Connect All in one printer to 2 computers

sprtfan

Senior member
Nov 17, 2003
257
5
81
Not sure if this is the right place to post. Let me know if I should post in a different area.

I got a HP Laserjet 3055 for my lab and I need to hook it up so it can scan and print from 2 different computers. I thought I was going to be able to hook it up through the internal network but found out that would only work for printing. I need to hook both computers up by USB for scaning to work. I was going to use a USB hub but was worried about the users at both computers trying to scan/print at the same time. From my understanding, this could cause damage to the printer if it received signals from both at the same time over the same USB connection. I found some USB switchs but they all seem to be manual and I would like to make this as hands off as possiable. Is there a product that can auto switch when getting a signal? If so, where can I order it? Any other ideas would be great. Thanks
 

Slikkster

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2000
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This all-in-one printer has built-in ethernet connectivity. If you have a router, just connect this printer to one of your router's ports (and configure the printer's network parameters).

 

sprtfan

Senior member
Nov 17, 2003
257
5
81
That was my plan to start out with but the all in one seems to only be able to print through the ethernet connectivity and has to be connected by the USB to be able to scan. At least that was what I gathered from the manual. I actually haven't tried it yet and will if you think it will work.
 

Slikkster

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2000
3,141
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Seems to me it will do network scanning fine. Here's a blurb from your manual about making sure network settings are correct, which implies network scanning works fine:

"CAUTION Changes to these settings might result in a loss of functionality with your all-inone. For example, network scanning, network faxing, or HP Web JetAdmin might stop working with certain settings changes."
 

sprtfan

Senior member
Nov 17, 2003
257
5
81
Thanks, I'll give it a try. On the box it said Print via ethernet, Print and Scan via USB. I figured that it probably wouldn't scan over the network then. If nothing else, it is pretty easy to try so I might as well.
 

mobobuff

Lifer
Apr 5, 2004
11,099
1
81
I've been able to print and scan with HP printers from multiple computers before, just by using the USB connection to one, and networking the two computers together, and sharing the printer as a resource.
 

Pwnbroker

Senior member
Feb 9, 2007
245
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When they come out with a wireless printer port, I'll be happy happy joy joy... I never have enough room on my desk and the printers worth buying are so huge.