Can I use Airport Express for printing and Ethernet printing at same time?

Question

I've been trying to set up a couple of laser printers that were given to me recently. The printers are Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS and Samsung CLP-510. The reason I'd like to have both up and running is because the black toner for the Samsung costs twice as much as the toner for the LaserWriter. I have two questions that I am hoping someone will be able to answer.
1) The CLP prints a test page just fine. I was finally able to get the Samsung printing while directly connected to my PowerBook G4 via usb (I had to install a Xerox Phaser 6100 driver to do so!). Today I tried putting the usb into my Airport Express (which I use for my portable internet and airtunes) and now the printer does not respond. When I try to add the CLP as a bonjour printer, I get an error adding the printer and the printer does not respond. Can someone offer some advice as to how and if the CLP may work via the Airport Express?
2) The LaserWriter prints a test page just fine. I purchased a transceiver (albeit not an Apple transceiver - this one says Asante Friendlynet, the guy I bought it from said it would work though). The transceiver is connected to the Ethernet port on the printer - and I have a yellow ethernet cable (?) running from the transceiver to the ethernet port on my computer. I read somewhere on the internet that I need to turn on Appletalk in order to use the printer via ethernet but when I went into my network settings to do that, there was a warning that I could not turn on appletalk for ethernet without forsaking my airport. Can someone offer some advice as to how and if the 16/600 PS may work via ethernet without disrupting my (working) airport express? Also - I did not receive any software or drivers with this printer but I read that I may not need to (they come with Tiger - ?) Is anyone able to confirm this?
Any help would be TOTALLY appreciated!
Leigh-Ann

Answer 1

Hello Kappy! Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.
I should update you at this point to say that I can add the 16/600 PS printer through a process that I found called 'Direct IP printing over ethernet'. (I think I've done this correctly - but I honestly have no idea about network stuff). Here's what I did:
-went into system prefs and looked at the network settings under built-in ethernet tab. Under TCP-IP I found the IP address of my network host.
-In the Printer Setup Utility I tried to manually add the 16/600 PS printer. In the Printer Browser window, I selected IP Printer.
-Under IP printer, I selected LPD Protocol. I inserted the IP address copied from my network settings (above) in the address bar. In the Queue bar I typed in the name of the printer 'Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS'.
-Again in the Printer Browser box I gave the printer a name and location. Finally, in the 'print using' box I selected Apple and then chose the model from the drop down list. 'Apple LaserWriter 16/600 PS fax v.2014.016'
-I got a dialogue box that asked about other installable features - clicked ok.
-when I tried to print a Word document, the Apple LaserWriter driver opened up and appeared in my dock and then I got an immediate error saying "network host ---.---.--.--- is busy, down, or unreachable..."
-I tried to repair permissions, but it did not resolve my issue.
-I noticed that even after adding the 16/600, it did not show up as a bonjour printer, but remained visible as a printer in my list (although grayed out).
I did some troubleshooting and the best I could find as a close match for my problem was that perhaps I had entered the name incorrectly in the Queue box...? If anyone knows how to find the appropriate name to insert I would sure appreciate knowing.
Finally - you should probably know that I received this printer from someone else. I guess I'm wondering if I need to be resetting network settings on the printer somehow? The test page lists the following:
Ethernet (Address: 08:00:07:84:78:e9)
EtherTalk: PostScript
NetWare: AutoSelect
TCP/IP: AutoSelect
IP address: 0.0.0.0
And - now finally, to answer your questions (the best I can, that is)
I did connect the yellow network cable directly into my laptop (right side, 4th input, counting away from me). I have a portable internet modem that plugs into my wall (for power) and then has a cable (Ethernet?) that goes into my Airport Express (LAN port?). I have no other router and there are no other inputs or outputs on my modem. My Airport Express has only one input for the modem, one mini input for airtunes, and one usb input (in which I have a cable connecting to my other laser printer (now working wirelessly via Airport Express!!)
Should I have these cables hooked up differently?
What is a Phonenet adaptor? My internet is provided via a cable service (not DSL). It is wireless and portable - I can take it to any major city in Canada and it works as long as it is plugged into a power source and near a window.
I really appreciate any help you can offer. At this point I must have spent the better part of almost two weeks trying to get these older laser printers up and running.
Thank you again.
Leigh-Ann