EggXpert

Hi guys and gals,

I'm currently in the mist of doing some changing around how my system is set-up. I'm switching my desktop over to a HTPC box hooked to my TV.... Here is the original thread, so you can get an idea of where I'm starting out.

I am in the final stages of picking out the hardware needed to make the switch... then it hit me... What will I do for a printer? I cant fit it in the living room, So I am at a standstill until I figure this out. Now my printer was a gift from a family member about a year ago and it says it has wireless capabilities. This is my Printer. Now in order to have it wireless, I guess I need to buy this adapter.

That is where I get stuck... I know my way around a PC, but when it comes to networking.. lets just say, I have not a clue in the world. Right now I have my DSL modem hooked into a wireless router upstairs and my PC is hooked to the internet  via a wireless USB adapter downstairs. This is my router. That is pretty much the extent of my experience with wireless and networking.

Now.. how can I go about setting this system up so my printer can be in another room and print via a wireless connection? Can that printer even do that without being hooked into a computer? Can I run the PC and printer wire-free using that router, or do I have to have the PC hardwired into the router in order to print wireless? (I ask becuase there is currently no phone line for DSL in the room the HTPC box is going.. I can run one in there if needed).

I am clueless with networking..it is funny, I built my work computers (and they run great !) But when it came to setting them up for a network, I told my boss, "sorry.. no can do"  lol.

so any insight from the Network Gurus'?

Wasper

 

 

 

Well honestly, the easiest way to use a printer remotely on a network is to hook it up to another computer on the same network somewhere else. You won't need the adapter either. Just set up a workgroup, and make sure the printer is set to share. The printer should then be an option for you on the htpc.

 As far as using the adpater, I haven't any experince with that. 

That is an idea I was playing with as well. I have a laptop (IBM) that nobody uses anymore... actually, I bought it for my wife for when she went to nursing school, and she probably used it fifty times max, lol. Maybe I will just hook it up to the printer upstairs and create a home network that way... Hmmm... would save me the $50 too for the adapter. I'll have to think on that one.

Wasper:

This is my Printer. Now in order to have it wireless, I guess I need to buy this adapter.

The specs for that printer mention an optional wired Ethernet port -- did your printer come with one?

I agree that it's probably not worth buying the dedicated wireless adapter, which leaves three options -- (1) a wireless bridge to connect an available wired Ethernet port (2) a PC as a print server (3) a USB wireless print server.

I think that (1) may best provided that the printer comes with an Ethernet port.  (2) Is best if not, and might even be better anyways, assuming you have an available PC  (3) Is probably worse than the dedicated wireless adapter due to potential compatibility issues.

A decent wireless bridge could be bought for less than the dedicated adapter, would support multiple wired devices and be less dependent on the printer vendor to provide good wireless networking support.

BTW, you'd probably also be advised to upgrade your main wireless router.   What's its hardware revision?

Madwand:

BTW, you'd probably also be advised to upgrade your main wireless router.   What's its hardware revision?

Older then dirt... I think revision1, lol. Problem is, it is working flawlessly.. I only drop connection once in a blue moon and I just unplug it and plug it back in and its fine for a long time again. I worried about messing with it because I have been using it for about a year now as my main connection to the internet via wireless. (after I lost my office to the addition of kids, there are no phone lines down stairs for the DSL, so I have the router upstairs).

I think that "Internal Fast Ethernet " port refers to the wireless  adapter port.. because I just looked at my printer and I don't see any ports, just a USB and the slot to add the wireless adapter.

Wasper:

I think that "Internal Fast Ethernet " port refers to the wireless  adapter port.. because I just looked at my printer and I don't see any ports, just a USB and the slot to add the wireless adapter.

"Fast Ethernet" means wired 100 Mb/s, but it seems that your device didn't come with that.