Network printer without it plugged into computer

[imported_KuJaX]

At my house I have a printer shared throughout the network. Of course, with this being the case, the computer has to be on that the printer is plugged into.

Is there any simple device that you can plug the printer into that will always be on so that computers on the network can print from the printer regardless if the main computer is on? Basically, the way I see it, the printer technically won't even be plugged into a main computer.

Any cost effective ideas? <$25

 

[Cooky]

Any print server will do, although you'll need to pay >$25. (maybe in the $40 - 50 range)

 

[MarkLuvsCS]

There are "Print Servers" for this exact task. Many will not work on multifunctional devices though. The printer plugs into the print server, then the print server is plugged into the network.

All the ones i found on newegg.com were $40~$50 though. Take a look at your local retailers' flyers. They all have sales on networking components almost every week. I'm not sure if you will find something around $20, but i think you could find something for like $30.

Goodluck!

**EDIT** Looks like Cooky beat me to the punch while i looked up some prices ^_~ **EDIT**

 

[marulee]

Originally posted by: MarkLuvsCS
There are "Print Servers" for this exact task. Many will not work on multifunctional devices though. The printer plugs into the print server, then the print server is plugged into the network.

All the ones i found on newegg.com were $40~$50 though. Take a look at your local retailers' flyers. They all have sales on networking components almost every week. I'm not sure if you will find something around $20, but i think you could find something for like $30.

Goodluck!

**EDIT** Looks like Cooky beat me to the punch while i looked up some prices ^_~ **EDIT**

Fair enough!

Make sure check the compatiablity of print-server with your printer before you purchase it. There are also wireless PS, therefore check the wireless mode compatiablity as well (A, B, G, N).

Good luck!

 

[JackMDS]

May be this can Help, Printer Server - Printing through the Network

 

[jlazzaro]

no need for a print server...just map a local tcp/ip port, specify the drivers, and add the printer.

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: jlazzaro
no need for a print server...just map a local tcp/ip port, specify the drivers, and add the printer.

Right, but the computer still has to be on. It can't route information while it's off.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: InlineFive

Originally posted by: jlazzaro
no need for a print server...just map a local tcp/ip port, specify the drivers, and add the printer.

Right, but the computer still has to be on. It can't route information while it's off.

Most printers have a network port.

 

[jlazzaro]

Originally posted by: InlineFive

Originally posted by: jlazzaro
no need for a print server...just map a local tcp/ip port, specify the drivers, and add the printer.

Right, but the computer still has to be on. It can't route information while it's off.

should have specified, but with this option you would most likely plug the printer directly into the network, no pc in the picture.

 

[BZeto]

Originally posted by: spidey07

Originally posted by: InlineFive

Originally posted by: jlazzaro
no need for a print server...just map a local tcp/ip port, specify the drivers, and add the printer.

Right, but the computer still has to be on. It can't route information while it's off.

Most printers have a network port.

I know he didn't specify what kind of printer it is, but the majority of your home inkjet/photo printers do not have a network port.

 

[Cooky]

Actually the OP did specify he wants the printer to be accessible w/o the PC, or w/ the PC turned off.

 

[imported_KuJaX]

The Printer is USB based.

I do have a server that is ALWAYS running that has an extra USB port that is running CentOS linux. Any guides to making it a printer from that server running CentOS since it is always on?

 

[jlazzaro]

 

[montypythizzle]

Originally posted by: KuJaX
The Printer is USB based.

I do have a server that is ALWAYS running that has an extra USB port that is running CentOS linux. Any guides to making it a printer from that server running CentOS since it is always on?

if the printer has compatible drivers with linux then you could probably share it SOMEHOW im no linux expert 😱

 

[silverdj]

I have a linksys wireless print server that I will sell you for $30 shipped if that is what you are looking for. I have never used it