Turning a regular USB-connected printer into a network device is an ideal way to save money on purchasing new equipment or an expensive network MFP. Modern Wi-Fi routers They are often equipped with one or more USB ports, allowing you to share peripherals between all computers and laptops on the local network. This solution is especially useful for offices, where the printer needs to be accessible to all employees, or for homes, where the desktop PC and laptop are in separate rooms.
The setup process doesn't require extensive networking knowledge, but there are some nuances. Unlike network printers with built-in Wi-Fi, the router acts as an intermediary, turning into print serverIt's important to understand that not all routers support this feature equally well, and compatibility with printer models may vary. However, for most standard tasks, this method is stable and effective.
In this article, we'll cover every step: from checking hardware compatibility to the final driver installation on client machines. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and why LPR protocol Sometimes better than standard TCP/IP, and what to do if your computer doesn't see your device on the network. Proper setup will allow you to forget about constantly plugging in and out cables and enjoy wireless printing from any device.
Checking equipment compatibility and preparation
The first step should always be an inspection of the existing hardware. Not every USB port on the back of the router is designed for printers; they are often marked with a special icon or color-coded. Furthermore, the router's operating system itself must support the function. Print Server. Make sure your router, whether it is Asus, TP-Link, Keenetic or MikroTik, has a corresponding option in the web interface.
As for the printer itself, things are simpler. For a router, a printer is simply a USB device, so the brand (HP, Canon, Epson, Brother) usually doesn't matter. However, there are limitations to the file system of flash drives if you plan to use the router for other purposes, but this isn't critical for the printer itself. The most important thing is a properly functioning USB cable, as faulty cables often cause unstable connections.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the printer is not directly connected to the computer when setting up the router. The cable must be free to connect to the router.
It's also a good idea to download the latest drivers for your operating system in advance. Although Windows often tries to find the driver automatically, network printing through a router sometimes requires manual installation or specifying the path to the INF file. Having the installation disc or a saved distribution on your hard drive will speed up the process.
Physical connection and login to the router interface
The process begins with a physical connection. Turn off the printer, connect the USB cable to the router port marked with a printer or USB icon, and only then turn on the printer. The router should detect the new device, which is usually indicated by the corresponding LED indicator on the router flashing. After this, you need to access the router settings.
To access the web interface, open a browser on a computer connected to the same network. In the address bar, enter the router's IP address, which is usually the default 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, username, and password for logging in are usually located on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed these details previously, use the current credentials.
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the control panel. Interfaces vary by manufacturer, but the logic remains the same. Find the section related to USB applications. It may be called "USB Application," "Printer," "Network and Printers," or located in advanced settings. This is where the magic of turning a USB port into a network resource happens.
Setting up a print server in the web interface
Once you've reached the desired settings section, you'll see a list of connected USB devices. If the printer is detected correctly, its model will be displayed in the list. The next step is to enable the print server function. Depending on your router's firmware, you may simply need to toggle the switch to "On" or select a specific model from the drop-down list.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of protocol. Modern routers often offer a choice between RAW, LPR, and IPP. LPR (Line Printer Remote) is considered more reliable for network printing because it better manages the job queue and printer status. If you are using HP or Canon, it is often recommended to use this connection method when manually configuring ports in Windows.
In some router models, for example, Asus or Zyxel, you may need to configure the print queue name (Queue Name). By default, it may be set to "LPR_Server" or "RAW." Remember or write down this value; we'll need it later in the computer setup process. Without the correct queue name, printing may fail, even if the IP address is specified correctly.
What should I do if the printer is not detected by the router?
If the printer isn't listed as a USB device, try rebooting the router with the printer already connected and turned on. Some router models only check USB ports during startup. Also, check the formatting if you're using a USB hub—the router may not be providing enough power to the hub.
After activating the feature, be sure to click "Apply" or "Save" for the changes to take effect. The router may restart network services, which will take a few seconds. During this time, the printer may enter "Sleep" mode; this is normal.
Creating a New TCP/IP Port in Windows
Now let's move on to setting up the operating system on the computer from which you'll be printing. Open the Control Panel and go to "Devices and Printers" (in Windows 10/11, this can be found under "Settings" → "Devices" → "Printers & Scanners"). We need to add a new device, but manually, not through automatic search.
Click the "Add Printer" button. When the system searches and doesn't find the device (or finds it, but we'll ignore it), select the "The printer I want isn't listed" option. In the window that opens, select the last option: "Add a printer by TCP/IP address or hostname." This is key, as it allows you to bypass the default restrictions.
In the "Device Type" field, leave the "TCP/IP Device" value. In the "Name or IP Address" field, enter the local IP address of your router (e.g. 192.168.1.1). The "Port Name" field will be filled in automatically, but it is better to give it a descriptive name, for example, Printer_USB_RouterUncheck "Query the printer and automatically select a driver" to avoid query errors that often occur during network connections.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Device type | TCP/IP device | The standard choice for network printing |
| IP address | 192.168.x.x | The address of the router itself, not the printer |
| Port name | CustomName | Any friendly name without spaces |
| Printer Query | Off | It is recommended to disable it for speed. |
In the next step, the system will attempt to bind to the port. If a window appears with additional port information, simply click "Finish." If you receive the error "Windows cannot find...," check the IP address and ensure that your computer and router are on the same subnet.
☑️ Check before installing the driver
Installing drivers and completing setup
After creating the port, the system will prompt you to install the driver. If your printer isn't listed, click "Install Driver" or "I have a disk." It's important to select the driver that corresponds to the regular USB model, not the network printer. This effectively tells Windows that this is a regular printer, just located at a different address.
If the driver is already installed, select it from the "Existing" list. If not, specify the path to the downloaded files. During installation, you may see a warning that the driver has not passed Microsoft verification. Accept this, as this is common with many peripheral manufacturers. After installing the driver, the system will prompt you to configure general access settings. For now, leave these unchanged.
At the final stage, the installation wizard will prompt you to print a test page. Be sure to do so. If the page prints successfully, the "Computer - Router - Printer" connection is working correctly. Now you can add this printer to other computers on the network by repeating the steps for creating a TCP/IP port.
⚠️ Note: When installing the driver on Windows 10 or 11, the system may automatically update it to a generic Class 4 driver. This may result in the loss of some printer features (such as duplex printing). It is best to use the manufacturer's driver.
In some cases, especially with routers TP-Link or Asus, you may need to manually change the port settings. To do this, go to the properties of the installed printer → the "Ports" tab → "Configure Port." Here, make sure the correct protocol is selected (LPR or RAW) and the correct queue name is specified, if required in the router settings.
Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes
Despite the apparent simplicity, the process can encounter obstacles. One of the most common issues is that the printer goes into sleep mode and the router stops "seeing" it, breaking the connection. In the printer's settings (via its display or utilities), it's recommended to disable deep sleep or set an automatic turn-on timer.
Another common issue is a change in the router's IP address. If your router doesn't have a static IP (unlikely for a default gateway, but possible in complex networks), the address may change after a reboot. In this case, you'll need to recreate the port with the new IP. It's recommended to secure the router's address in your ISP or local network settings.
Users also frequently encounter the "Busy" error in the print queue. This can be resolved by clearing the queue and restarting the Print Spooler service in Windows. Sometimes, temporarily disabling antivirus software or firewall software, which may be blocking local traffic to the printer ports, can help.
Why does the printer print gibberish?
If you see strange characters instead of text, you most likely have the wrong driver selected. Make sure you have the correct driver installed for your model, not a generic text driver. Also, check the encoding in the port properties.
If all else fails, try resetting the print server settings on your router and starting the setup again. Router logs often contain information about why the device failed to initialize, but reading them requires advanced administration skills.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a router via a USB hub?
Technically, this is possible, but highly discouraged. Routers often don't have sufficient power to power both a USB hub and a printer simultaneously. This leads to unstable operation, printing freezes, or the device being completely undetected. It's better to use a straight-through cable.
Does the scanner work via a router's USB?
In 95% of cases, no. Print server protocols are designed for printing (unidirectional data flow). Scanning requires two-way communication and specific drivers (TWAIN), which are not forwarded through a standard router USB port. Scanning will have to be done over the network if the printer has Wi-Fi/Ethernet, or via USB directly to the PC.
How do I know if my router supports printers?
Access your router's web interface. If the menu includes sections like "USB," "Printer," "Print Server," or "Network and Printers," it's supported. If only the power light lights up when you connect a printer, but nothing appears in the settings interface, your router likely only supports USB modems or storage devices.
Why is printing so slow?
Print speed via a router's USB port is limited by the bandwidth of the router's USB port (often USB 2.0) and the data processing speed of the router's processor. For text documents, this isn't noticeable, but when printing photos or heavy graphics, delays can be significant. This is typical for budget models.