I am trying to connect a print server to a NETGEAR network for a friend, but their printer is an all-in-one (printer, fax, copier, etc.) and I see that most of these print servers don't support multi-funtion printers. Any suggestion on how to hook up their multi-function printer on a print server but so that it will also be able take advantage of all of its features?
Take an old junky PC or laptop (hopefully you have one laying around), throw a copy of Win98 on it, and use it as your print server. Just share the printer on the network and everything should be good.
Hey, you can also get a USB to Ethernet adapter and network the printer. All machines on the network will need printer drivers installed to print...........hope this helps
I thought about the "old junky PC" idea, but they specifically don't want any other PCs in the house and just the 1 new laptop they have (connected wirelessly to the router). The USB/ethernet adapter might be an option though. Is this essentially what you are referring to:
Hi, You didn't include the printer model so I assume it has a USB Female B connector. If that is correct, you will need a USB Male B to Female A cable.
It is a USB printer and I originally saw the adapter you are referring to, but how can that work if the the adapter has to plug into the router. This adapter you suggest has a USB end, where as I need something with an ethernet end to plug into the router. Hence the reason I listed the other type of adapter.
hold on, I think I see what you are referring to now. I was thinking the adapter plugs into the router. However, i think you are saying the adapter plugs into the actual printer instead, right? If so, I believe the printer has a male type connection (square type connector) and not the female (flat type connector). Or do I have this turned around? The printer is a Lexmark X73
Hi, you only have to check your printer cable. Just to clear up.......USB A Female is the port on the back of your computer. USB Male A is the port that fits into the computer's USB ports. USB B Female is the rounded port on the printer and on one end of your printer cable, USB B MALE. Take the cable to the store and find an extension that fits the end of the printer cable to the Ethernet adapter's USB end. Or, find a cable that will fit the printer to the USB Ethernet adapter as I stated in the last post. Ports are like sex, if it fits into something--MALE If something fits into it--FEMALE
Although you can't see it, there is an ethernet port on the adapter from EBay. One end is Female ethernet RJ49 and the other is Male USB A.
Go to the store with the ethernet adapter from ebay and get the appropriate cable....it's not that complicated.
Yea, I got the whole Male/Female thing. It was just the "A" vs "B" thing that I was not sure about. I think I found an adapter though that will solve everything easier than mentioned before. Here it is:
Essentially, the printer cable's USB (A) "male" end would fit into this adapter's USB female end. Then the adapter would simply plug right directly into the router via an ethernet connection. Does this sound about right?
