[SOLVED] Convert USB Printer to a Network Printer ?

[Witterings]

I currenly have a USB printer attached to my PC and have made it available across the Network but I'm not overly happy about the permissions I have to give on my PC and if it's switched off no one else can't print..

There are quite a few options of USB to RJ45 converter that I could then plug ito a switch on the network or using something like a Vonets WiFi Bridge to connect it wirelessly.

Would these work or do I need to buy a seperate converter / print server so it can be seen on the Network or are there any other options available taht would work?

 

[kanewolf]

I currenly have a USB printer attached to my PC and have made it available across the Network but I'm not overly happy about the permissions I have to give on my PC and if it's switched off no one else can't print..

There are quite a few options of USB to RJ45 converter that I could then plug ito a switch on the network or using something like a Vonets WiFi Bridge to connect it wirelessly.

Would these work or do I need to buy a seperate converter / print server so it can be seen on the Network or are there any other options available taht would work?

If it is just a printer, not a printer/scanner then I would recommend a $20 asus RT-N56U router from E-Bay. Set it as an AP. Get extra WIFI, an ethernet switch and print server all in one.

 

[SamirD]

You can't convert from usb to ethernet like that. But a lot of printers have built-in wifi or ethernet so you can just use that. Otherwise, you've got a great suggestion above for a cheap way to get the printer onto the network.

 

[Witterings]

Cheers for the replies ... I had a look for the RT-N56U router and it looks like it's end of life / out of stock, I did find a few 2nd hand ones on e-bay but they were all in the US, none for sale in the UK.

I'll have a look around and see what else I can find / get a print server.

 

[SamirD]

Cheers for the replies ... I had a look for the RT-N56U router and it looks like it's end of life / out of stock, I did find a few 2nd hand ones on e-bay but they were all in the US, none for sale in the UK.

I'll have a look around and see what else I can find / get a print server.

Basically any old Asus router will do it since they share a lot of the same firmware base.

 

[kanewolf]

Cheers for the replies ... I had a look for the RT-N56U router and it looks like it's end of life / out of stock, I did find a few 2nd hand ones on e-bay but they were all in the US, none for sale in the UK.

I'll have a look around and see what else I can find / get a print server.

Yes, they are old but very reliable. I picked that because they are usually plentiful on E-Bay for $20.
As @SamirD said almost any Asus router will support a USB printer. Find a cheap used one.

 

[Witterings]

I'll have a hunt around flea bay and see what I can find ..... cheers for everyone's help, much appreciated

 

[SamirD]

I'll have a hunt around flea bay and see what I can find ..... cheers for everyone's help, much appreciated

And don't forget the lower end options that may be cheap even new. Also local options for finding one like the local classifieds. Good luck and post back when you've got it all working!

 

[Witterings]

In the end I bought an Asus RT-AC68U router with a print server and it seems to be working a treat and thank you to all for your input!

 

[SamirD]

In the end I cought an Asus RT-AC68U router with a print server and it seems to be working a treat and thank you to all for your input!

Nice choice. glad you got it all working!