Setting up a small network...

I was asked to set up a small network for my church. (5-10 computers). All they really want is to share a printer. Is there any device out there that can allow me to connect all the computers to a single printer, without a LAN or any other type of connection?

 

Lots of advantages to setting up a 10baset network, future internet connectivity.. Easy centralized backup, document interchange blah blah

Whats the distance? could you use one of those belkin a/b switches? They come in 4-way models. (same for usb).

Thinking outside the box, inkjet printers can be had for silly money. looking on pricewatch, there are several under 20$ a piece.

 

church budget

Well we're on church budget, so as you might know, every penny counts. All the computers and printer would be in the same room, and there would only be 5 computers needed to connect to the printer. Any comments?

 

anyone know if there's a device out there that would allow me to connect 5 computers to the same printer?

 

you can daisy chain those A/b boxes. All those parellel cables are going to cost as much as a cheapo ethernet card, cables and an 8 port hub tho.

Im not endorsing this site, but heres an example of an 8-way switch, 10$, not bad.
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/directron/mp801b.html

 

Digital Divine Providence - Put a box in the back of the church for donations for this purpose or turn it over to the women's auxilliary - they'll come up with the bucks and then you can network your system. Somebody in your congregation is going to be delighted to satisfy this $ need.

Ask not, want not.

 

how could i connect them all with the internet card, cables and the 8 port hub?

 

It requires an Ethernet (nic) card in each computer being networked. It requires an 8-cond. catagory 5 cable with rj-45 plugs between each computer and the router. It requires an 8-port router or switch.

The cables tend to be a bit pricey so you should pursue either making your own by buying the termination kit and bulk wire or possibly one of the flock works for the phone company and they would allow the use of the necessary crimping tool. The tool cost approx $40. The wire cost approx. 8¢/ft. You can make a 20 cable for under $4. A prefab one often goes for $1/ft. so $20 for comparison. The tool cost is the fly in the ointment. Still, five 20' cables, including the tool cost is approx. $60 which is $12 each. Still cheaper than the prefabs which would cost $100. You end up with the tool for next time, if you make your own you also have the advantage of being able to tailor the lengths to suit the situation.

If you get to use the phone company's tool, your cost would only be $20 total for all 5 cables. That's the most painless way but may be pie in the sky.

I think you can get the router for around $40. Google that for a better idea or maybe someone here knows off hand. That's just a guess since my 4-port one with internet connect was $25. A switch would be cheaper still.

The nic's come for $10 each for cheapies. So, you have a total system cost potential of between $110 and $150. The rest is all labor and fellowship. If you ask around you may find that some H.S. computer club will take the project for gratis. They may even have access to the crimping tool. FWIW, I use a Gardner Bender model GMC-2000L which comes with 6 rj-45 plugs for starters. Extra plugs are readily available - they even stock them at Home Depot and Lowe's. They have the cable too.

It sounds like an easy fun project. If you lived around here, you'd get it for free, if you agreed to put in a good word for me with the man.

 

I will put in two cents worth for setting up a network as well. After you get first two computers connected the rest are a snap. You can add as many as you like after that with ease.

Network hardware is always being upgraded by companies. A request in the church newsletter may get some good results.

Some network setup websites with good tutorials:
www.practicallynetworked.com
www.homenethelp.com

Matt

 

Do I have to go through all this only to connect five computers to a single printer???

 

You could consider converting to the Amish faith. No computer or printers to fuss with.

How about a single printer on a portable printer cart? Look at the money you'd save!

How about a master location with a printer and the others print to their floppy drive and walk it across the room to finish the job?

 

How close is Mousetown to Arthur? (didn't know there was any dekalb in the bloodline, did ya' .... )

I like the amish concept - definately a cost effective solution. Now, fer_rios25 - this is going to take one afternoon at most. Other option as SD2 suggested is "Sneakerware" and a bunch of floppies.

I figure you can do the whole kit n' ka-boodle correctly for under a hundred bucks - if one afternoon and a hundred bucks isn't do-able, call Jimmy Swaggart - he's a disciple of $100 afternoons and may be able to offer additional guidance.

 

If you can organize the hardware and find the setting up too much trouble, ask some of the teenagers. They will most likely jump at the chance to get experience for setting up LAN parties.

Matt

 

Lan...

hmmm... let's see. How do those belkin a/b switches work? If setting up the LAN network is nessessary, is there any good sites that help you step by step to set one up?