Wireless Network (laptops only) Question Re Print Server

PennyPurple

Afternoon All,

I've read the 'sticky' threads re printer sharing, etc, but I can't find the answer to my question...

If I have a wireless network comprising a wireless router and two laptops, I believe the only way I can print is to physically plug the printer into the back of one of the laptops.

If I want to allow either laptop to print remotely without having to go into the room where the printer is, do I need a new wireless router (I need to buy a new one anyway cause current one is cranky!) with a print server inside?

If so, does anyone have any suggestion of a product to look at? The only ones I've seen seem to be for Cable customers - We are with UK Online which I assume means we should be looking at the BT/ADSL ones?

Any advice much appreciated.

Regards,
Penny

Chippy_Minton

PennyPurple wrote:

If I have a wireless network comprising a wireless router and two laptops, I believe the only way I can print is to physically plug the printer into the back of one of the laptops.

Yes, although if the printer has an Ethernet port it can connected by wire to the wireless router (most wireless routers have Ethernet ports for wired connections). This would work if the printer is in the same room as the router, or you don't mind trailing a wire between 2 rooms.

If I want to allow either laptop to print remotely without having to go into the room where the printer is, do I need a new wireless router (I need to buy a new one anyway cause current one is cranky!) with a print server inside?

Yes, if the printer has a USB or parallel port you'll need a wireless or wired print server to connect it to the router. If wired, the same proviso about wires between rooms holds.

If so, does anyone have any suggestion of a product to look at? The only ones I've seen seem to be for Cable customers - We are with UK Online which I assume means we should be looking at the BT/ADSL ones?

No, your existing wireless router ADSL modem or separate ADSL modem already provides the ADSL bit for use with BT phone line. You just need a wireless print server, no need for anything with ADSL on it, e.g. http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers.aspx

PennyPurple

Thanks Chippy_Minton for the comprehensive reply. The printer is in the same room as the router and I think it has USB rather than ethernet (it's an HP PSC 1500 series if that helps).

We need to buy a new wireless router ASAP because the current one is very flaky - keeps dropping it's wireless connection & needs switching off & on again - so rather than buying two bits of kit (a router and a print server) I was thinking it would best to get an all in one.

Would be interested to know if you agree, or have any suggestions / other comments.

Kind Regards,
Penny

albertross_2

what model of router do you have? (they can all be flaky, have you tried updating the firmware?)

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=250946&highlight=olivetti

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471408&postcount=37

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.html?p=2471410&postcount=38

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=121274

Chippy_Minton

A separate router and print server would give you more flexibility because the printer wouldn't need to be in the same room as the router.

Combined wireless ADSL modem router print servers are fairly uncommon devices. Here is a cheap one --> http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/90973; not a well-known brand, but it seems to have good reviews there. At the other end of the scale there is http://www.draytek.co.uk/products/vigor2600g.html, one of the best but probably overkill for you. Have a Google for 'wireless adsl modem router print server' for others.

As albertross says, see if you can fix your existing router first by updating its firmware.

Also, make sure the USB print server is compatible with your printer, e.g. the ebuyer one doesn't support all printers.

PennyPurple

Many thanks to albertross and Chippy_Minton for the very thorough replies. I have now updated my firmware (never realised it was so easy!) so I'm typing with my fingers crossed, hoping that it'll have done the trick and won't keep dropping the wireless all the time. My fiance will be especially pleased if it works - he plays online poker and network drops during good hands do not help! :-)

Thanks again, and enjoy the rest of your Bank Holiday weekend.

Penny

Money_Saver

Found This

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/0960810.htm

albertross_2

This one is cheaper..

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=-1&catalogId=5101&productId=291199