is it possible to share a scanner through an XP network?
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Browse All TopicsGood evening experts, (or afternoon for the few of you who are stateside ;o) )
I have 1 scanner and I need to connect it to 2 computers. Can this be done with a USB hub?
Pete
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You cannot share a USB device through a hub.
I am not aware of any network devices that would transpose USB to a network and back.
I had a client with the same needs as yours, and purchased this item for them:
http://shop1.outpost.com/p
A USB 2.0 2 to 1 auto switch. $30 includes cables.
There are buttons on the switch for manual operation, or you can install the included CD to get a system tray icon that tells you if you have control of the USB device or not (and lets you request control if you don't have it)
The client is running a Fujitsu 4120 C2 scanner through it. - it's worked out great, and saved them the $800 cost of a second scanner.
We actually do this at the hospital where I work. We use this software to do it, although our function is for terminal services. Not sure what the price of the software is there are different licenses, but you would only need 1.
http://www.remote-scan.com
http://www.remote-scan.com
Looks like personal use is $39, and business use is $100 for up to 5 computers connecting to the scanner.
I should add that the software is very fast, and very efficient. There was no noticable difference between a network scanner (using Remote-Scan) and one directly connected. Great stuff.
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by: otsego85Posted on 2006-01-18 at 11:39:16ID: 15732268
No I dont think you can. A hub is designed to connect multiple devices to a single computer. Its like an powerstrip of a sorts. You could however use a USB 'SWITCH' to share devices between multiple computers. Also, if your two computers are networked together you can share printers and other devices connected to a single computer across the network.