How does a wireless printer server work?

Question

We already have wireless internet at home with a Linksys 802.11G and a cable modem. If we got a wireless printer server, how does that all work together? We don't have a wireless network, and I have a Mac and the rest of the family has PCs. Our printer is a network ready HP color laser.

Answer 1

A wireless print server allows one or two printers to be conveniently shared across a WiFi network. Wireless print servers for home networks generally are available in both 802.11b and 802.11g varieties.

A wireless print server must be connected to printers by a network cable, normally USB 1.1 or USB 2.0. The print server itself can connect to a wireless router over WiFi, or it can be joined using an Ethernet cable.

Most print server products include setup software on a CD-ROM that must be installed on one computer to complete the initial configuration of the device. As with network adapters, wireless print servers must be configured with the correct network name (SSID) and encryption settings. Additionally, a wireless print server requires client software be installed on each computer needing to use a printer.

. Print servers are very compact devices that include a built-in wireless antenna and LED lights to indicate status.  

Answer 2

Hi there,

The print server attaches to the printer which connects wirelessly with a wireless router, so it can be used by anyone connected to that router, wired or wirelessly.

Have a great day,

Matthew.

Answer 3

You said you have a wireless Linksys device, but later you say you don´t have a wireless network  ???

I think yo mean your wireless network isn´t activated, right? Well, you have to in order to establish a link between your WiFi router (the Linksys) and the WiFi print server.

The Print Server should have a "normal" jack (either USB or Paralell or RJ45) for attaching one or more printers. Simply attach your printer to the Print Server port.

Also, both the router and the print servers need to be configured in order to work togheter. You have to use the CD that comes with each device, router first, and configure the wireless part of the network on it. Next, do the same for the print server.

The print server will be seen in the network as another device, like a normal computer with a printer attached. Just configure the new printer normally.

Id you need more help, please contact me at [e-mail]

Answer 4

---Basically in a nutshell, it is an IP in a box for your printer, since your printer does not have an IP. All computers on the network can connect to it as long as it is in the shared network.

---NAS (Network Attached Storage) would be the same thing, but instead of it being a printer, it would be a hard drive. Wireless or hard wired to the router.

---If your printer server has hard-wire ports in the back, just hook it up to the router and go to your router's settings page (E.G., 192.168.2.1) and copy the MAC address. Then go to allowed MAC addresses or MAC control and allow it to connect. You'd need to hook it to the router anyway, unless both the NPS and router are "bridgeable".

---After that you should be able to search for printers or install the software.