USB hubs

[cbserlick]

I have a desktop PC which is connected to a Canon PIXMA iP6000D printer. I also have a laptop that I would like to connect to this printer. The PC is on a home network and I have a wireless box on my desk. I can print just fine through the PC and SOMETIMES on the laptop. Usually I can't print on the laptop because it doesn't "see" the printer?

I would like to find out if there is a USB hub that will enable me to connect BOTH computers to the printer so I can print from either the desktop or the laptop.

Can anyone offer any suggestions or tell me how to accomplish this?

Thanks

 

[Matthias99]

Someone else was trying to do this recently. Consensus was that it won't really work.

Network the systems and use Printer Sharing on the one directly connected to the printer. Or get a print server for the printer and directly network it.

 

[dwcal]

You need a USB switch. A hub doesn't work. You need something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817107510

 

[corkyg]

Better yet - a router - wired or wireless. A hub is simultaenous access to all ports at once. A switch is more selective - but a router is even more selective.

I have both my inkjet and my laser printer as stations on my network - each with an IP. All three of my computers, including a laptop, can print on either printer.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: corkyg
Better yet - a router - wired or wireless. A hub is simultaenous access to all ports at once. A switch is more selective - but a router is even more selective.

I have both my inkjet and my laser printer as stations on my network - each with an IP. All three of my computers, including a laptop, can print on either printer.

Previous post was re: a USB switch, not a CAT5/Ethernet one. That would work as well, although you have to manually switch it.

Basically, in general a USB device like a scanner or printer can only be attached to one system at a time. Hubs are made to attach many devices to one system, not to attach two systems to one (or many) devices.

Again, I strongly recommend sharing the printer over a network. The only drawback to this (unless you get a standalone print server) is that the system that has the printer plugged in must be turned on for anyone to be able to print.

 

[cbserlick]

I do have the printer shared over a network. My desktop is attached to a Linksys Wireless B USB Network Adapter which sits on my desk. The router for this adapter is downstairs. The desktop is on all the time. I also have the laptop on my desk and I have no problem connecting to the internet with it. Could it be that the laptop is not recognized by the network and therefore won't allow me to print over the shared printer? Is there a solution for this?

Is a standalong print server the only solution?

Thanks for your input.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: cbserlick
I do have the printer shared over a network. My desktop is attached to a Linksys Wireless B USB Network Adapter which sits on my desk. The router for this adapter is downstairs. The desktop is on all the time. I also have the laptop on my desk and I have no problem connecting to the internet with it. Could it be that the laptop is not recognized by the network and therefore won't allow me to print over the shared printer? Is there a solution for this?

Is a standalong print server the only solution?

Thanks for your input.

A standalone print server shouldn't be any different than having your desktop host it. Does the laptop see the printer (or any other shares on the desktop; maybe try sharing a folder and see if that shows up) at all?

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Matthias99
The only drawback to this (unless you get a standalone print server) is that the system that has the printer plugged in must be turned on for anyone to be able to print.

No, not so. My HP Deskjet 6980 is on my LAN as a separate network printer. It is installed equally on all three systems, and anyone can print any time. The others don't have to be on.

Am using a 4 port Netgear Wireless router. It has both Cat 5 and Wireless capability. I use the Cat 5 for all except my laptop. The printer has its oen Cat 5 port and separate IP number.

 

[cbserlick]

The laptop sees the printer, it is listed as the default printer (ie: Auto Canon PIXMA iP6000d on Carolyn). It also sees the printer for the desktop (ie: Canon PIXMA iP6000D).

The laptop also shows the shared files.

I think I will try buying a standalone print server and see if that will work.

Thanks so much for all your help.

Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: corkyg

Originally posted by: Matthias99
The only drawback to this (unless you get a standalone print server) is that the system that has the printer plugged in must be turned on for anyone to be able to print.

No, not so. My HP Deskjet 6980 is on my LAN as a separate network printer. It is installed equally on all three systems, and anyone can print any time. The others don't have to be on.

Am using a 4 port Netgear Wireless router. It has both Cat 5 and Wireless capability. I use the Cat 5 for all except my laptop. The printer has its oen Cat 5 port and separate IP number.

Your printer has a print server built into it. If you don't have a printer with this capability, you need to either get a standalone print server (emphasis: standalone) or set up printer sharing as I described.

OP: if you can see the printer and network shares from the other systems, but you can't print... I'm not sure what the problem is. Could be a bad driver somewhere.