Do I need a print server?

krishna

Got desktop and laptop connected to a netgear DG834G v2. Also got an old HP Coor Laserjet 4550N connected to the desktop and shared across the XP home network. Need to get a longer cable to connect the printer. Currently using a parallel printer cable. I have ordered a 7.5m cable from Amazon, but then wondered if it might be possible to connect the printer directly to the router via it's existing JetDirect network card. Would I have to have a print server to do this and what would be the cheapest. It would be kind of convenient to be able to print without having the desktop PC on, but not if it was going to work out expensive.

lee634

having had a quick look at the specs for you router you shouldbe able to directly connect the printer to the router
Take a look here http://www.netgear.com/products/details/DG834G.php

wiraone

I've an old HP LJ4 with a JetDirect card .. nothing fancy, just set the IP address on the HP and connect it directly to my router. On my XP, just use local printer and create a new port (I'm using Standard TCP/IP port), give the fixed IP address that you set on the printer and that was it.

Lawbag_2

we have exactly the same setup at home

laptop and a desktop linked via a router box.

we have two HP4550, both with jetdirect network cards that also plug directly into the router box as well.

let us know how you get on.

krishna

wiraone wrote:

I've an old HP LJ4 with a JetDirect card .. nothing fancy, just set the IP address on the HP and connect it directly to my router. On my XP, just use local printer and create a new port (I'm using Standard TCP/IP port), give the fixed IP address that you set on the printer and that was it.

How do I set the IP address on the printer?

krishna

Done it! Did a cold reset on the printer and it automatically established an IP address.
Krishna

Little_John

The newer jet direct cards are configured during the instalation the older ones came with a peice of software called jet admin which could be used to configure the IP address.

im not sure about the 4550 but ok just had a look and a customer has one, they are huge and heavy receivnt movedit arround from ground floor to 2nd floor then 2 months later to the 1st floor I wish he was more desicive. anyway if you go in to the menu on the printer you will get the network options in there work through the IP and set the IP address, subnet and gateway if you need printing remotly and away you go. in the printer configuration rather than reinstalling the printers just add a new tcp/ip port and enter the ip address in there leave the name as default and it should start to work.