wireless print servers

[srogers74]

Here is what I am looking to do and I need some help. I have the
internet connected to my wireless router (pretty standard stuff) and I
can connect my wireless enabled notebooks to them. No issue there.
Here is my question... I have a USB printer that I want to connect to
the network but am not able to connect it to a desktop. Generally, if
I want to use it I have to go to that room and connect the USB plug to
my notebook. Is there a way I can connect that printer to my network
wirelessly? I am aware there are wireless print servers, but would
that not be another wireless network? Using the same network I want
the printer to be available. Any advice?

Thanks
Stewart

 

[Geoff Lane]

I have a USB printer that I want to connect to
the network but am not able to connect it to a desktop.

Why not?

Is there a way I can connect that printer to my network
wirelessly? I am aware there are wireless print servers, but would
that not be another wireless network?

I've not used a print server myself but the wifi adapter joins the
normal network just like the computers and the server part just handles
the printer.

So it is not a separate network, it joins to your existing network and
would be configurable with any passwords that exists on your present setup.

Geoff Lane

 

[srogers74]

Why not?

Don't have one.

I've not used a print server myself but the wifi adapter joins the
normal network just like the computers and the server part just handles
the printer.

Can you suggest any wireless print servers to support this?

So it is not a separate network, it joins to your existing network and
would be configurable with any passwords that exists on your present setup.

Thanks
Stewart

 

[Geoff Lane]

Don't have one.

Ah, that explains it.

Can you suggest any wireless print servers to support this?

If your network is all Win98/XP/Vista then I think any of the decent
brands should work, some do say work with compatible printers. Many use
Windows specific drivers which is awkward if you run a MAC or Linux.

As mentioned I haven't used a home one myself so cannot recommend one
specifically but am personally looking at the following;

http://tinyurl.com/3azvpu

Reason I like the look of this one is I think it assigns the printer an
IP address so it is just like a computer on the network.

Mind you, I haven't bought it yet )

Geoff Lane

 

[John B]

Can you suggest any wireless print servers to support this?

I would go here. But there are many places you could go.

This is how you "emancipate" your USB printer from being tethered to a
computer, for network printing purposes. With an external print server such
as the one listed here, the printer stands apart from any specific computer,
and is accessible by all computers on an IP network such as yours.

http://www.trendnet.com/products/TEW-MP1U.htm

Technical Support Numbers and Hours
US and Canada Toll Free Telephone: 1(866) 845-3673 Hours: 24/7 Email:
(e-mail address removed)

Trendnet has long earned my respect for its paramount technical support. I
recently called them to see if they're still alive and well, and they picked
up the phone within 2 minutes, ready to help. Therefore I recommend you
keep this for reference, in case you ever want to acquire equipment for your
home, or office, network. The support agent assured me that one of his
colleagues would be able to help install a print server of this nature.