Setting up a home or office printing network often presents a challenge: you have computers and laptops, and a printer, but connecting them into a single system without unnecessary cables can be challenging. This is especially true when the printing device only supports a cable connection, while users require mobility and the ability to print from multiple devices. In these situations, connecting the printing device directly to the router via a USB port comes in handy, turning the local device into a network resource.
This method eliminates unnecessary cables running from the computer to the printer and allows you to print documents even from mobile devices if the router supports the appropriate protocols. However, despite the apparent simplicity of the physical connection, the setup process often raises questions for users due to differences in router interfaces from different manufacturers and operating systems. We'll cover all the details so you can get your equipment up and running quickly.
Before you begin working on the software, you need to make sure your hardware is compatible. Not every router can share a printer, even if it has a USB port. This feature is usually called Print Server or "Print Server" and is present in mid- and high-end models from brands such as Keenetic, Asus, TP-Link or MikroTikIf your router is a basic model, it may use the USB port exclusively for connecting 3G/4G modems or external drives, ignoring attempts to connect a printer.
Checking compatibility and physical connection
The first step is to carefully examine the specifications of your router. The model specifications should clearly indicate the presence of this feature. Print Server or protocol support LPR / IPPJust because a device has a USB port on the back doesn't guarantee it can work with printers. Manufacturers often skimp on software for budget devices, leaving the port with limited functionality.
The physical connection is simple, but requires following a specific sequence to avoid device detection errors. We recommend first turning on the router and waiting for it to fully boot up, then connecting the printer to a power source and turning it on. Only then should you connect the printer's USB cable to the router's USB port.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid using long USB cables (more than 1.5–2 meters) or low-quality cables when connecting to a router. Routers often have less powerful power controllers than PCs, and a voltage drop on a long cable can cause the printer to operate erratically or even shut down completely.
Once connected, pay attention to the indicators. On many router models, a dedicated USB indicator will blink or light when the printer is successfully connected. If this doesn't happen, try reconnecting the cable or using a different port if you have multiple ports. Also, make sure the printer itself is working properly and is in Ready mode, not in deep sleep mode, from which it can't wake up from a network signal.
Setting up a print server in the router interface
The most important part of the process takes place in the router's web interface. You need to log in to the control panel, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Interfaces vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the logic is similar. You need to find the section related to USB applications, network services, or directly Print Server.
Within this section, you should enable the print server function. It is often disabled by default for security reasons or to conserve router CPU resources. Once enabled, you may need to select the printer model from a list or specify the path to the drivers, although modern routers, such as Keenetic or Asus, often automatically detect the device and apply basic settings.
The key point is to set up the printing protocol. The most universal and frequently used protocol is RAW with port 9100. The protocol can also be used LPR, requiring the specification of a print queue (usually lp1 or ip1). Write down this information, as you will need it when setting up your computer.
☑️ Router setup
Don't forget to save the settings. The router may require a reboot for the changes to take effect. After turning it on, check the connection status in the same section—it should show "Connected" or "Ready." If the status is "Error" or "Undefined," try rebooting the printer without turning off the router.
Installing a printer on Windows computers
After successfully setting up the router, you need to add the printer to the computers that will be used for printing. In the operating system Windows 10 And Windows 11 This process is performed using standard system tools. Open "Settings" and go to "Devices," then select "Printers & Scanners."
Click the "Add a printer or scanner" button. The system will begin searching, but it likely won't find the device automatically, as it's connected via a network rather than directly. At this point, select the "The printer I want isn't listed" link. The installation wizard will open, where you should select "Add a printer by TCP/IP address or hostname."
In the Name or IP Address field, enter your router's local IP address (e.g. 192.168.1.1). The port will be automatically filled with this address, and the port name can be left as default or specified as desired. It's best to select "Custom" for the device type and click the "Options" button to ensure the protocol is set as RAW, and the port number is 9100 (or the one you set in the router).
⚠️ Attention: When installing drivers, Windows may prompt you to use the current driver or find a new one online. If you have a specific MFP model, it's best to download the driver from the manufacturer's website in advance and manually specify the path using the "Have Disk" button to avoid installing a generic driver with limited functionality.
The next step will prompt you to install the driver. Select the manufacturer and model from the list. If your model is not listed, use the "Have Disk" button and specify the path to the previously downloaded driver. After installation is complete, Windows will prompt you to print a test page. This is a critical step, confirming that the connection between the PC, router, and printer is established correctly.
What to do if Windows doesn't see the printer?
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, make sure Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking the connection. Try temporarily disabling them to test. Also, check that your computer and router are on the same subnet, and that the network type in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public."
Setting up printing on macOS and Linux
Computer users Apple They can also connect to a network printer without any problems. In macOS, this process is even more standardized thanks to the CUPSOpen System Preferences and go to the Printers & Scanners section. Click the Add a New Printer button.
In the window that opens, go to the tab IPIn the "Address" field, enter the router's IP address. In the "Protocol" field, select HP Jetdirect – Socket (This is the equivalent of RAW 9100). You usually don't need to enter anything in the "Queue" field, but if the printer isn't responding, try entering lp1.
The system will try to find drivers automatically. Thanks to technology AirPrintMany modern printers are detected immediately. If a driver isn't found, select "Select printer software" and find the model in the list. For Linux systems (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora), the process is similar, as it's also based on the operating system. CUPS. In the CUPS web interface (http://localhost:631) you can add a printer by selecting the protocol AppSocket/HP Jetdirect and specifying the router address.
It's important to note that macOS and Linux often don't require the installation of proprietary software from the manufacturer; the standard drivers included with the OS are sufficient. However, network scanning may require additional utilities, such as SANE or proprietary plugins.
Mobile printing and additional features
One of the main advantages of this connection scheme is the ability to print from smartphones and tablets. If your router and printer support the standard AirPrint (for Apple) or Mopria (for Android), no configuration is required—the devices will automatically detect the printer on the network. All you need to do is have the mobile device and router on the same Wi-Fi network.
For Android devices, if automatic detection does not work, you can use the official app of the printer manufacturer (for example, HP Smart, Epson iPrint, Canon PRINT). In the app settings, you need to select "Add printer" and enter the router's IP address. Some routers, for example, Keenetic, have built-in support for cloud printing services, which allows you to send documents to print even when you are away from home, via the Internet.
It's also worth mentioning the ability to configure restrictions. Advanced routers allow printer access only to specific devices with specific MAC addresses, which is useful for offices where paper and toner consumption need to be monitored. This can be done in the security or client filtering section of the router's web interface.
Troubleshooting and Error Table
Despite the well-established process, glitches may occasionally occur. These are most often related to incorrect protocol selection or blocked ports. Below is a table to help quickly identify the problem based on its symptoms.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The printer is in the "Disabled" status. | Invalid port or IP | Check TCP/IP port settings on your PC |
| The print is a mess of symbols | Incorrect driver | Install the native driver from the manufacturer's website |
| The router doesn't see the printer. | USB power outage | Use a powered USB hub or a short cable |
| Printing is very slow | Wi-Fi channel loading | Switch to 5 GHz or check |