable to lose the 10Gbps speeds on my network. I have the Aris S33 modem also but I do not use it since Xfinity requires on their business line which is what I have, to use their CBR. 

I was hoping there would be a way to keep this setup or improve it and still print from the wired but since I can't, the 10Gbps is more important to me. 

Thank you very much.