17 Feet Between Printer & Computer

My computer sits on one side of the room and I need more desk space so I was going to put the printer in the cabinet on the opposite side of the room. I figure a total distance between the USB plugs of 17 feet. The printer and computer distance, as the crow flies would be about 10 feet.

From what I've read the general rule of how long a USB cable can be and still work is 5 meters (16 feet). They also have "extension" and/or "repeater" cables but reviews seem to indicate they don't work all that well. In fact, from the reviews I've see most cables over 10 feet seem to be less than 100% reliable in regard to communicating with the device.

I have an Epson R200 Photo Printer that I don't want to part with so I would like to take the option of getting a different printer off the discussion table.

I'm thinking that I'm going to have to come up with a different plan for my printer location unless I can find an option that will allow the two pieces of hardware to communicate across the room.

I'm hoping someone has already solved this problem and can share the knowledge with me.

 

First thing that springs to mind is using a network.

If you have an existing network try googling for network print server

 

Hi Wildfire, thanks for the prompt reply. This looks like it will take care of my challenge. While I don't have a wireless network at this point, I've wanted to go in that direction if for no other reason than to try and keep up with my son (who didn't know about wireless print servers... genetic?).

I'll be jumping in with both feet in a couple of weeks.

Again, THANKS!

 

Hi Tony. That is a good idea and I had read about using a powered hub. I like the wireless idea better because it seems less messy. In my case, if I run wires from the computer to the new location of the printer they would have to run to the crawl space and I don't have power in the crawl space.

I appreciate the input.

 

I don't like wireless (and my career began in radio maintenance!). Sure, it has it's places, but talk about "messy ". Generally, with Ethernet, you plug it in and it works. The ONLY advantage to wireless is no cables. Wireless networks are MUCH less secure, more difficult to secure, and require more administration to control access, not just from badguys in the bushes, but nosy neighbors too. Wireless cost more. After what seems like years of back and forth bickering, the industry still can't decide on a final 802.11n protocol so every maker has their own "draft-n" version that may or may not work with other brands, or the final 11n, if it ever does come out. Wireless performance can be greatly affected by other nearby wireless networks, microwave ovens, and other electronics. Other than that they work fine - except they are MUCH less secure and more difficult to secure - worth repeating.

Running wires through walls, floors, crawl spaces and attics is no fun, but it is worth it. Use CAT-6 to future proof it. Get a nice fishing tape - and invest in a good RJ45 crimping tool.

If wireless is your only real option, I still recommend putting your primary computer or computers on the wired (Ethernet) side of a wireless router (which is really a wireless access point, 4-port Ethernet switch, and a router in one box), and use wireless for printing.

Using a print server to network a printer is the best way to go, however, because it does not require a host computer to be up and running for others to print. That means the host computer does not need to lower security by opening print and file sharing. Plus, the printer can be located in a central location, not tethered to any computer.

I recommend avoiding USB printing if possible. When it works, it works fine, but USB issues are some of the most prevalent, and difficult to troubleshoot in the tech forums (hurry up, USB3.0 - and please don't disappoint!).

You did not say how you are setup now, or what your ultimate goal is. How many computers in your house do you envision will some day need Internet access? How do you, or will you, connect to the Internet? If by Cable/DSL, then adding a router with a built in print server may be your best bet, in terms of cost and ease of administration - not to mention a router adds a HUGE layer of security.

Consider your long-term needs over your immediate needs. You might see the benefit in replacing your existing printer with a new one, or a nice multi-function device (printer/fax/copier/scanner all-in-one) that has a built in print server. Many have wireless and Ethernet, and won't break the bank. In this way, you don't need a router with a print server, and can use any Ethernet or wireless router.

 

Bill, that's a lot of information... thanks. About my computer configuration:

Current: Single desktop computer with a printer, scanner, monitor, USB hub, external HD, cable modem and speakers and I use them all most every day. This hardware is located in it's own "man cave" that has been assigned to this wannabe nerd by my wife.

Future: If I had my druthers, my desk would have only a monitor and keyboard. The printer, scanner and computer would reside someplace else. I will have a laptop computer that I can use when on the go or just sitting around the living room. Each computer would need to access the Internet and I have thought that wireless is how that would be accomplished.

I certainly don't have a problem crawling around the crawl space (isn't that what it's for?) to "wire" the house. What I don't understand is how I can wire a printer or other hardware with only Ethernet.

In my limited networking experience there has always been a computer at each end of an Ethernet. Is that no longer a requirement in the Ethernet world?

As I said I don't have much experience in networking and admittedly I have much to learn. Maybe you could point me to a site to help me understand my options or recommend a book for beginners.

 

It still requires a print server. Some routers have them built in, and many printers include them. It does not matter which end of the wire has it. You only need one.

If the router has the print server, you typically connect a printer cable to router from the printer (LPT1 or USB) - meaning they must sit near each other. If the printer has the print server, it would act like a network card and the printer can sit anywhere you want, and you simply connect via Ethernet cable to the Router, exactly as you would another printer. If the printer uses a wireless print server, it simply connects to your router in the same manner as a wireless computer. So for me it is a no-brainer - a network ready printer is easier, and allows for more physical location options.

There has to be a network node at each end of an Ethernet cable - a node is just a network device, it does not have to be a computer. It can be a router, Ethernet switch/hub, modem.

And it should do fine - but it does require more to setup and most importantly, to secure. If you live out on a farm, with no neighbors and you can see anyone driving up from a mile away, wireless access security is not going to be an issue. It would take a badguy with a large dish directional antenna pointing at your house to pick you up. But if you can jump from your roof to your neighbor's, or share a dividing wall or floor, there could be dozens of hotspots where anyone with a wireless computer could "see" your network. Someone parked out front in their car, or lurking in the bushes could see that you have a wireless network. Whether they can access it or not, is up to you and how you set up access.

 

Same here - same with routers, modems, and WAPs too.

 

As with most things in computer land there seems to be many more ways to skin a cat. You guys have obviously been at this a long time and I'm just starting. Is there a site that teaches the basics?

Thanks for the replies. I would think there has to others out there that are getting something out of this dialog besides me.

 

1000s of them. It is best to just start plugging questions in to Google and start reading. Then ask questions here. Also, remember that just about every PC product maker puts the manual on the websites. So you can go out to Linksys, for example, and download a router or print server manual and read up on it - it will cover many of the basics.

 

Don't worry about this being difficult! Once you have a home network, you'll wonder why you took so long setting one up. You can share files, storage drives, etc. All you need is a router (most are combo wired/wireless these days).

Get yourself a wireless (WiFi) or wired (Ethernet) print server and place the printer anywhere you want - even in another room. I share two printers this way with my family desktop & laptop computers.

Works like a charm!

 

Hi Jim78418,

Just to muddy the waters a bit, go to the store, buy a cable and give it a try. Save the receipt, though.

At worst, you've had to make a couple of trips to the store. At best, you'll know for sure whether it works or not. If not, you can follow the great advice you've received here.

 

Thanks JP and Postlane for you input. I've really been torn between starting up a network or just waiting until I NEED to have a network. Trying to research weather to go wireless or wired in another issue I'm muck'n through. I like the idea of trying a long USB cable just to see for myself. I've also been trying to figure out how I might include a powered hub between the furniture but haven't resolved that yet (short of inviting an electrician to crawl in my crawl space).

So much is still up in the air.... I do appreciate your input and keep the cards and letters coming.

 

(post deleted by me because it might be negligent)