Author Topic: To network/printer gurus (Read 215 times)

Nilsen · « **on:** June 09, 2005, 12:04:54 PM »

Can any laser printer be used with a printserver, or does it have to support sertain protocols to be used?

Or is it only up to the printserver?

I have found that laserprinters with buildt in wifi costs a bundle, but wireless printservers are fairly cheap 50-100$, but i dont wanna buy stuff that doesnt work either just to save a buck.

JB73 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:13:47 PM »

if the printer can be a network printer it 99% of the time uses TCP/IP for it's connection, and you shouldn't have a problem.

Nilsen · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:18:57 PM »

Are you saying that i have to look at the specs of the printer and see if it supports TCP/IP before i buy?

I thought only printers with a buildt in networking card had TCP/IP support listed.

JB73 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:27:18 PM »

no im saying the simple fact that the printer connects via TCP/IP means it contacts a remote print server, and the drivers for the printer will be easily installed.

that is all you should really need to do.

to give an example.. i work for Xerox. when we hook up a printer to a network, the printer is hooked to a client's server, and given an IP. then install the drivers on the PC wanting to print, give the destination IP and bam there oyu go. easy as pie. the server has been UNIX / Novell / Win / Linux and they all worked the same.

the documentation wit the printer shoudl tell you any special considerations needed, but if it is a "major" brand (Xerox / HP.. and the like) it will be compatible with most any print server

heck, if it is a networked printer you shouldn't really need a "printserver" anyway, just hook it up to the router, and make one XP machine the print spooler (if the printer doesn't have a built in one like most now adays do)

Momus-- · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:31:43 PM »

I can't see why using a wireless print server that supports TCP/IP and has the right physical connector for your printer wouldn't work.

Edit: One of these for example.

Nilsen · « **Reply #5 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:34:35 PM »

Aha..

Well the printers im looking to buy only has USB2 connection because most lasers still does not have buildt in networking. That is why i need to know if normal printers _without_ a network card needs to support sertain protocols to work with a printserver.

I sent a mail to Brother and they answered to my suprise that the printer I asked about (HL-2030) cant be used with any kind of printserver and has to be physicly connected to the printer that is doing the printing.

Nilsen · « **Reply #6 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:39:26 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Momus--
I can't see why using a wireless print server that supports TCP/IP and has the right physical connector for your printer wouldn't work.

Edit: One of these for example.

I have been looking at that very PS momus and it should fit me just fine _if_ i could figure out what cheap laserprinters that works with it. neither Brother, nor d-link has any kind of list of compatible printers... that goes for all printer and printserver makers i have looked at. Guess they are trying to keep their backs clear incase someone gets some mix that doesnt work.

Momus-- · « **Reply #7 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:48:57 PM »

Brother make a wireless print server for the model you are interested in but from the look of it that costs more than the printer.

Linky

If you're set on that particular printer try the cheap printserver (I reckon it would work) and if it is no good buy the branded one.

Nilsen · « **Reply #8 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:50:54 PM »

lol yeah ive seen it. the bugger costs 3 times the price of the printer

For that total price i can get a neat HP laser with buildt-in wired and wifi networking and a bottle of whisky!

Im not dead set on that printer, but at that price, only brother and lexmark makes lasers that support apple, linux and windows.

Momus-- · « **Reply #9 on:** June 09, 2005, 12:53:07 PM »

Screw the printer, just use a pen and paper and buy a crate of whiskey instead.

Nilsen · « **Reply #10 on:** June 09, 2005, 02:12:41 PM »

Think ill just drop that idea and get the HL-2070N instead cause it has a 10/100mbit card.
It costs almost twice that of the HL-2030, but its abit faster and i can just get a wireless bridge for it later... atleast its guaranteed to work on my network.

Thanks anyway folks

Gh0stFT · « **Reply #11 on:** June 09, 2005, 04:12:38 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Momus--
Screw the printer, just use a pen and paper and buy a crate of whiskey instead.

i start to think Momus is more then 100% right on this issue.
I'm with you Momus, cheers!