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Two Laptop Inputs, One Printer Output [via USB hub]

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by derfsch, 2008/01/16.

  1. 2008/01/16
    derfsch

    derfsch Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi All,

    A friend working for a volunteer organization asked me if a USB hub could be used to connect two laptops and one printer such that the laptop outputs could alternately be used to print out their contents. I have such a hub but do not have the equipment to check his query. Does anyone have an answer to this question? Thank you
     
    derfsch,
    #1
  2. 2008/01/17
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    I don't have a definitive answer, but some thoughts .....

    If a hub is to be used my guess is that it must be independently powered otherwise there may be problems in both laptops supplying power to it.

    Whether or not the setup would work I don't know, but my gut feeling is the it would not.

    In the situation you describe I don't see the need to connect both laptops to the printer. The suggestion of a hub implies that the laptops would be in close proximity one to another. What is the problem with plugging the printer into each laptop as required?
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2008/01/17
    visionof

    visionof Inactive

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    Would think so

    I would think so
    The printer drivers would have to be installed on each printer - each would act independently
    Other more standard easier options are

    1) Use a router eihter wireless or non wireless
    - set up the printer in one laptop as a network printer
    however the first laptop has to be on for the second laptop to print through the first one - in effect it is a printer server

    2) You can simply plug in the usb cable into a laptop print from it ( have to install printer software)
    I am told that a usb cable can be pulled in or out while the computer is powered on ( will be interesting to see the debate here on this one)
     
    visionof,
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  5. 2008/01/17
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Yes, it can, so long as it gets plugged back in to the same usb port. If use a different usb port Windows will run the "new hardware found" wizard and auto install the printer on that port.

    To share a printer via a usb hub you would need to use what is known as a usb "switching hub ". Each pc connects to the hub using cat5 cable.
    http://www.usbgear.com/computer_cable_details.cfm?sku=519694&cats=116&catid=116
    The alternative is to use a usb print server that connects to a switch or router. If have a wifi router with built in switch, you can use a usb print server connected to the router and gain the ability to print via wifi from each laptop.
     
    Last edited: 2008/01/17
    TonyT,
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  6. 2008/01/17
    visionof

    visionof Inactive

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    print servers are not cheap
    you could use a throw away or volunteered pc
    Attach the printer to that computer
    Use a router and connect the whole network with regular ethernet cables or if the laptops have wireless capability they could communicate with an older donated wireless router
    The printer would be set up as a network printer on the print server computer
    It would have to be powered on - if the cost of power is an issue
    Just make sure that the printer has an instal program for the os ( say windows 98 ) of the print server computer
     
    visionof,
    #5
  7. 2008/01/17
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    TonyT,
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  8. 2008/01/17
    derfsch

    derfsch Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    PeteC, Visionof, TonyT,

    Thank you for your replies. Although I didn't mention it in my first post, some of the computer operators are volunteers and would have no trouble pushing a button at the proper time but the idea of printer servers, routers may get too complex for what is being done. I'm ready to pass on the specs for the USB Data Switch from USBGEAR. This equipment appears to satisfy the requirements that my friend asked about.

    TheTestimonial from the USBGEAR web site, "I used the 4 port sharing hub to share a printer between my laptop and PC, ..." seems to fit his requirements. Thank you again for your interest and support.
     
    derfsch,
    #7

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