My computer will not communicate with my printer over our existing network. Dual Network, dual network cards.

Troubleshooting network issues with your large format printer

Install a second network card in your PC, (about 20 bucks).
Use this card to drive your printer, (outsite your ‘real’ network)

Run a CROSS OVER cable directly from the NEW card to the printer (or print server).

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/426/2

Set up your new network card with a static IP address i.e. 172.18.3.20 and a subnet mask 255.255.255.0

Then put a new IP address in your PRINTER that matches the first 3 fields and IS DIFFERENT in the last field, i.e. 172.18.3.48 but has the SAME subnet mask as your new network card i.e. 255.255.255.0

Set up your RIP software printer IP address, i.e. 172.18.3.48.

In your PC “Start” menu choose “Run”
This will open up the “Run” box.
Type “cmd” and enter
This will open up a dialog box.

Type “ping” a space and then your IP address OF YOUR PRINTER i.e.  “ping 172.18.3.48”
For more information:  http://support.microsoft.com/kb/300986

It should report back something like “pinging 172.18.3.48 with 32 bits of data” and then report back the status with  “Reply from 172.18.3.48   32 bits  TTL= 60” IF the connection is good.

IF the connection is BAD, OR the address is wrong it will report back something like “timed out”

If it is good then your new ‘network’ is set up and isolated from your other ‘real network’, the cost is minimal and it solves all the issues involving integration with an existing network.

Make sure you have the latest driver and updates for your RIP software and you should be on your way to joyous printing.