Many people are familiar with the situation of needing to print an important document, but the printer is connected to another computer that's turned off or busy. Often, there's a pressing need to make the device accessible to the entire family or office colleagues without purchasing a new device. Converting a wired interface to wireless solves the problem of queues and allows you to print even from a smartphone, from anywhere in the apartment.
There are several proven methods for this task, each with its own characteristics and hardware requirements. The optimal method depends on your router model, the operating system on your computers, and the budget you're willing to allocate for upgrades. In this article, we'll cover all the options in detail, from free software solutions to purchasing specialized ones. print servers.
Before setting up, it's important to understand that "reworking" in this context doesn't mean physically soldering chips into the device's housing, but rather creating an intermediary that will manage data flows. This intermediary will relay signals between the Wi-Fi network and USB port your printing device. Let's look at the main ways to solve this problem.
Using a router with USB printer support
The most cost-effective and elegant way is to use the functionality of your existing router. Many modern router models from manufacturers such as TP-Link, Asus or Keenetic, are equipped with a USB port on the rear panel. This port is designed not only for connecting external hard drives but also for setting up a local print server.
To implement this method, you need to physically connect the printer cable to the router's USB port. After that, you'll need to log in to the network administrator's web interface, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the settings menu, find the section related to USB applications or print server and activate the corresponding function. LPR protocol or Raw IP most commonly used for data transmission.
⚠️ Please note: Not all routers support drivers for complex MFPs with scanning capabilities. Often, only printing is available, while network control of the scanner may be impossible without installing additional software on each client PC.
Once the service is activated, the router will begin broadcasting the device to the network. Computers and smartphones connected to this Wi-Fi network will be able to see the printer as a network device. It's important that your router has a sufficiently powerful processor, as printing large amounts of graphics can put a significant strain on budget routers.
Purchasing an external Wi-Fi print server
If your router doesn't have a USB port or its functionality is limited, the ideal solution is to purchase a separate device - Wi-Fi print serversIt's a compact gadget that connects to your printer via USB on one end and to your wireless network on the other. These devices are often called "boxes" or adapters.
When choosing a print server, it's crucial to pay attention to the list of supported models, as driver compatibility plays a key role. Popular brands such as TP-Link TL-PS110U or similar from D-Link, have extensive compatibility databases. Before purchasing, be sure to check your printer model against the list on the adapter manufacturer's website.
Setting up such a device is usually done through a special utility included with the device or through the print server's web interface. You'll need to configure your Wi-Fi network settings (SSID and password) so the device can connect autonomously to the router. After this, the printer becomes completely independent from the computer.
Why might cheap print servers not work?
Cheap Chinese-made printers often have a stripped-down protocol stack and don't support modern WPA2/WPA3 encryption standards, making them useless in secure networks. Furthermore, they may not handle print queues correctly if documents contain complex vector graphics.
The main advantage of this approach is versatility. You can place the printer anywhere in the room where there's an outlet, as long as it's within the Wi-Fi signal range. This eliminates the need to run long USB cables throughout the apartment.
Organizing sharing through Windows
The most common, though not always the most convenient, method is to use one of your computers as a print server. If you have a PC or laptop that's always on and connected to the printer via USB, you can share the device with other network users. This is accomplished using the operating system's built-in functionality. Windows.
To enable this feature, go to the Control Panel and select "Devices and Printers." Find the desired printer, right-click it, and select "Printer properties." In the window that opens, go to the "Sharing" tab and check the box next to "Share this printer."
Now you need to add the network printer to other computers on the local network. This is done through the "Add Printer" menu, where the system will prompt you to search for a device on the network. However, this method has a significant drawback: the host computer must always be on and not sleep, otherwise printing will be impossible.
☑️ Setting up sharing
It's also worth considering the load on the host computer. If you print a heavy report, the host computer's processor will be busy processing the print queue, which can temporarily slow down other running applications. This is acceptable for home use with limited document flow, but it's insufficient for an office.
Comparison of connection methods
To help you decide on your upgrade option, we've prepared a summary table. It will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option, taking into account your budget and technical requirements.
| Parameter | Router with USB | Wi-Fi Print Server | Sharing (Windows) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of implementation | 0 rubles (if your router has a USB port) | 1500 - 4000 rubles | 0 rub. |
| PC addiction | It doesn't depend | It doesn't depend | Depends (PC must be working) |
| Difficulty of setup | Average | High | Low |
| Scanning support | Rarely | Rarely | Full |
As the table shows, the router option appears the most attractive financially, but it's not affordable for everyone. Purchasing a dedicated print server is an investment in stability and independence, which pays off in ease of use. The software-based method is good as a temporary solution or for very budget-conscious users.
Keep in mind that printing speeds over Wi-Fi will always be slower than those over a direct USB connection. This is due to the overhead of packaging data into network packets and the specifics of the wireless protocol. For text documents, the difference is unnoticeable, but when printing high-resolution photos, the delay can be noticeable.
Mobile device setup and cloud printing
Modern users often want to print directly from their smartphone or tablet. If you've successfully converted your USB printer to a network printer, the next step is setting up mobile printing. For devices based on Android And iOS have their own standards and applications.
For iPhone and iPad, the ideal solution is to support the technology AirPrintIf your print server or router supports this protocol, the device will automatically appear in the print menu of any iOS app. Otherwise, you'll need to use proprietary printer manufacturer apps, such as HP Smart, Canon PRINT or Epson iPrint.
Android users often need to install a print plugin specific to your device's brand, or use universal apps like Mopria Print ServiceThese programs scan the local network and find available printers, allowing you to send documents and photos directly.
It's important to note that for mobile printing, it's crucial that the smartphone and printer are on the same subnet. If you have a guest Wi-Fi network configured, the devices may not be able to see each other due to client isolation. In this case, switch your phone to the main network.
Possible problems and their solutions
During the setup process, you may encounter a number of common difficulties. One of the most common issues is connection loss after a router reboot. This occurs if the print server fails to obtain an IP address or if the network addressing is dynamic and changes. The solution is to assign a static IP address to the printer in the router settings.
Another common issue is incorrect driver functionality on client computers. Windows may automatically select a generic driver that doesn't fully utilize the device's capabilities. In this case, you'll need to manually download and install the full version of the drivers from the printer manufacturer's official website.
⚠️ Note: Updating the operating system on the host computer (if using the sharing method) may reset sharing settings. Always check the sharing status after major Windows updates.
If printing is successful, but the printer's queue status constantly changes to "Error" or "Disconnected," try changing the connection port. In the printer properties, on the "Ports" tab, make sure the correct network port is selected, matching the IP address of your print server or router.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect a printer via a USB-Wi-Fi adapter (whistle)?
Standard USB Wi-Fi adapters for computers won't work. A printer requires a specialized print server that can handle printing protocols (IPP, LPR), not just transmit data. Built-in Wi-Fi modules in printers are complex devices; simple "whirring devices" won't replace their functionality.
Will the printing speed decrease compared to USB?
Yes, Wi-Fi data transfer speeds are slower than USB 2.0/3.0. For text documents (A4, black and white), the difference is virtually imperceptible. When printing large-format photos (A4/A3 in high resolution), the process may take 10-20% longer.
Will the scanner work if I make the printer networked?
In most cases, only printing is supported when connecting via a router or external print server. Scanning is often only available via a direct USB connection to a computer, as it requires large, two-way data exchange and specific drivers.
Do I need to buy a print server if my router doesn't have USB?
Not necessarily. You can use an old laptop or even a single-board computer (such as a Raspberry Pi) as a print server by connecting a printer to it and setting up a software print server (such as CUPS). This is more difficult to set up, but it's free if you have some spare hardware.