wireless access point with print server

[dogbone]

I've currently got a network setup with a switch and Toshiba router connected to a dial up isdn line for internet access. It works great with the toshiba router handling DHCP stuff.

My question: I'm getting in a new printer, one of the new Epson 9600 wide format jobs. I want to connect it to the network through either the usb, firewire, or parallel ports on the back of the printer. Preferably the usb. I've seen some wireless base units that say they are also print servers. Can I get one of these, hardwire it to the network, connect the printer to it's print server side and then also use it to run some additional PCs with wireless network cards? I guess this will allow the wireless connected PCs to not only use the printer, but to access other network resources?

thanks,

rw

 

[JackMDS]

As far as I know all of the available Wireless Cable/DSL Router, with printer server has only parallel port.

Usually it is a combo unit with 3-4 CAT5 wired ports, Access Point to more the 50 computers.

Example: SMC 7004WBR Barricade Wireless Broadband Router.

A Wireless Primer here: AnandTech - FAQ. What do I need for wireless networking?

BTW: USB needs a computer on one side, thus USB printer need to be connected to a computer, not to a client device.

 

[Tallgeese]

There are some standalone USB->Ethernet print servers. However, YMMV widely with those, since some of them may or may not interact properly with a given printer and its driver.

 

[dogbone]

I just noticed a Linksys usb wireless print server client. It can be connected either by cat5 or you can add a wireless pc card for wireless use. Apparently you can just connect it to your printer via usb and the cat5 and go.

Do you think usb would be faster than a parallel print server option?

 

[JackMDS]

What is the Linksys model number?

If you are referring to the WPS11, it has only parallel port to connect to the printer.

Connecting to the Network there is two options, Wireless, or RJ45 for CAT5 connection.

Unless it changed in the last few days, no USB.

USB poses a problem. Since it needs the computer CPU on one side, independent USB master is expensive to make (As an example that is one of the reasons that there is only one USB Router, and it cost $60 more then non USB comparable Routers).

 

[The Stigenator]

I have used the Epson 9500 and you know what... just get the freaking 9600's Network Adaptor.. you will be alot happier.. why well one for bandwidth reasons (100 mb vs 12 mb usb) and also the fact that you can control the printer directly.

Just spend the money (its like 250-300 bucks) and get the printer's NIC and you will be happy.

 

[dogbone]

Thanks for your input.

You're probably right, I was just trying to get around the price tag. What type of added control to you get? I've also considering running it directly off the pc via the usb or firewire. I think the usb is 2.0.

thanks