Share a Printer on a Home Network (without being connected to one)?

[Sammy5000]

Hey Guys - real dumb question here. I have a little 3-pc network at the crib, with one printer hook up directly to one of the rigs. This is currently hooked up to share across the network, but since it is hooked up to one rig, that rig has to be turned on to print. I want to hook up this printer to a wireless print server, but want to get all the facts before I get started. Any thoughts/hints/suggestions/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

I currently have the 3-rigs hooked up for file/print/internet sharing via a wireless Linksys router (WRT54GS). Thanks again for all your time!

 

[sonoma1993]

go with a linksys wireless print server

here the one I have

linksys wireless print server

I have this one wirelessly connected to my linksys wrt54g router.

 

[Brazen]

there's not really anything else to say about it beyond what sonoma said.

 

[JackMDS]

I tend to forgo a general use 3rd party Wireless (or Wired) printer server; at best they are good for simple printing, most do not provide Bi-Directional Communication.

Having a Network ready Printer cost a little more but it works much, much, better.:beer:

:sun:

 

[Podolak]

I agree with Jack in that a printer with a build in print server is best. However, if this is not an option the suggestion Sonoma made is the next best thing. We have a few of these exact devices implemented and they really do work well. Good luck with whatever you chose.

 

[Sammy5000]

Unfortunately, I confirmed with Canon that my printer (Pixma MP500) is not compatible with any wireless print servers.

 

[sonoma1993]

Originally posted by: Sammy5000
Unfortunately, I confirmed with Canon that my printer (Pixma MP500) is not compatible with any wireless print servers.

I would check with like linksys and see what they say.

 

[Brazen]

Yeah, I've never had a problem with print server, but I've never used wireless (but that shouldn't matter). We even use a 10 year old HP Plotter from a little JetDirect print server, and those things aren't compatible with anything. However we did try a TrendNet print server (well not me, another guy, I would never waste money on a TrendNet, but I would try Linksys) and for some reason it would only let one person connect to it. The moral is: don't try a TrendNet print server.