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#1
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Connecting a printer to both a print server and host computer
I have an HP 5110 OfficeJet all-in-one which I like a lot, but it's not =
a network compatible printer. I have two laptops on a wireless network = and I'm running a Linksys print server so that my two laptops can print = without having to go and turn on the host computer. And, yes, I could = leave the host on all the time but I'd rather not ... even S3 Standby = does not allow a client to print. The 5110 is a USB printer so I've run the USB cable from the printer to = the print server rather than the normal connection to the host computer. = That works fine ... but ... my problem is, that unless the USB printer = cable goes directly to a port on the host computer, I'm unable to access = the advanced features of the printer ... i.e. fax, scan, double sided = printing, etc. Only the basic printing mode is available ... bummer. I = could buy the FinePrint program but I'm wondering if there might be = another way. Is there a connector available that would allow two USB cables (one from = the server and one from the host) to plug into the type B socket on the = printer? (sort of like a phone line splitter for 1M to 2F RJ11 Duplex = Connector for a phone jack?). If so, what's it called and where can I get it? Or, would two = connections just conflict with each other? -- TIA, Fred |
#2
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"Fred" fpouy*NOSPAM*_AT_hotmail.com wrote in message ... Is there a connector available that would allow two USB cables I believe the nearest you will get is a USB switch.. http://www.national-tech.com/specs/40121a.htm Push button one for PC1 Printer Push button two for PC2 Printer eg It's like connecting and disconnecting - only one PC is electrically connected at a time. I suspect you will see "New hardware detected" messages when you switch over and who knows what happens if you switch while printing. This type of device.. http://www.national-tech.com/specs/40sw-12100.htm will probably have the same limitations as your server (eg limited support and no back channel) I don't think the USB protocol allows TWO master devices. How would the printer know which PC it was taking to? |
#3
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"CWatters" wrote ...
=20 I believe the nearest you will get is a USB switch.. http://www.national-tech.com/specs/40121a.htm Thanks for the feedback ... I'm pretty sure you're right. -- Regards, Fred |
#4
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I believe the nearest you will get is a USB switch..
http://www.national-tech.com/specs/40121a.htm Thanks for the feedback ... I'm pretty sure you're right. http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/ I must admit I thought the same way that CWatters thought till a few months ago when some user in this group asked about the keyspan usb server. And it's true, USB wasn't really designed for device sharing. I know nothing about this keyspan device so don't take this as a reccomendation or anything. It's not a print server as one would know it but rather a network usb hub. I believe... for example, you could hookup a mouse to it and either tell the network usb hub which PC will be using the mouse, or which pc will be using all the devices on the hub. I know none of the details but it's worth looking into. |
#5
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"zakezuke" wrote in message oups.com... I believe the nearest you will get is a USB switch.. http://www.national-tech.com/specs/40121a.htm Thanks for the feedback ... I'm pretty sure you're right. http://www.keyspan.com/products/usb/server/ I must admit I thought the same way that CWatters thought till a few months ago when some user in this group asked about the keyspan usb server. And it's true, USB wasn't really designed for device sharing. I know nothing about this keyspan device so don't take this as a reccomendation or anything. It's not a print server as one would know it but rather a network usb hub. I believe... for example, you could hookup a mouse to it and either tell the network usb hub which PC will be using the mouse, or which pc will be using all the devices on the hub. Thanks for that. It's quite interesting but not quite perfect. It appears to work a bit like the mecanical switch in that only one PC is "connected" at any one time BUT in this case the "switch" is controlled electronically by an admin program over the LAN. Here is a review I found... http://www.everythingusb.com/hardwar...USB_Server.htm See also the user feedback at the bottom. It describes it quite well... Quote: With the USB server, every PC uses a little administration program. When launched, it opens a window that lists all of the devices that are connected to the USB server. A PC on the network that wants to use a device (i.e. print) needs to first take command of that device. You just select the device by name, and hit the connect button. From that point on, it's as if the printer were plugged directly into your PC. Others trying to use the printer would see that you were subscribed to it; they would have to wait until you release the subscription - which you have to do manually. |
#6
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"CWatters" wrote in message ... Others trying to use the printer would see that you were subscribed to it; they would have to wait until you release the subscription - which you have to do manually. I could see that being a major headache in a typical office. |
#7
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"ian lincoln" wrote in message .. . "CWatters" wrote in message ... Others trying to use the printer would see that you were subscribed to it; they would have to wait until you release the subscription - which you have to do manually. I could see that being a major headache in a typical office. Yes I think in an office you would be better off getting a propper network printer. I've got an HP6840 which comes with wired and wireless LAN ports. |
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