1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Can I connect usb non wireless printer to router

Discussion in 'Networking (Hardware & Software)' started by jaycee, 2008/06/07.

  1. 2008/06/07
    jaycee

    jaycee Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/07/05
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    I was told I can connect non wireless printer to a router, is this true? If so do routers have USB port for a printer.

    I don't need my desktop to be wireless so can I connect router to a LAN port on my desktop (this is all I have) and will my wireless enabled laptop work from this kind of connection? :confused
     
  2. 2008/06/07
    visionof

    visionof Inactive

    Joined:
    2006/11/12
    Messages:
    778
    Likes Received:
    5
    several ways to do this

    1) easiest use your computer as a print server
    your computer is attached to the router
    enable printer sharing
    your computer has to be on to print
    An easy way to do the setup is with a program called network magic
    it will set up the shared printer

    2) a router with a print server or a print server which you attach to the router
    your computer does not have to be on the print server handles it

    3) get a network ready printer

    hope this helps
     

  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2008/06/09
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2004/05/12
    Messages:
    2,786
    Likes Received:
    2
    You can also get dedicated "printer servers ". These are little devices that have one connection that attached to the printer and another that connects to the network.
     
  5. 2008/06/09
    jaycee

    jaycee Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/07/05
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for you help, I intend to attach desktop to router and don't wish for desktop to be always on so looks like the second option is the one to adopt. (Sounds like it could be expensive)

    Would an ordinary modem router with a USB port for printer definitely not work? I know I have seen somewhere on the net, router with USB port.
     
  6. 2008/06/09
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2004/05/12
    Messages:
    2,786
    Likes Received:
    2
    Yes, this could well work, but it does depend on the printer - and more importantly the printer driver. If the printer driver expects to be able to continuously talk to the printer over its USB cable there may be problems as this won't happen if there is a network device between the PC and the printer.

    The best bet is probably to identify a likely router, and e-mail the manufacturer's support team to ask if it has been tried with your printer.
     
  7. 2008/06/09
    jaycee

    jaycee Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/07/05
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks Reggieb

    It Seems a lot of hasle and expense just to share my non wireless printer between 2 computers, so reckon I will go with option 1 from visionof, until such time as I change my printer for a wireless one. I can now make an informed decision thanks to everyones input Thanks everyone for your help.

    jaycee
     
  8. 2008/06/09
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

    Joined:
    2002/01/18
    Messages:
    9,068
    Likes Received:
    396
    re routers w/ a usb port:
    These routers are common and the usb port on them is specifically for connecting the router to the computer via usb cable INSTEAD of cat5 cable. The usb port is NOT usually capable of beiing used by anything other than a network connection.

    Some routers have a built in print server that accepts usb or cat5 from the printer.

    I recently setup a client's network using a wifi router and a separate usb print server connected to the router using cat5, the printer connects to the print server via usb. The print server shows up as "another device on the network" and can be configured via a web browser or its installed software on each computer. The print server cost me about 50 bucks, some are cheaper too Only the newest models will support Vista.

    example:
    http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers/WiredPrintServers/PS121.aspx
    http://shopper.cnet.com/print-servers/netgear-ps121-usb-mini/4014-7886_9-30833265.html
     
  9. 2008/06/10
    ReggieB

    ReggieB Inactive Alumni

    Joined:
    2004/05/12
    Messages:
    2,786
    Likes Received:
    2
    TonyT,

    Good point, well presented.

    A "USB port for printer" should not be confused with the USB port used to provide internet access or set up connection for a single PC.

    Routers that have a "USB port for printer" consistently state that such a port is present on their packaging. If a router packaging/documentation does not cleary state that a USB port on the router can be used to connect a printer, assume that this functionality is not available on that router.
     
  10. 2008/06/10
    jaycee

    jaycee Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2006/07/05
    Messages:
    52
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for the info

    jaycee
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.