Networking printers

[Night Owl]

Hi,
I've got a small hard-wired home network comprising of two destops and
(occasionally) a laptop. To each of the desktops I have a printer connected
(a Brother laser downstairs connected via a USB port and a colour inkjet
upstairs with an LPT connector) and they are shared over the network.

I've recently purchased a photo printer (Epson R300) which I would also like
to connect to the network, but think it would be easier if all of them
could be made independant of PC's, rather than relying on a PC being
switched to access the PC.

Is there a way of doing this without too much rewiring? I have a 4-port
USB, a 4-port hub and a broadband modem with a built in hub available.

Any help would be appreciated.

Pete

 

[Richard G. Harper]

You'll need a USB-enabled printer sharing device to do this, for example:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=165

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[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

You'll need a USB-enabled printer sharing device to do this, for example:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=165

I agree, Richard. Here's a print server that can share all three of
Night Owl's printers simultaneously. I use it on my home network:

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=166
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[Night Owl]

Thanks guys, I knew it would be simple. I've seen one or two on eBay and
elsewhere, so I'll have a look around.

Thanks,

Pete

 

[Hans-Georg Michna]

Thanks guys, I knew it would be simple. I've seen one or two on eBay and
elsewhere, so I'll have a look around.

Pete,

some of the newer printers have USB 2 ports, so perhaps it is a
good idea to look for a device that also has USB 2, rather than
USB 1.1.

Hans-Georg

 

[Night Owl]

Hello again,

I've had a look around at the various print servers on offer for USB, and
there is a product from Linksys that looks appealing, in that it's got a USB
port for my laser printer (which Ive decided to share) and four network
ports. All for £40. At present I have a broadband router/modem/firewall
with 4 network ports on it, so would it be feasible to connect the printer
server directly into the router, or should I connect the print server to the
router and then the computers to the print server? Or doesn't it matter?

Also, If I do buy a USB print server, could I, in theory, add a USB hub to
that and connect another printer?

TIA,

Pete

 

[Hans-Georg Michna]

I've had a look around at the various print servers on offer for USB, and
there is a product from Linksys that looks appealing, in that it's got a USB
port for my laser printer (which Ive decided to share) and four network
ports. All for £40. At present I have a broadband router/modem/firewall
with 4 network ports on it, so would it be feasible to connect the printer
server directly into the router, or should I connect the print server to the
router and then the computers to the print server? Or doesn't it matter?

Pete,

this depends entirely on the device. You'll have to look into
the instructions for use.

I personally wouldn't buy Linksys. I believe the quality is too
low for me. With Linksys you need luck. If you tend to be a
lucky person ...

Also, If I do buy a USB print server, could I, in theory, add a USB hub to
that and connect another printer?

Again this depends on the device.

Hans-Georg

 

[Night Owl]

After all that, the bloody printer's not compatible with ANY print server.
There goes a £10 restocking fee :-(

Pete