Wireless printing Question

[dreamtfk]

So I want to print to my printer in the living room via the router and I guess I will be needing to attach a print server. I just wanted to be certain there is no alternative route to doing this before I buy it?

I do not have another computer in the living room to act as a server.

[=ACID RAIN=]

Either 1) get a network card for the printer (assumes a business-class printer)
or 2) get a jetdirect or similar (as you stated)
or 3) build a cheapo computer to act as a server

Of those, your idea is probably the easiest, just make sure it handles your data type ie. parallel or usb.

[dreamtfk]

Gotcha. Just wanted to be sure gonna go on Ebay now to look for one, any reccomendations?

Also how exactly does the print server connect? Does it hook to the printer or the router or both? I want to make sure the one I get is for wireless printing not just for sharing a printer among several pc's.

[=ACID RAIN=]

Hp's jetdirect is fairly common in the business setting, not sure about consumer-level hardware though. Never messed with it outside of work.

Ad far as hooking up, if you have a wireless router, you are good to go. Just plug it in via cat5 to the router, hook it up to the printer via usb/parallel, and then configure it. Once it's hooked up, your wired and wireless machines behind your router should be able to see it and install it.

[SkuToV]

If you have a spare machine hooked to the network in the same room as the printer then you couls use that as a server using the windows file/printer sharing utilities. It takes about 5 mins to set up with the software and it's really easy!

[gangaskan]

If you have a spare machine hooked to the network in the same room as the printer then you couls use that as a server using the windows file/printer sharing utilities. It takes about 5 mins to set up with the software and it's really easy!

I do not have another computer in the living room to act as a server.


:)


they have Wifi print servers out as well. or you can do as acid rain said, Jet direct cards (but more or less in your case it will be a HP/ Netgar/ linksys) wifi print server they have USB and Parralel port flavors. keep in mind tho, some printers are not supported in these boxes.

[dreamtfk]

I'm sure I could dig up an old computer to act as a server but I really dont want it cluttering up my living room. I think I will just order this router since my current one is 802.11b only anyhow!

http://www.outletpc.com/c3405.html

Any thoughts? Ratings?