Help this dummy understand print servers

[gecko]

I have a Konica Minolta Pagepro 1350W laser printer that is not usable
on my small LAN which consists of two machines each with XP PRO SP2,
router'ed together via a D-Link router. It will only print from the
machine to which it is hard-wired (USB). So, I need an external print
server to make it available at will to the both machines. My router
has spare CAT5 ports, but no USB.

How would a print server connect into my LAN? I can understand how a
print server would connect to my printer via USB, but then what do I
connect the server to in order to link it into my LAN? I have googled
seeking an answer to this, but I don't see it.

This may seem like a dumb question, and maybe it is - but I seek an
answer. And, for that matter, what brand server would fit my needs
best and cheapest? In someone's opinion anyway.

Thanks

Gecko

 

[John McGaw]

I have a Konica Minolta Pagepro 1350W laser printer that is not usable
on my small LAN which consists of two machines each with XP PRO SP2,
router'ed together via a D-Link router. It will only print from the
machine to which it is hard-wired (USB). So, I need an external print
server to make it available at will to the both machines. My router
has spare CAT5 ports, but no USB.

How would a print server connect into my LAN? I can understand how a
print server would connect to my printer via USB, but then what do I
connect the server to in order to link it into my LAN? I have googled
seeking an answer to this, but I don't see it.

This may seem like a dumb question, and maybe it is - but I seek an
answer. And, for that matter, what brand server would fit my needs
best and cheapest? In someone's opinion anyway.

Thanks

Gecko

Printer -> print server -> hub/switch. The latter item might be included
in the router or might be separate. Each computer on the LAN is then
"educated" about the presence of the network printer and they all live
happily ever after. This assumes a single-function printer which does
not include multi-function printer/copier/scanner/fax/answering machine
type devices which are almost never fully usable on a LAN.

Sometimes the easiest way to add LAN functionality to a printer is to
obtain the manufacturer's adapter but not every maker or model has
provided for them so there are "universal" print servers available from
every LAN equipment maker.

 

[Joel]

I have a Konica Minolta Pagepro 1350W laser printer that is not usable
on my small LAN which consists of two machines each with XP PRO SP2,
router'ed together via a D-Link router. It will only print from the
machine to which it is hard-wired (USB). So, I need an external print
server to make it available at will to the both machines. My router
has spare CAT5 ports, but no USB.

How would a print server connect into my LAN? I can understand how a
print server would connect to my printer via USB, but then what do I
connect the server to in order to link it into my LAN? I have googled
seeking an answer to this, but I don't see it.

This may seem like a dumb question, and maybe it is - but I seek an
answer. And, for that matter, what brand server would fit my needs
best and cheapest? In someone's opinion anyway.

Thanks

Gecko

I am not an experted on LAN especially network printer which I just
happened to get one few weeks ago .. and here is the whole story.

- I was using wired network until few months ago I went to wireless (yes, I
bought a wireless router 2-3 years ago but never installed and now can't
even find it <bg>) and everything works out quite well. Even I have been
using network for many years but don't have much or any experience beisdes
getting all computers running. So I spent few months reading as much about
wireless as I can then bought one, installed and that's it.

Right now I have 3 desktop, 3 notebooks, and 1 network printer (2 regular
printers).

- About the network printer (this is what you want to know).

1. I *connect* the LAN printer to the router (network)

2. Install the DRIVER to all desktops and norebooks

... that's it! since everything works fine so I don't have anything else to
say <bg>. My grand-daughter is off from college and she can print from her
notebook from her room ... this this sometime gives me a shock because her
room is upstairs and my desktop is downstairs .. then suddently the printer
behind me starts printing all by itself <bg>

 

[gecko]

I am not an experted on LAN especially network printer which I just
happened to get one few weeks ago .. and here is the whole story.

- I was using wired network until few months ago I went to wireless (yes, I
bought a wireless router 2-3 years ago but never installed and now can't
even find it <bg>) and everything works out quite well. Even I have been
using network for many years but don't have much or any experience beisdes
getting all computers running. So I spent few months reading as much about
wireless as I can then bought one, installed and that's it.

Right now I have 3 desktop, 3 notebooks, and 1 network printer (2 regular
printers).

- About the network printer (this is what you want to know).

1. I *connect* the LAN printer to the router (network)

And, since my D-Link router lacks any printer connections (ala USB),
then I guess I have to buy a 'switch' of some sort. I suppose a
'switch' will have USB ports for printers and CAT5 ports to connect it
to the router, and thereby my LAN?

Gecko

2. Install the DRIVER to all desktops and norebooks

This doesn't surprise me.

 

[John McGaw]

And, since my D-Link router lacks any printer connections (ala USB),
then I guess I have to buy a 'switch' of some sort. I suppose a
'switch' will have USB ports for printers and CAT5 ports to connect it
to the router, and thereby my LAN?

Gecko

This doesn't surprise me.

Which D-Link router do you have? Most consumer-oriented "routers" sold
today are actually a combination of a router and a hub or switch. The
router function is there solely to connect the LAN to the internet (or,
more rarely, to some other network) and isn't even necessary for setting
up a LAN. If you have more than one computer networked it is almost
invariably true that you have a switch/hub somewhere.

Does your D-Link have RJ-45 network connections on it other than the one
for the modem or is it a truly wireless item? You really need to share
this sort of information if you want someone to give you an accurate
answer -- otherwise the best that you will ever get is a totally blind
guess.

Take a look at these D-Link items:

Wired print server:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html

Wireless print server:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=482

This assumes that you really like D-Link for some reason. Other makers
have functionally similar items which may be cheaper/better/simpler.

 

[gecko]

Which D-Link router do you have? Most consumer-oriented "routers" sold
today are actually a combination of a router and a hub or switch. The
router function is there solely to connect the LAN to the internet (or,
more rarely, to some other network) and isn't even necessary for setting
up a LAN. If you have more than one computer networked it is almost
invariably true that you have a switch/hub somewhere.

It is the D-Link EBR-2310 described thus:
D-Link Ethernet Broadband Router (EBR-2310).
Provides four 10/100 Ethernet ports to connect up to four
Ethernet-enabled PCs or network devices.

I see no USB or ports other than CAT5. I don't think it is a 'combo'.

Does your D-Link have RJ-45 network connections on it other than the one
for the modem or is it a truly wireless item?

If RJ-45 = CAT5, then it has four ports for up to 4 computers plus one
the external cable-modem. WIRED not WIRELESS.

You really need to share
this sort of information if you want someone to give you an accurate
answer -- otherwise the best that you will ever get is a totally blind
guess.

You're right. Sorry about that.

Take a look at these D-Link items:

Wired print server:
http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/usb_devices_view.html

I will.

Wireless print server:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=482

Doesn't apply.

This assumes that you really like D-Link for some reason. Other makers
have functionally similar items which may be cheaper/better/simpler.

I am not locked into D-Link. It's just that I have had 2 routers so
far over the past four years, both D-Link. First one failed after 2
years.

Thanks for response.

Gecko

 

[John McGaw]

It is the D-Link EBR-2310 described thus:
D-Link Ethernet Broadband Router (EBR-2310).
Provides four 10/100 Ethernet ports to connect up to four
Ethernet-enabled PCs or network devices.

I see no USB or ports other than CAT5. I don't think it is a 'combo'.


If RJ-45 = CAT5, then it has four ports for up to 4 computers plus one
the external cable-modem. WIRED not WIRELESS.


You're right. Sorry about that.


I will.


Doesn't apply.

I am not locked into D-Link. It's just that I have had 2 routers so
far over the past four years, both D-Link. First one failed after 2
years.

Thanks for response.

Gecko

OK. Now we know that you need a wired (RJ-45 = CAT5) print server which
has an RJ-45 network connection on one end and at least one USB printer
port on the other. If you will do a google search for "wired USB print
server" (without the quotes of course) you will find more examples than
you will ever need and some of these will doubtless show how the wiring
and setup works. The chosen print server connects to one of the RJ-45
ports on your EBR-2310 router/switch and the printer plugs into the server.

Good luck. I know it can be confusing in the beginning but home
networking is not so bad once you get used to it. Or at least it is not
nearly so painful as networking in a large facility.

 

[Joel]

And, since my D-Link router lacks any printer connections (ala USB),
then I guess I have to buy a 'switch' of some sort. I suppose a
'switch' will have USB ports for printers and CAT5 ports to connect it
to the router, and thereby my LAN?

Gecko

YES and NO!

- if you want to use USB then connect to your PC USB using USB cable

- If you want to share your LAN capable printer to all wired and wireless
computers have accessed to your network then you connect your LAN Printer to
one of the LAN ports (CAT5). Set the network to allow PRINTING, set printer
to SHARE and that's it!

- NO, router should not have USB connector for printer your COMPUTER has.

 

[Joel]

And, since my D-Link router lacks any printer connections (ala USB),
then I guess I have to buy a 'switch' of some sort. I suppose a
'switch' will have USB ports for printers and CAT5 ports to connect it
to the router, and thereby my LAN?

I forgot to mention

- *IF* your D-Link router either doesn't have extra LAN connection or you
run out of it, then you can but a HUB with 4 or more connection then connect
everything to the HUB

I don't have D-Link but most newer wired/wireless routers usually have
around 4 wire connections.

 

[gecko]

- *IF* your D-Link router either doesn't have extra LAN connection or you
run out of it, then you can but a HUB with 4 or more connection then connect
everything to the HUB

I don't have D-Link but most newer wired/wireless routers usually have
around 4 wire connections.

I actually have three USB printers:
EPSON R320 (prints labels on disks)
HP 950CSE (AIO)
KONICA PAGEPRO 1350W (laser)

All are USB. None are LAN capable (no RJ-45 CAT5 connection). All
are currently connected to my main machine, and print from there fine.
The first two are shared via XP and my second machine can print to
them fine. The second machine cannot scan on the HP 950 though. The
PAGEPRO requires a server in order for me to print there from my
second machine. Hence my desire to get a print server. I figure
while I am at it, I would get a server capable to handle all three
printers, thereby freeing the main machine from having to be ON in
order to print from machine two. Therefore, I guess I will need a
print server with at least 3 USB connections and at least one RJ45. My
present D-Link router has a free RJ-45. Who knows - maybe I will be
able to scan from machine two via the print server - dunno about that.

Gecko

 

[Pen]

I actually have three USB printers:
EPSON R320 (prints labels on disks)
HP 950CSE (AIO)
KONICA PAGEPRO 1350W (laser)

All are USB. None are LAN capable (no RJ-45 CAT5 connection). All
are currently connected to my main machine, and print from there fine.
The first two are shared via XP and my second machine can print to
them fine. The second machine cannot scan on the HP 950 though. The
PAGEPRO requires a server in order for me to print there from my
second machine. Hence my desire to get a print server. I figure
while I am at it, I would get a server capable to handle all three
printers, thereby freeing the main machine from having to be ON in
order to print from machine two. Therefore, I guess I will need a
print server with at least 3 USB connections and at least one RJ45. My
present D-Link router has a free RJ-45. Who knows - maybe I will be
able to scan from machine two via the print server - dunno about that.

Gecko
Be aware that that all in ones typically will not do anything but print

when hooked up to a print server. You should therefore probably consider
using 2 printers on the print server and the AIO on a computer. Be aware
though that print servers are something of a black art and not all
printers function on all servers, so check that out first.

 

[Joel]

OK. Now we know that you need a wired (RJ-45 = CAT5) print server which
has an RJ-45 network connection on one end and at least one USB printer
port on the other. If you will do a google search for "wired USB print
server" (without the quotes of course) you will find more examples than
you will ever need and some of these will doubtless show how the wiring
and setup works. The chosen print server connects to one of the RJ-45
ports on your EBR-2310 router/switch and the printer plugs into the server.

Good luck. I know it can be confusing in the beginning but home
networking is not so bad once you get used to it. Or at least it is not
nearly so painful as networking in a large facility.

I am no experted on Lan Printer but I am not so sure if connecting Lan
Printer to USB port will give access to wireless system. *If* wired then
YES it's possible because it shares via USB (or system not LAN).

But I may be wrong as I only have Lan Printer for few weeks, and connected
to LAN not USB.

 

[Joel]

I actually have three USB printers:
EPSON R320 (prints labels on disks)
HP 950CSE (AIO)
KONICA PAGEPRO 1350W (laser)

I am no printer experted to know much about Lan Printer, but I have the
Brother MFC-7820N (see "N"? which stands for Network) which has "USB",
"PARALLEL", and "LAN" connectors

All are USB. None are LAN capable (no RJ-45 CAT5 connection). All
are currently connected to my main machine, and print from there fine.
The first two are shared via XP and my second machine can print to
them fine. The second machine cannot scan on the HP 950 though. The
PAGEPRO requires a server in order for me to print there from my
second machine. Hence my desire to get a print server. I figure
while I am at it, I would get a server capable to handle all three
printers, thereby freeing the main machine from having to be ON in
order to print from machine two. Therefore, I guess I will need a
print server with at least 3 USB connections and at least one RJ45. My
present D-Link router has a free RJ-45. Who knows - maybe I will be
able to scan from machine two via the print server - dunno about that.

Gecko

I also see some device uses to turn regular printer into Printer Server to
share between computers connected to wired/wireless network. But I have
only seen the BOX not the device itself, and don't own any to know how it
works.

And my can send FAX, Print from wireless systems. I just got it to
replace an older laser printer, and because once awhile we need to
send/recieve FAX so I got the MFC-7820N (it was onsale so only cost me $150)

 

[John McGaw]

Joel wrote:
snip...

I am no experted on Lan Printer but I am not so sure if connecting Lan
Printer to USB port will give access to wireless system. *If* wired then
YES it's possible because it shares via USB (or system not LAN).

But I may be wrong as I only have Lan Printer for few weeks, and connected
to LAN not USB.

In this case the original poster does not have a wireless LAN -- the
D-Link EBR-2310 router/switch has 4 normal RJ-45 Ethernet ports. The
entire idea of the print server device is to handle the communications
between the LAN and the printer. In this case the printer is a USB
device so we select a print server which has a LAN connection on one end
and one or more USB connections on the other so that the printer(s) can
be connected.

Some printers are made so that they can be connected directly to a
network, either wired or wireless, and this means that they already
contain their own print server. But in any case to connect a printer to
a LAN a print server is needed either internal to the printer or
external in a separate device.

 

[Joel]

Joel wrote:
snip...

In this case the original poster does not have a wireless LAN -- the
D-Link EBR-2310 router/switch has 4 normal RJ-45 Ethernet ports. The
entire idea of the print server device is to handle the communications
between the LAN and the printer. In this case the printer is a USB
device so we select a print server which has a LAN connection on one end
and one or more USB connections on the other so that the printer(s) can
be connected.

Some printers are made so that they can be connected directly to a
network, either wired or wireless, and this means that they already
contain their own print server. But in any case to connect a printer to
a LAN a print server is needed either internal to the printer or
external in a separate device.

You are correct about wired network, and if the OP doesn't have wireless
then it doesn't matter if the printer is connected to network or USB because
it should work with all system connected (wired) to the network.

I don't know any advance/disadvance between LAN/USB (for wired), but I
know the advantage of wireless that user can print from remote.

 

[kony]

You are correct about wired network, and if the OP doesn't have wireless
then it doesn't matter if the printer is connected to network or USB because
it should work with all system connected (wired) to the network.

I don't know any advance/disadvance between LAN/USB (for wired), but I
know the advantage of wireless that user can print from remote.

With USB the host system has to be turned on and the USB
cable has 15' limit. With a LAN print server the printer
can be anywhere on the lan, is more convenient and desirable
for someone with more than one system, except if the printer
doesn't have an integral network adapter and needs a print
server then compatibility can be an issue, and of course if
the print server is a separate product it adds a little to
the cost.

 

[Joel]

With USB the host system has to be turned on and the USB
cable has 15' limit. With a LAN print server the printer
can be anywhere on the lan, is more convenient and desirable
for someone with more than one system, except if the printer
doesn't have an integral network adapter and needs a print
server then compatibility can be an issue, and of course if
the print server is a separate product it adds a little to
the cost.

You are right about USB. I have 3 USB printers here and before I went
wireless few months ago, they all can be printed by any computer connected
to the network (I have 3 long LAN cables connected to a HUB with 4 ports).

Now with wireless any system can print anywhere around the house .. and
probably BLOCK or so away (I haven't tested to see how far I can get good
connection yet, and since the router is in basement so I guess the signal
won't get very far).