Print Server Recommendations Please

Is this 2008 or 2008R2?

AD printing has always been bulletproof at our organization.  

Are you using any hardware to print share?

What is a common issue/scenario with this setup you're not satisfied with?

Are all the workstations you're printing from joined to the domain?  What are their OS'?

From what I can tell this printer has an Ethernet port.  Just use your Windows Server 2008 be the print server.

Assign a static IP address to the printer then add it in on the server.

R2, yes I'm looking for hardware, yes all the workstations are windows 7 and in the domain.

No they don't have ethernet.

What kind of port do you have on the printer?  Parallel?

If so, then this should work nicely.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833127043&cm_re=print_server-_-33-127-043-_-Product

I'll check around and see if I can find a USB one.  Please look again.  Most newer printers have an Ethernet port at the least.

USB

Ok.  Just found the specs.  No Ethernet.  Wow.  I'm surprised.  I'll see if I can find a USB print server.

Take a look at this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833327014&cm_re=print_server_usb-_-33-327-014-_-Product

You can also search Newegg for "USB Print server" and see what they have to offer.

www.newegg.com

Well I've tried a few and so far they've all prove unreliable and in some cases impossible to set up in a proper networked environment needing their own control panels or apps to keep them running.

Have you tried the newegg one?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833114129&cm_re=print_server-_-33-114-129-_-Product

StarTech.com 1 Port USB Wireless N Network Print Server with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Port - 802.11 b/g/n - Wireless USB 2.0 Print Server

These work really, really well and offer both wired and wireless.

I know schools don't have  tons of money, but have you considered getting a printer that has an Ethernet port built in?

You can get a really nice HP OfficeJet 8620 for around $200.

Should have said I'm in UK looks like the one you posted isn't available in the UK. Bear in mind I am looking for recommendations as so far searching for them randomly and trying them has been a frustrating experience.

http://www.newegg.com/global/uk/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000387&IsNodeId=1&Description=usb%20print%20server&name=Network%20Print%20Servers&Order=BESTMATCH&isdeptsrh=1


Here's a list

Can you recommend any of them?

I have one of those IO gear's connected to dymo label printer upstairs.  Works like a champ!
Some lady even stepped on it and it exploded, still works....

IOGEAR GPSU21 1-Port Print Server RJ45 USB 2.0

Attached a picture of it, minus the case.

http://www.newegg.com/global/uk/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833139009&cm_re=usb_print_server-_-33-139-009-_-Product
IMG-2695.JPG

I've found a UK supplier so I'll give it a whirl. I'll let you know how it goes

The Canon iP3600  is a GDI printer (using Windows' graphics engine to convert the page into printer pixels). GDI printers are notoriously hard to network.

You need to find a printserver that specifically supports your printer. Most reputable printservers have a list of compatible printers. If your printer is in the list, it will work fine; if it's not it will almost certainly fail.

The IOgear printserver mentioned by CHoward lists other mothers in the IP3000 range but not the IP3600. I would ask IOgear first, before buying it.

Hmm, I've ordered the device now. Have to wait and see :>{

The term print server here is a misnomer...  WIth windows, which will be the actual SERVER, the print server (io gear) will simply emulate a port connection (Standard TCP/IP) to the printer and forward all print communcation VIA USB.  A TCP/IP port is the same as a USB or LPT port in that it merely transmits the data to the printer.  If the printer has a USB port on it, you're golden.

To add the printer:
  Click Add printer
  - select "local printer"
 - Create new port
     Standard TCP/IP port
 - Enter IP address (of the io gear)
    (if you can't get the test page to print, check your DHCP server and sort by most recent DHCP lease of IP address of io gear)
 - Find\locate Driver

You can do this on each workstation or at the end of the installation, it will give you options to share the printer.

No I shall need to share it via the server and AD as there are too many laptops for individual set up. Will let you know how it goes.

Works well. Thanks