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    Wireless printing

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Fewmets, Jul 25, 2009.

  1. Fewmets

    Fewmets Notebook Consultant

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    If I want to print on one printer via a wireless connection with multiple computers (4+) - i.e. in a dorm situation - would I have to install the printer's software on every computer?

    I tried an ad hoc connection, but I am under the impression that it disconnects your wireless signal.

    Any suggestions/easy ways to print multiple computers wirelessly to one printer?
     
    Fewmets, Jul 25, 2009
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  2. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Yes, each printer will need the necessary software installed.

    Are all of these comptuers laptops? Is the printer connected to one of them all the time?
     
    kegobeer, Jul 25, 2009
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  3. Fewmets

    Fewmets Notebook Consultant

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    They are all laptops; I assumed that if each had the software installed (as it's an office printer, it should have unlimited installs), no one computer would need to act as a "server" and need to be connected to the printer the whole time (correct me if I'm wrong).

    Thus, any one computer could print from the printer at any time even if every other computer in the room was off. (I think)?
     
    Fewmets, Jul 25, 2009
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  4. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can buy a router with usb print server and connect your printer to the router. Then, anyone can print wirelessly.

    E.g. Asus WL520GU with tomato firmware. It can do NAS + usb print server at the same time for $30.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 25, 2009
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  5. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    What printer do you have?
     
    kegobeer, Jul 25, 2009
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  6. Fewmets

    Fewmets Notebook Consultant

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    A) So this would allow me to bypass installing software on everyone's computer?

    B) What about scanning wirelessly?
     
    Fewmets, Jul 25, 2009
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  7. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    We really need to know what printer you have.
     
    kegobeer, Jul 25, 2009
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  8. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    A) Maybe. If windows already have the drivers, you don't have to install the software on every one computer. If you don't, you'll have to install them on all of the computers which don't have the drivers.

    b) no, you can't scan wirelessly. You can only print wirelessly.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 25, 2009
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  9. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    If you buy a D-Link router with Shareport technology, you can scan via wifi. Install the Shareport client on each computer, and it will connect to whatever USB device is connected to the router, just as if it was connected directly to the computer. Other print servers do not work this way, because they don't support bidirectional communication.
     
    kegobeer, Jul 25, 2009
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  10. Fewmets

    Fewmets Notebook Consultant

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    I have an Officjet 6500, and it seems that its software caters to multiple installations in which the printer becomes a "personal printer" for each individual on the network; for example, I wirelessly connected 2 Vista computers to the printer, and each was unaffected by the shutdown/unistialltion of the software on the other computer; as a matter of fact, it was as if each laptop was unaware of the fact that it was printing on a computer that was connected to more than one computer (I tried putting some documents in a queue by printing a few documents on each computer simulatenously, and the printer handled it well).

    What specific advantages does a router give over isntalling the software (not just the drivers) on each computer?
     
    Fewmets, Jul 25, 2009
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  11. jackluo923

    jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso

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    Asus Wl-520GU with tomato supports bidirectional communication.
    BTW.. Officjet 6500 is a wireless printer. You don't need a printer server.
     
    jackluo923, Jul 25, 2009
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  12. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Your printer is a very capable wireless printer (since you say you can connect via wifi, I'm guessing you actually have either the 6500n or 6500q). You do not need to install any custom firmware on a router, or buy a new router with USB ability. If you read the manual and also read the networking manual, then follow whatever the installation instructions are for any required software/drivers, you will be just fine.
     
    kegobeer, Jul 25, 2009
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  13. arihantddn

    arihantddn Notebook Consultant

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    by the way i need a review for hp officejet pro 6500 all in one, can u provide me with that. also which model u r using wifi or ethernet..
     
    arihantddn, Aug 3, 2009
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  14. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    Have you tried Google? There are usually plenty of reviews of printers out there.
     
    kegobeer, Aug 3, 2009
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  15. arihantddn

    arihantddn Notebook Consultant

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    yeah, i tried google, but cudnt find a review of some good reviewer.
     
    arihantddn, Aug 4, 2009
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  16. kegobeer

    kegobeer 1 hr late but moving fast

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    kegobeer, Aug 4, 2009
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  17. arihantddn

    arihantddn Notebook Consultant

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    arihantddn, Aug 5, 2009
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