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Home > Forums > Data Transmission > Communication Protocols > TCP/IP Forum

Network a non network printerHelpful Member! 

thread581-1565977
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kylebellamy (Programmer)
24 Aug 09 19:43
This is going to sound odd but I wanted to help a neighbor to get her printer wirelessly connected to her laptop. She doesn't have a desktop anymore but just got fios and the wireless router.

Is there some sort of connection box that an go between the printer and the router that will make it a standalone printer on the network? Does that make any sense?

Thanks for your help!  

http://www.flickr.com/resurfacing

 
Helpful Member!  VinceWhirlwind (TechnicalUser)
24 Aug 09 21:23
It does make sense - what you need is a printer driver - in this case a wireless one. If the printer is USB, then this is the sort of thing you can use:
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-G-PrintServer-Multifunction-Printer-Support/dp/B000LSZ0Q0
 
 
kylebellamy (Programmer)
24 Aug 09 21:51
Brilliant! I guessed there was an easy solution to it but just couldn't think clearly enough to phrase the google search properly. :)

Kyle

http://www.flickr.com/resurfacing

 
compuveg (IS/IT--Management)
28 Aug 09 9:09
Similar, wired, interfaces are available for both USB and parallel printers.  If she doesn't mind locating the printer near her wiresell access point, she should still be able to print from anywhere with her laptop to that printer.  

The industry seems to indicate that a person is required to have a wireless printer to print from a wireless connection.  This is not at all true as long as there's physical ports available on the access point.
kylebellamy (Programmer)
28 Aug 09 12:57
That might actually work better since her level of expertise is not particularly high and eliminating any unnecessary elements might be for the best.

Is that the sort of adapter I could pick up cheap at a Radio Shack or somewhere like that?

http://www.flickr.com/resurfacing

 
compuveg (IS/IT--Management)
28 Aug 09 21:14
Here's a USB printserver from IOgear for $40, including shipping.  

http://www.buy.com/prod/iogear-hi-speed-usb-2-0-print-server-gpsu21-iogear-gpsu21-print-server/q/loc/101/202717949.html

And a parallel printserver from netgear for $50 with free shipping...

http://www.buy.com/prod/netgear-ps101-mini-print-server-netgear-ps101-print-server-x-10base-t/q/loc/101/10320007.html

Since parallel is older technology, they assume you're willing to pay more for it, because it is still cheaper than buying a new printer with a network interface built in.  And for these prices, you might as well go wireless.

I hope someone tells me if this is considered advertising.  I've not tried either product.
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