wireless usb print server

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lucifir

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I am looking to get a wireless usb print server that will allow users to connect to it wirelessly and that would connect to the printer with a usb cable. I would like the print server to form part of the existing network, and not have to change wireless networks to print. Anyone know of device that can accomplish what I need??
 
I use an Airport Express and an Airport Extreme for that - the good news is they recently updated the Express to 802.11n.
 
lucifir said:
It is a multi function nashua/ricoh Aficio 2018D ... for some reason, this did not come with a wireless adapter .. go figure :D
Click to expand...
Indeed, 'cos per these pages a wireless-B option exists for it - why not agitate at your local Ricoh supplier for it?

And yes, I'm well aware of what WiFi-B will do to your carefully thought-out WPA(2)-PSK/enterprise or RADIUS security! :cool:
 
bdt said:
Indeed, 'cos per these pages a wireless-B option exists for it - why not agitate at your local Ricoh supplier for it?

And yes, I'm well aware of what WiFi-B will do to your carefully thought-out WPA(2)-PSK/enterprise or RADIUS security! :cool:
Click to expand...

already asked nashua about adding the wireless component, but they were unable to. So was going to go the "connect to a PC and share it via the PC route", but that did not work out so nice. So I am thinking of going the wireless print server route. Can you suggest a product I can use??
 
I take it you're stuck into a support contract with them so you can't, say, get the module elsewhere and bung it in yourself? Meanwhile, if you can't get the (actually craptastic) wireless module, why not go Ethernet and have it on the network that way - that is, after all, a supported configuration (...innit)?

But, that said, I've previously used Edimax print servers to port USB printers to the network but I don't think you're going to pull that off here as the neither the Edimax datasheets mention the Ricoh brand (much less model), nor can I find any mention of print engine on the Ricoh site to check for the possibility of it working that way.
 
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You could look at one of the Planet wireless print servers at www.cables.co.za - download the pricelist and then look under Internet/Ethernet Peripherals for wireless print servers (there should be several types).

Alternatively one of the Asus USB routers such as the WL-520gU (~R500) or WL-500g Premium (~R850) might be suitable. You would need to check for compatibility with your printer over here.
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=12&l2=0&l3=0&l4=0&model=0&modelmenu=0&share=txt/30
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=737
 
just realised that I could just use a standard wireless router/access point and connect the printer to the ethernet port of the router and have the router connected to the existing wireless network, which would then connect the printer to the network .... would that setup work?? or have I missed something??
 
Yotch said:
You could look at one of the Planet wireless print servers at www.cables.co.za - download the pricelist and then look under Internet/Ethernet Peripherals for wireless print servers (there should be several types).

Alternatively one of the Asus USB routers such as the WL-520gU (~R500) or WL-500g Premium (~R850) might be suitable. You would need to check for compatibility with your printer over here.
http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=12&l2=0&l3=0&l4=0&model=0&modelmenu=0&share=txt/30
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/index.php?x=reviews&id=737
Click to expand...

it seems that the asus routers do not support multi-function printers!!

the one from planet wireless could work ... will have to call them tomorrow and see if it will fit my needs ... thanx
 
lucifir said:
just realised that I could just use a standard wireless router/access point and connect the printer to the ethernet port of the router and have the router connected to the existing wireless network, which would then connect the printer to the network .... would that setup work?? or have I missed something??
Click to expand...

That should work, don't see any reason why it wouldn't.
 
What on earth are you trying to achieve here? You want to run your printer wirelessly? Why? Are you aware that getting the full 54Mpbs (11g) is highly unlikely via wireless. In fact, depending on various factors, you could have an average transfer rate of around 10Mbps. Now imagine 10 users printing an average of 30MB files through this network?
Hardwire the printer to the switch and get back to work :p
 
lucifir said:
just realised that I could just use a standard wireless router/access point and connect the printer to the ethernet port of the router and have the router connected to the existing wireless network, which would then connect the printer to the network .... would that setup work?? or have I missed something??
Click to expand...
Yep, that should work fine - just don't overspend on your AP: Gigabyte's GN-AP01G seems a good bet - it's cheap and cheerful, checks all the required WLAN security aspects (and even has a detachable antenna) and does even does WDS ...I'm somewhat surprised to find this in a device this cheap! Now, just why are you so hell-bent on hooking this over-bred printer wirelessly - is it in some god-forsaken position that has no chance (and no chance of getting) wired access?
 
bdt said:
Yep, that should work fine - just don't overspend on your AP: Gigabyte's GN-AP01G seems a good bet - it's cheap and cheerful, checks all the required WLAN security aspects (and even has a detachable antenna) and does even does WDS ...I'm somewhat surprised to find this in a device this cheap! Now, just why are you so hell-bent on hooking this over-bred printer wirelessly - is it in some god-forsaken position that has no chance (and no chance of getting) wired access?
Click to expand...

thanx .. will check it out ...

had setup a wireless network as everyone had laptops ... so this was easiest and cheapest .... now the manager decided to bring in a printer for everyone(not part of the initial plans) ... but there are no points to connect to as the print is about 20m away from the router in another building (so have to put a repeater to increase wireless coverage)... so the only option I could think of was to go wireless .... not even sure if CAT5/6 would work for such a distance ... also ... it would be quite expense to get someone to dig up trenches,etc. to lay the cable.
 
lucifir said:
thanx .. will check it out ...

had setup a wireless network as everyone had laptops ... so this was easiest and cheapest .... now the manager decided to bring in a printer for everyone(not part of the initial plans) ... but there are no points to connect to as the print is about 20m away from the router in another building (so have to put a repeater to increase wireless coverage)... so the only option I could think of was to go wireless .... not even sure if CAT5/6 would work for such a distance ... also ... it would be quite expense to get someone to dig up trenches,etc. to lay the cable.
Click to expand...

Errrrr..


mebe im just tired here, but something doesnt make sense.

As i can understand from above :

Building one contains all the people with wireless laptops, but no spare network ports are available

Building two contains printer.



Solution one:
Install a R50 hub at one of the network points in building one. Connect printer to lan point. voila.

Solution two:
CAT5/ 6 can run up to 100 meters ( have seen longer), so it wont hurt to put in a cable to the printer. (strange though.... cause if building one and building two is the same company. surely there must be LAN between them already), which means connecting printer to any spare point in building two will make it accesible via ip to Building one.



Solution 3 :
As you mentioned, you will need repeaters and stuff to make it accesible from current wireless network.
what makes the scenario then any different if you put up an access point in building 2? ie...you wil still need repeaters from building two in order to get the signal accross.. Fail

Good luck with your mission :)
 
Neo_X said:
Errrrr..


mebe im just tired here, but something doesnt make sense.

As i can understand from above :

Building one contains all the people with wireless laptops, but no spare network ports are available

Building two contains printer.



Solution one:
Install a R50 hub at one of the network points in building one. Connect printer to lan point. voila.

Solution two:
CAT5/ 6 can run up to 100 meters ( have seen longer), so it wont hurt to put in a cable to the printer. (strange though.... cause if building one and building two is the same company. surely there must be LAN between them already), which means connecting printer to any spare point in building two will make it accesible via ip to Building one.



Solution 3 :
As you mentioned, you will need repeaters and stuff to make it accesible from current wireless network.
what makes the scenario then any different if you put up an access point in building 2? ie...you wil still need repeaters from building two in order to get the signal accross.. Fail

Good luck with your mission :)
Click to expand...

the main issues is mobility ... as they tend to change things ... would rather keep everything wireless,that way its easy to move things around.
That being said, I am going to get another wireless router and connect the printer to the router via ethernet.

Thanx for the help guys :D
 
Print Server

I have recently aquired a D-Link DIR-120; which is a 4 port router with a USB print server; was something like R400; from Frontosa in Midrand; works like a charm.
 
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