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    Is there a wireless print server that can also be used for a hard drive?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by boringmember, Sep 21, 2009.

  1. boringmember

    boringmember Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have my router downstairs and my printer upstairs. I want to be able to print wirelessly and also attach a usb hard drive so I can backup wirelessly. I don't want to have to keep a computer there though. Is that possible? What device should I get for this purpose? Thanks in advance!
     
    boringmember, Sep 21, 2009
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  2. arihantddn

    arihantddn Notebook Consultant

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    TL-PS310U seems to be a cheap & good option, 've got average reviews. http://ca.tp-link.com/products/ps.asp This can also act as usb storage device. Just check for the compatibility of your printer before buying, its also good to check the return policy before buying.
    Just connect it to one of the ethernet ports of your wifi router & it'll work wirelessly.
     
    arihantddn, Sep 21, 2009
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  3. boringmember

    boringmember Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks so much! Will this work if the printer and hard drive are upstairs and the router is downstairs though? I can move the hard drive fairly easily, but the printer will look strange in the middle of our living room!
     
    boringmember, Sep 21, 2009
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  4. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    If you want to make sure there is no "maybe" in the equation and leave room for future upgrade/expansion just build/buy a cheap pc like a htpc and then you can install as many hdd's as you need and connect a printer too it and share it over the network.

    You could even use it as a home server to backup files and stuff too on its own.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Sep 21, 2009
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  5. boringmember

    boringmember Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hmm, that's a good idea. I am not really technical enough to build a pc though! I'm also thinking of getting a new notebook so maybe I could use the old one for this purpose. What exactly do I need to buy if I go this route?
     
    boringmember, Sep 21, 2009
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  6. ViciousXUSMC

    ViciousXUSMC Master Viking NBR Reviewer

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    nothing to buy to just share a printer on a network just need an operating system and a network.

    If you wanted to make it into a server I would recommend using the windows home server operating system.
     
    ViciousXUSMC, Sep 21, 2009
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  7. arihantddn

    arihantddn Notebook Consultant

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    What i've heard is u dont get very good speed with usb hdd & if its in wireless connection with router u may get even lesser speeds.
    With TL-WPS510U, other model on the same page, u can use printer upstairs but not the usb hdd.
    U can use a usb storate router like belkin n+, linksys 610n, airport extreme instead of ur existing router if u want to keep ur hdd with router & use above wifi print server with the printer upstairs. But this will make ur old router useless.
     
    arihantddn, Sep 22, 2009
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  8. boringmember

    boringmember Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the help
     
    boringmember, Sep 22, 2009
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  9. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    A cheap solution is probably to buy Asus Wl520Ge (about $30) and load tomato firmware on it. It can do multiple printers and NAS simultaneously, as long as you have a hub. Though, the speed is capped to "108Mbps".
     
    jackluo923, Sep 23, 2009
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  10. boringmember

    boringmember Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks a lot!
     
    boringmember, Sep 23, 2009
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