Tom's Hardware > Forum > General Networking > Network General Discussions > connecting parallel printer to network router
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
jb77   09-11-2006 at 11:21:05 AM

I am a DIY home user.
I have a HP 4550 with only a parrallel port. I want to make it accesible for all m y computers thatare linked to the same router.

Is there a way to connect this printer to an ethernet socket on my router and would that make it accesible for the other pc's (including wireless laptops)

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
Corksil   09-11-2006 at 02:13:24 PM
- 0 +

You said that the only port on the printer was a parallel? I'm not sure if they make them for parallel, but I I have a strong feeling you could get a print server and plug that into the router you mentioned. You could get a cheap PC and use it as an always-on printserver, or you could buy a network-ready printer with an ethernet port on it and a built in printserver. Not sure which would work the best for you, maybe just attach the printer to one of the computers, and leave it on 24/7 and just print to it. Only problem with that is that you have a computer running 24/7.

Just trying to offer some ideas.

Reply to Corksil
blue68f100   09-11-2006 at 10:24:39 PM
- 0 +

They make print servers for LPT device. If your printer requires bi-directions comm it will not work. HP sells print servers for their hardware but are expensive. But are guaranted to work if the printer is on their aproved list.

Their are routers that have print server ports on them. But only support 1 direction communication.

The only sure way is with a network printer. Recomend laser, because they are cheaper to operate.

Reply to blue68f100
carltonje   09-11-2006 at 10:37:44 PM
- 0 +

you could also just plug it up parallel and share it out. when you do a network add printer it will show up and usually will auto detect and install if on the same workgroup

Reply to carltonje
jb77   09-12-2006 at 12:29:55 AM
- 0 +

thanks guys, just ordered a hp jetdirect 300 for 25£, hopefully that works!

Reply to jb77
jb77   09-13-2006 at 03:06:13 PM
- 0 +

Connected teh server and my PC detects it, however printing doesnt wok, shows docs in a queu. Any thoughta?

Reply to jb77
kytech   09-23-2006 at 08:54:29 PM
- 0 +

I just stumbled on your forum while searching for a way to connect my parallel printer to my home network with using a pc and wanted to share this link with you. I think it is what you needed. Good luck!

http://www.netgear.com/Products/Pr [...] PS101.aspx

Reply to kytech
Flying-Q   09-28-2006 at 05:49:42 PM
- 0 +

I was looking at that Netgear PS101 just yesterday as I also need a print server.

In many reviews I noted that some people reported that if it loses power then it has to be configured from scratch each time.

I have decided not to use it, but thats just personal taste I guess.

Flying-Q

Reply to Flying-Q
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > General Networking > Network General Discussions > connecting parallel printer to network router
Go to:

There are 1250 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.613 seconds
Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Related Topics
See all relatives topics
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them