Is USB bi-directional? 1

[Bedbugged]

I have an HP Scan, print, copy, fax (HPSC950)that I am trying to hook-up to a non-networked Mac AND PC machine. I have been told there is not a USB "Y" adapter, female in to 2 male out plug to be found. I was also told that USB is bi-directional and I could use a 4 port hub to plug the printer into and then plug the computers into 2 of the 4 ports. The source was not sure about this, and I would appreciate some confirmation before I try this.

Can anyone help me?

 

[Win98User]

Hi,
It sound feasible. Just be wary of the length of cable you need to connect them - make sure you can buy it of sufficient length.

This link seems to be what you are looking for.

http://www.usbgear.com/usa/USB_sharing.html

Regards. It not what you say but how you say it that counts...apparently.

 

[Bedbugged]

Thanks for your quick response and link! I am not clear from your answer if a standard 4-port hub will work or if I need to invest in the unit you linked in your answer?

 

[Win98User]

A switch is better than a hub - BUT, more importantly in this case, searching for USB hubs is harder becuase you end up getting links to hubs that expand your pc's usb connection availability - you know, the hub that connects into the usb slot so that you can plug a lot more items in more easily, such as keyboard, mouse, printer, camera etc. but does not allow networking of devices.

Stick to looking for USB switches and it will be easier and better - the link above looks to be the sort of thing to invest in.

Regards. It not what you say but how you say it that counts...apparently.

 

[Win98User]

A standard four port hub would mean investing in NIC cards for each PC and a Printer server to attach to the printer to allow it be connected to the hub.

With the device above - each PC is connected to the device and so it controls it with its own software.

When you have a remote printer that isn't connected to a PC you need some other device to be able to control what it is doing - that is a print server.

If the pc's don't need to be networked go for the above link. I am assuming that the PC's are not networked - but if they were you could just connect the 2 pc's to a standard hub or switch and connect the printer to one pc and install the printer as a network printer on the second machine - the disadvantage is that you would have to have the pc that the printer is attached to turned on to print to it from the other machine.

With a print server or the USB switch above - that would not be needed.

At the end of the day - what you exactly want to do will tell you which option to go for.

So the question is do you want to network or not?

The price of 2 network cards is going to be half the price of the switch (approx). plus the network printer is going to be at least the price of the USB switch and you still need to buy a hub.

Regards. It not what you say but how you say it that counts...apparently.

 

[Win98User]

" ...just connect the 2 pc's to a standard hub or switch and connect the printer to one pc and install the printer as a network printer on the second machine"

Probably wouldn't work if your machine has only USB interface.

Regards. It not what you say but how you say it that counts...apparently.

 

[Bedbugged]

I thought my question was relatively simple, but apparently not. I do not want to network the MAC and PC together. I am aware I can do that. I am also aware that a print server would work.

I just need to know if I can plug the printer, which has only a USB out, into the square port (B) on the back of a powered hub and then run 2 "A to A" cables to the PC and MAC...will the information flow this direction? Do they make a "B to B" cable? She will only be printing from one machine at a time, be it the MAC or the PC.

 

[Win98User]

Hi,
It is only a simple question if you know all the components that make up the question ;-)

Have you got a hub?
Have you got a hub in mind?

If the answer is no and no then go for something like the item above - there is no ambiguity, it will work.

If you have a hub - then try it out and see.

If you have a hub in mind - then ring the supplier and ask them if it will do what you want.

Those are simple answers to a simple question - do they help?

Regards. It not what you say but how you say it that counts...apparently.

 

[Bedbugged]

I went ahead and ordered the switch you linked me to...couldn't put my hands on one locally. It seems to be what will work for my situation. Thanks for the lead!

Matt

 

[chriseubank]

A basic 4 port usb hub would have worked in your situation.