Connecting Brother HL-2170W to iMac (2010) using built-in AirPort

[kac001]

I can not figure this out... I've looked at the other threads on this subject and they don't answer the question...

Here is what I have:

- a 2010 (just purchased last week/ugraded from a 2005 model) iMac running Mac OS X 10.6.4

- Brother HL-2170W wireless Laser Printer (purchased tonight - brand new)

Here is what I want to do:

- I want to connect my printer to my iMac wirelessly... as in NO freaking cables... that is why I bought a wireless printer! I have high speed internet through my cable provider, but it connects directly into my iMac via an ethernet cable... My cable internet modem is not equipped with a built in wireless router... (people keep WRONGLY thinking I am trying to connect my printer to the cable modem box and keep giving me instruction for that... I AM NOT! It will not work as it is not a wireless router!)

- How do I use my built-in AirPort to connect to this printer wireless... Please don't tell me, "Go buy AirPort Express" or any other device... I will not do this... I will just take the damn printer back and demand a full cash refund. On my last iMac (a 2005 model) I set up a wireless network so my brother (who was visiting from out of town) could access the internet on his laptop... anyway... so I know it is possible...

Sorry if I sound annoyed... I have tried 15 other forums tonight and people keep giving my advice that has nothing to do with what my goals are... they say "go by a $50 router" which make NO SENSE! The printer is wireless ready!!!! My computer is wireless ready!!!! PLEASE SOMEONE GIVE ME REAL ADVISE!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!

 

[kac001]

Well I guess this thing is just a useless peice of junk! I will be taking it back to the GOD DAMN ****ING store in ****ING MORNING!!!! THIS PIECE OF ****ING ****!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kac001]

Can Anyone Please Help Me?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This thing is driving me insane!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pscraig]

First, calm down. There is a reason people are telling you to go buy a router, because that printer, while being wireless, isn't particularly smart and assumes it is joining an existing network, one created by a wireless router. It doesn't have an ad-hoc wireless mode, which is what is needed to just connect a computer and printer. I have an HL-2170W, and it needs to connect to a router and be assigned an IP address via DHCP. I'll forewarn you that this printer is not the most simple to get online-its network interface is primitive and there is no control panel.

The good news is that your Mac can act as a wireless router on its own, and likely make the printer work. Since you connect to the internet via Ethernet, you can share the connection via the airport card in your Mac. Go to System Preferences, Sharing, Check "Internet Sharing" and select from Ethernet to computers using Airport. Click Airport Options and give your new network a name and password. Now follow the instructions to connect the printer to this new wireless network you have created, and get it online. You can also connect any other wireless devices in the house this way.

 

[milk242]

You might need to be connected via ethernet cable or atleast usb to do the initial wireless setup. I don't quite remember when I setup mine.