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    need help finding a wireless router w/printer server

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by bored7one4, Sep 13, 2005.

  1. bored7one4

    bored7one4 Notebook Consultant

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    i want to be able to print from any of my 4 computer in the house to one printer. i heard you can hook the printer to the wireless router? can anyone help me find a good one under $100

    thanks
     
    bored7one4, Sep 13, 2005
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  2. nickels

    nickels Notebook Enthusiast

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    This should do --

    http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...AFEED->PRODUCTS&cm_ite=1 PRODUCT&cm_keycode=4

    If your printer has a Network Interface Card then yes you can connect the printer to your router. If not, they you will need a print server. The one from CC has 4 ports, wireless and two USB ports to use for two printers. Price is $99.

    Now there are other print servers out there, but the cheapest I've seen are about $60.
     
    nickels, Sep 13, 2005
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  3. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    You actually have a couple options to go for.

    1. Get a new wireless router that has a built-in USB print server

    2. Get a Wireless USB printer server or a USB ethernet print server. These devices allows you to link your printer onto your network to allow for network printing from any computer on your network. The 1st one is wireless and therefore can be positioned anywhere. While the 2nd is based on the RJ45 standard. It requires a physical connection to your router via an RJ45 ethernet cable.

    If you're going to get a new router with a built-in USB print server, you're gonna have to have your printer near your router at all times. With the Wireless USB Print Server, you can leave the printer exactly where it is and still be at a convenient distance.

    Here's a small list of Wireless USB print servers from TigerDirect.com

    http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=371

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Sep 14, 2005
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  4. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You could also hook it to one of your desktops and share it so anyone on the network can print.
     
    ZaZ, Sep 14, 2005
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  5. bored7one4

    bored7one4 Notebook Consultant

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    so this printer server is all i need? so it acts like a wireless router too right or do i need a wireless router?
     
    bored7one4, Sep 14, 2005
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  6. bored7one4

    bored7one4 Notebook Consultant

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    i dont have a wireless router yet. Is there a wireless router with a print server build in or do i need to get two seperate things.
     
    bored7one4, Sep 15, 2005
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  7. dr_st

    dr_st Notebook Deity

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    Look at the sites of the major network equipment manufacturers (Linksys, Netgear, Trendet, D-Link, Edimax, 3Com...) to see if they have a combined wireless router + print server model. Chances are that someone does.
     
    dr_st, Sep 15, 2005
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  8. Merc

    Merc Notebook Enthusiast

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    You can also buy that new HP printer which has a wireless access point on it. I'm not exactly sure how it communicates with other devices (bluetooth?), but you can print to it accross your wireless network without all of the wires and configuration hassles.
     
    Merc, Sep 15, 2005
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  9. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    nickspohn, Sep 18, 2005
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  10. Venombite

    Venombite Notebook Virtuoso

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    Bored,

    The wireless print servers require a wireless router in order for them to work. But you may be able to connect to it without a wireless router. Setting a static IP on the print server and have a static IP on your wireless card may allow you to access the printer.

    You can get a wireless router with a built-in printer server (on the router). This will kill 2 birds with 1 stone, but you'll have to connect the printer to wherever the router is located or vice versa.

    -Vb-
     
    Venombite, Sep 18, 2005
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  11. SMP_Homer

    SMP_Homer Notebook Geek

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    I bought a USR MaxG router... wireless, 4 ports and USB print server...
    we have 2 laptops, and no issues printing...
    works great!
     
    SMP_Homer, Oct 4, 2005
    #11