Question

Connect USB device to Ethernet network

Asked by: mcnuttlaw

I need to connect a USB printer to a home network for the computers to have access.

Would I need an adapter or a hub (each with a USB and RJ45)?

From what I see, the adapters are connected to the computers and require software installation.  But the hub does not.

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Asked On
2008-10-22 at 11:57:44ID23838242
Topic

Miscellaneous Hardware

Participating Experts
5
Points
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Comments
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Answers

 

by: JohnnyCanuckPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:01:49ID: 22780045

The simplest way is to install the printer on one of the computers and share it.

 

by: DawilliamsPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:07:04ID: 22780100

JohnnyCanuck is right that is the easiest way, but the PC sharing the printer must remain on for others to use it. have a look at this.
http://reviews.cnet.com/networking-and-wi-fi/belkin-network-usb-hub/4505-3243_7-32467513.html

 

by: homemadebyxPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:42:47ID: 22780469

No adapter or hub required.    After it's installed on a system and shared,  go to the other systems and install a network printer.

control panel/printers and faxes/ "add printer"    

Choose "A network printer, or printer attached to another computer"

"Browse for a printer"




 

by: mgonulluPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:44:55ID: 22780492

 

by: mcnuttlawPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:52:07ID: 22780580

I should mention that I don't want to share it.  It should stand alone on the network.

 

by: DawilliamsPosted on 2008-10-22 at 12:54:48ID: 22780613

What kind of printer is it? does it have a nic onboard or just the USB?

 

by: mcnuttlawPosted on 2008-10-22 at 13:01:13ID: 22780677

Life would be easier if it did have a nic but no it does not.  It's a usb only device that I want to connect to a network as a standalone device.

Do I use an adapter which is significantly cheaper than a hub?  By the looks of it, it appears that a hub is the way to go.

 

by: mgonulluPosted on 2008-10-22 at 13:04:13ID: 22780698

if you get the device I described you still have to get the Hub,
if you want to attach the USB to one PC and share, this PC should still powered on so others can print.

 

by: DawilliamsPosted on 2008-10-22 at 13:05:43ID: 22780711

If you want it to be stand alone then an adapter would be the cheapest way.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=589
if you want to be able to add devices in the future than a hub would be your best bet.
http://reviews.cnet.com/networking-and-wi-fi/belkin-network-usb-hub/4505-3243_7-32467513.html

 

by: knoxzooPosted on 2008-10-24 at 10:47:58ID: 22798493

Get a standard print server.  If you've already got a home network, you have a hub/switch, unless you're running ad hoc wireless, in which case, your hub/switch just needs to have an available port.  If you're running ad hoc wireless, you'll need to get a wireless print server.

Go to www.geeks.com and do a search for "print server".  

Here's a couple:
wireless - http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=WGPS606NAR&cpc=SCH
wired - http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=PS121NAR&cpc=SCH

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