How do I turn a wired printer into a wireless printer?

[kevs]

After 6 years, I've purchased two new laptops and a 1 TB HomeServer, with the intent to eventually retire my old-school Dell Dimension desktop.

I'm now realizing that I still want to print, but my printer (Samsung ML-1740) isn't made to be wireless.

I've done some searching on getting a print server, but what EXACTLY do I need to do to be able to put it on a wireless home network (which I plan on trying to set up after I get the laptops in a week or so)?

Thanks for your help! :)

[DarkFury]

If you get a print server, you basically just enable it to be a device on your network via its MAC address. Once it is on, the print server should come with software that will allow you to enable printing to it from any computer within your network.

I've owned Netgear print servers before and they just do their job.

[kevs]

Thanks, DarkFury.

Does that mean I could buy a wireless print servcr to convert my wired printer into a wireless printer for my up and coming wireless home network?

[Markel]

Kev, I've got the same printer. I've got mine on a Netgear Print Server that adapts the printer to my local network (as I do my Epson Stylus). The Netgear unit just plugs into a router/switch and all the computers on the network can print to it (via a utility that comes with the server). In my case, a wireless computer on my net could do the same. So it's not completely necessary to get a wireless print server. My router also has a port that would allow a printer to be plugged into it.

There are wireless printer adapters that would allow a printer to be run free from any wired connection.

You can see both types starting at this link (http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers.aspx?for=Home+Networking).

[kevs]

Thanks, Markel!

I've got a Linksys Speedbooster Wireless Router (I think it's a G). I didn't see any ports for the printer to plug into...would it just plug into one of the four wired ethernet connections in the back?

[Markel]

I've got a Linksys Speedbooster Wireless Router (I think it's a G). I didn't see any ports for the printer to plug into...would it just plug into one of the four wired ethernet connections in the back?
On my router (it's a US Robotics) it is a usb plug on the router. The ethernet connections would only work if you had a printer adapter (such as the PS121 from the above link) or a network-ready printer (which the ML-1740 isn't). I picked up my PS121's when there was a decent deal with a rebate (I may have paid $25 or $30). I see a refurbished one for $13 (plus shipping) here (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS121NAR&cat=NET). Geeks has a number of other print servers (http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?Cat=655) that might be worth exploring.

[kevs]

On my router (it's a US Robotics) it is a usb plug on the router. The ethernet connections would only work if you had a printer adapter (such as the PS121 from the above link) or a network-ready printer (which the ML-1740 isn't). I picked up my PS121's when there was a decent deal with a rebate (I may have paid $25 or $30). I see a refurbished one for $13 (plus shipping) here (http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS121NAR&cat=NET). Geeks has a number of other print servers (http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?Cat=655) that might be worth exploring.

Okay...my brain is starting to work.

So the flow should work like this:
Printer -> PS121 -> Ethernet Port in the Router = Network Printer

I'm definitely Ethernet Ports only on my router...

[Markel]

So the flow should work like this:
Printer -> PS121 -> Ethernet Port in the Router = Network Printer

Exactly. And once the printer is on a network that provides wireless access, wireless computers should be able to print to the printers. I'll try setting up my daughter's laptop to verify this.

[DarkFury]

If you still want a wireless print server, here is one you might be interested in: http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers/WirelessPrintServers.aspx

Personally, I use wired print servers myself. They're a bit cheaper and since I don't move my printer around, I don't really need it to be wireless. However, all of the wireless devices in my network still have access to it since it is just an addressable device on the network.

Good luck with your decision :thumb: :D

[bachviet]

Okay...my brain is starting to work.

So the flow should work like this:
Printer -> PS121 -> Ethernet Port in the Router = Network Printer

I'm definitely Ethernet Ports only on my router...
That's my setup @ home with a Brother HL-2040 laser printer. I also have a wireless print server but I never try it yet.

[Markel]

Just as a confirmation, I installed the Netgear Print Server utility (for the PS121) and the ML-1740 driver on my daughter's laptop, and it was then able to print (wireless from laptop to router) over the home network to the printer (Printer usb plug -> PS121 -> ethernet connection to switch/router). Works great.

[kevs]

If you still want a wireless print server, here is one you might be interested in: http://www.netgear.com/Products/PrintServers/WirelessPrintServers.aspx

Personally, I use wired print servers myself. They're a bit cheaper and since I don't move my printer around, I don't really need it to be wireless. However, all of the wireless devices in my network still have access to it since it is just an addressable device on the network.

Good luck with your decision :thumb: :D

Thanks, DarkFury. I appreciate your input!


Just as a confirmation, I installed the Netgear Print Server utility (for the PS121) and the ML-1740 driver on my daughter's laptop, and it was then able to print (wireless from laptop to router) over the home network to the printer (Printer usb plug -> PS121 -> ethernet connection to switch/router). Works great.

Okay, that's great. Thanks, Markel. I like the price of the refurbished link you sent me, and will most likely buy that one.

Now, I just have to set up my wireless home network properly!

More questions to come! :)

Thanks again, everyone!