Wireless Router with Print Server

UltraCheap_2

Hi,

I have two laptops and a printer that I would like to network through a wireless modem.

I have broadband through Virgin and currently use the Thomson Speedtouch 330broadband modem that came with service (says USB and ASDL on the outside).

I am interested in getting a refurbished Netgear FWG114P 802.11g VPN Router with USB Print Server. The printer I have is an old (but wonderful) HP LaserJet 5. I have ordered a parallel port to USB cable so that I can use this printer on the laptops (neither have a parallel port). It appears that I will need to hook my existing broadband router into the wireless router. Does anyone have experience with this router and how it works?

Does this seem like the best option? Or is this router just overkill and there is a better/easier/cheaper option? I think it will technically work, but then I get confused about what exactly ASDL is vs. broadband... Is there a difference?

Thanks!

wolfman

Firstly, don't confuse "broadband" and "ADSL". "Broadband" is merely a gimic phrase or word that I think BT introduced. Broadband is the same as ADSL.

There are many different forms of DSL (as in SDSL, ADSL etc...). The one you are common with is ADSL.

From the sound of things you may have trouble connecting your Thomson modem up to the router. The Thomson, from what you mentioned, sounds like a USB modem. In order to hook it up to the router you'll most likely need a modem with an Ethernet port, not a USB port.

Also the Netgear WGPS606 may be of interest to you. It's slightly cheaper and probably more suited to the type of user that you are.

With regards to it being overkill. Well you only really need to host a printer like that if you have a network of computers, and want all of them to be able to access the printer (without the need of a specific computer to be on in order to host the printer).

Explain your setup a little more (ie how many computers, how you share internet access, how they are networked etc...) and what your needs are, people here will be able to advise better.

UltraCheap_2

Thanks for clearing up the ASDL and Broadband confusion!

Correct, the Thompson modem is USB.

I have two laptops, just recently purchased the second, which is why I need to change the network setup. I would like the flexibility of a wireless network. Only the two laptops will need access to the network, there are no desktop computers. Currently, the first laptop accesses broadband via the Thompson USB modem. I have got an Ethernet cable running between the two computers, which allows the the second laptop to access the broadband through the first laptop (as a host).

Both laptops are running Windows XP.

Both laptops have "Intel Pro/Wirelss 2200BG Netw" internal wireless cards

The printer uses a parallel port cable. I have recently ordered a parallel port to USB cable, which will supposedly will allow me to link the printer to either laptop through the USB. In the past, the printer was connected to a very old laptop computer that had a parallel port, and was basically just used for printing.

I would like the wireless modem to have WAP or WEP, and a firewall to make it all more secure.

I suppose I could just get a regular wireless modem, and then hook up to the printer each time I need to print (as I really don't print that often), but it sure would be nice to be able to print.

I live in a really small place, so it is to tuck away the printer out of site, and to remove some of the extra cables.

A refurbished Netgear ProSafe™ 802.11g Wireless Firewall w/4 Port 10/ 100 Switch and USB Print Server is selling on ebay for around £30 with a one month warranty.

Thanks!

Toxteth_OGrady

Get one of these for your printer.

Or this.

Or this.

:cool:

TOG

Lakeuk

wolfman wrote:

Firstly, don't confuse "broadband" and "ADSL". "Broadband" is merely a gimic phrase or word that I think BT introduced. Broadband is the same as ADSL.

Those are two confusing words, just this weekend bought a 4 port router with built in ADSL modem, but I nearly bought a "Broadband" router, it turns out the majority of these items described as "Broadband" are actually aimed at users who get broadband access via cable - these type or routers don't actual have a modem included.

wolfman

Ok, one unit that'll do it all in one is the Draytek Vigor 2600.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=963&CategoryID=1

It's quite pricey though. One of the best you can get, got the slightly older version myself and I've yet to experience a single fault with it.

What would probably be a better idea, is to invest in an Ethernet Modem to replace your Thomson. You could then get a refurbished Netgear like you mentioned, or alternatively the slightly newer Netgear I mentioned.

Such a modem would cost you anywhere from £20-40.

A bluetooth adapter for you printer may be another option. Both your laptops would need to have bluetooth though. I think the adapter kits generally cost around £40-50.

There's also TOG's suggestion too, but it's quite pricey. If I was spending that much, and still needed to get a refurbished router, I'd just go for the Draytek.

seanparkin

What I would do, would be to:

Throw away the USB modem. (not literally, keep it in a box incase anything goes wrong later)
Buy a ADSL router/4 port switch with 802.11g wireless. Fairly cheap.
Buy a parallel printserver. Also fairly cheap - get a cheap jetdirect from ebay or something.

Thats it!

UltraCheap_2

Thanks for all the useful advice, so many options. I am hoping to spend around £20-40 by buying the items second hand. I am so glad that I didn't buy the Netgear option, as I would have had to just purchase more elements to make it all work. The Draytek looks very interesting, first time I have heard of the brand, but it appears to be a very good product.

I am also interested in the Dynamod printer server option, but they are expensive, an no one seems to want to sell them second hand on ebay (must be because they are so handy).

wolfman

Draytek are generally at the higher end of the router/modem market.

The Draytek Vigor 2600+ may be overkill for your needs, but if you're going to be spending near that amount anyway, then it'd be worth considering.

I've had the older Vigor 2600 (not the plus version) for 3 years now and it's been great. It does well in the reviews:

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/labs/131/wireless-routers/products.html

Again though, consider all the options as it is quite pricey.

UltraCheap_2

Hi there

The Draytek Vigor 2600, and Draytek Vigor 2600+ don't seem to be wireless though, is that correct?

I would need to go for the Draytek Vigor 2600+G?

I agree, these are very expensive new, I am hoping to buy something on auction.

Thanks!

wolfman

Ah yes sorry, you'd need the 2600G+ version.