Here is the setup. I have a PC and a laptop both with Windows XP Pro that I networked with a standard Linksys router (wireless). I have 2 printers currently plugged into my desktop, shared so I can print from both computers.
I have a Lexmark all in one and a Epson injet printer. Doing peer to peer print sharing seems kinda buggy with windows XP. Is there a device I can use to plug these printers into my router and share them that way? Neither printer has a data jack, only standard USB print cables.
What I am looking for is reliable hookup and flexability to move the printers to a different location. Currently with Peer to Peer, nearly 1/2 the time I can't print from the laptop.
2007-09-24 03:28:58 · 7 answers · asked by DH1 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
No, I use the router to share files and the DSL connection. However both printers are attached to the desktop computer. In order to print from the laptop, the desktop needs to be turned on and someone logged in. This is why I referred to it as Peer to Peer...even though they are technically shared on the LAN, the laptop has to send print jobs through the desktop.
If there is no user logged into the desktop, print jobs sent from the laptop go nowhere.
It looks like either a wireless or wired print router/server is the way to go.
I guess prices on network ready printers must have dropped. WHen I bought my Lexmark last year, network ready multifunction printers (with fax) were over $300.
2007-09-24 04:12:49 · update #1
There are a number of different print servers out there. Linksys, Netgear or Dlink are all cheap and effective. If your network is wireless they also have wireless printservers that can be purchased for under 100 dollars. They aren't complex and are rather easy to install.
2007-09-24 03:33:21 · answer #1 · answered by holendahead 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A number of companies make print servers. These are devices that connect to a (wired) network and provide one or more printer connections and the software to allow the printers to be seen as 'newtwork printers'.
The commonest of these in industry is probably the HP JetDirect adapter family - available as external or internal (for HP LaserJets) adapters with a variety of printer connections and network connections.
D-Link make at least one model of network print adapter.
Alternatively (and this may actually be the cheapest way to do it) buy a new printer with a network connection already built in. As example, Lexmark and Brother both sell all-in-one printers that have print servers and ethernet or wifi adapters built into them at not huge price (I bought a Brother one for under £55 / $100 which is a printer/scanner/copier with sheet feed scanner and a wifi adapter). The price of a set of carts...
2007-09-24 10:39:02 · answer #2 · answered by bambamitsdead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know what you are calling peer to peer. That would be a network connection without a router, and you say you are using a router.
What you want is a wireless usb print server. This will let you place your printers in any location in your home.
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=1&pid=313
2007-09-24 10:39:17 · answer #3 · answered by Taba 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a print server - it will just hook to the lynksys router, and you can plug the printers in with the usb connection. Then, the lan will see them as system printers.
EDIT: Found you a print server reasonably priced: http://cedarrapids.craigslist.org/sys/412502504.html
2007-09-24 10:33:15 · answer #4 · answered by Stuart 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to your local computer store and loo for a PRINT SERVER this will allow you to hook up the usb printers right to you router (if you have enough open ports)
follow the instructions and set up your printers
2007-09-24 10:33:59 · answer #5 · answered by kenneth t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linksys print server plugged into your linksys router.
2007-09-24 10:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try a printer with a data jack
2007-09-24 10:31:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋