Link a printer to the network using USB connection.
Link a printer to the network using USB connection.
Hello, I tried to link my printer to the home network using a Tenda S105 switch and an Ethernet cable. While plugging in the RJ45 port, I noticed the network port on the printer was empty (it was a lower-end model). Now I’m thinking about converting the Ethernet cable to USB to save money. Will that be feasible? Are there other options besides buying a printer server?
A computer can serve as a print server, with nearly any machine capable of handling it
There are networking devices with USB connections that allow you to connect printers, and there are also dedicated printer servers available. Below are some examples:
- LINKSYS WPS54GU2 Wireless-G Print Server 802.11b/g, RJ45 LPT, USB 2.0: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...J7W8HJ3602
- Hawking HMPS1U 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server for Multi Function Printers: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...6ZP3KD9491
- IOGEAR GPSU21 1-Port Print Server RJ45 USB 2.0: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...6833139009
- Cheaper option at $20: Wavlink 100Mbps Ethernet to USB 2.0 Network LPR Print Server 10/100Mbps Networking USB HUB
- Print server / network hub / adapter: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...6PF5695994
The most affordable print server available on Amazon was around 20€.
I was among the first routers I purchased—a budget model costing around 10-15 dollars today. The Canyon CN-BR1 included a USB print server. You can discover affordable options on eBay, such as this $4.5 router with a print server: https://www.ebay.com/itm/CompUSA-4-Port-...3762121146. It works well as a simple switch with a USB print server, just connect it via Ethernet to your router and avoid using the WAN port directly.