Sunday 3 October 2010

How to network enable a usb printer the easy way : TP-Link TL-PS310U Single USB2.0 Port MFP Print and Storage Server

for a long time the printer has been attached to the main basestation pc upstairs.
Replaced recently (for a another HP), its a non wireless Printer/Scanner/Copier.
When buying I didnt see the need to add the cost of getting wireless, however this week the wife decided that was a requirement!

To the rescue is the item below. so instead of being connected directly to the desktop pc, its now directly 'networked' to the router (also upstairs).
So anyone on the network can now print.
No setup required for my install on the print server itself (its tiny by the way), however you do need to install the print server software onto any pc/laptop that wishes to use the networked printer. (and also the relevant printer drivers too)

So far works seamlessly, only thing we need to do is remember to switch the printer on (as before it was linked to the pc by one of these power management plugs).
I havent tried the scanning functionality as yet.

This version if generic USB so Ive added a usb hub connection, that way I 'could' plug in any portable drives and make them network accessible to through this device.

So in summary, if you have a non wireless printer that you cant bear to throw away then buy this gizmo. If not then go out and buy a wireless printer in the first place ;-)

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