Setting up a home or office printing network often presents challenges for users accustomed to a direct USB connection. However, the transition to wireless printing This allows access to the device from any device in the home, be it a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. Modern routers can turn a regular USB printer into a network resource accessible to all authorized clients on the local network.
The process of integrating a device into a network depends on the router's functionality and whether the printer has a built-in Wi-Fi module. In some cases, simply connecting a cable is sufficient, while in others, fine-tuning the protocols is required. The key point is the correct distribution of IP addresses so that the computer can always find the printing device on the local network.
In this article, we'll cover every connection step in detail, from checking compatibility to configuring drivers on Windows and macOS operating systems. You'll learn how to avoid address conflicts and ensure stable operation of your equipment without having to reconnect cables each time.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin setting up, you need to make sure your equipment supports the necessary features. Not every router has built-in USB port With print server functionality. This option is typically available in mid- and high-end models, as well as in specialized solutions for small businesses.
⚠️ Note: If your router doesn't have a USB port or its firmware doesn't support the "Print Server" feature, you won't be able to connect the device directly to the router. In this case, the printer will need its own Wi-Fi module to connect to the network.
It's also important to check the USB port version on your router. Older models may only support USB 2.0, which significantly limits the transfer speed of large documents or photos. For office work, where large files are essential, connection speed becomes critical.
Make sure your printing device has the latest version. firmwareManufacturers frequently release updates that improve compatibility with network protocols and fix connection errors. You can check this on the manufacturer's official website by entering the exact device model.
- 📌 The presence of a USB port on the router with printing support.
- 📌 Current router and printer firmware version.
- 📌 Support for network protocols (LPR, Raw, IPP).
- 📌 Stable power supply for all network components.
Physical connection and router configuration
The first step is to physically connect the devices. Turn off the printer, connect the USB cable to the router port, and only then power on the printer. The router should detect the new device automatically, although in some cases, manual activation of the service in the web interface is required.
To manage settings, open your browser and enter the router's IP address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). After authorization, find the section responsible for peripheral devices. It may be called USB Application, Print Server or Network environment.
Enable the print server function and ensure the device status is "Connected." You can also see the device's assigned IP address, which you'll need to manually install drivers on computers. Record this IP address, as it is the key to configuring all client machines.
☑️ Checking the connection to the router
Installing drivers and creating a port on Windows
Windows often automatically detects network printers, but for stable operation, it's best to create the port manually. This will prevent problems finding the device after a router reboot, when the IP address may change if it's not reserved.
Go to Control Panel → Devices and printers and select to add a new device. When the system completes the search and does not find the printer, click the link The printer you need is not listed.Next, select the option to add by TCP/IP address.
In the window that opens, enter the IP address you wrote down earlier. Select the device type. Custom (Custom) and click the button ParametersIt is better to choose a protocol LPR, and in the queue name field specify lp1 or leave the field blank if the router does not require especification.
| Parameter | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Device type | Custom | Allows you to set detailed port settings |
| Protocol | LPR | Standard protocol for Unix/Windows network printing |
| Queue name | lp1 | Print queue name, often required for ASUS/TP-Link routers |
| Enable SNMP | No | Disable if the printer status is not detected correctly. |
After creating the port, the system will prompt you to install the driver. Select the manufacturer and model from the list or use the driver disc. If the model is new, download the latest driver from the manufacturer's website, selecting the version for local connection.
What to do if Windows doesn't see the port?
If the printer doesn't print after creating a TCP/IP port, try disabling SNMP status checking. In the port properties, uncheck "Enable SNMP status checking." Also, make sure Windows Firewall isn't blocking outgoing connections for the print service.
Setting up printing on macOS and Linux
Apple computer users may encounter a problem where the system doesn't recognize the printer through the router out of the box. MacOS uses the protocol AirPrint or IPP, which must be supported by the router's print server. If the router only emulates standard LPR, setup will take a couple of extra minutes.
Open System Preferences → Printers and scannersClick the plus sign to add a device and go to the tab IPIn the address field, enter the printer's IP address. Select the protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD or Internet Printing Protocol - IPP.
In the Queue Name field, enter lp1macOS often selects the driver automatically, but if the model is rare, you'll need to download the PPD file from the manufacturer's website. For Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Mint), the process is similar and is carried out through the CUPS interface at localhost:631.
Connecting mobile devices (Android and iOS)
Modern smartphones allow you to print documents and photos directly, bypassing your computer. For iOS devices, AirPrint works automatically if the printer and iPhone are on the same Wi-Fi network. Simply open the document, tap "Share," and select "Print."
On Android, the situation is more varied. Many manufacturers, such as HP, Canon, Epson, release their own printing plugins. Download the manufacturer's app from Google Play, and it will automatically detect your network printer.
A universal solution is to use an application Mopria Print ServiceIt supports thousands of printer models and lets you print documents without installing additional drivers. Simply install the app, enable it in the settings, and select the desired printer from the list of available ones.
- 📱 AirPrint works natively on iOS without installing any software.
- 📱 Android often requires a manufacturer plugin or Mopria.
- 📱 Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the router.
- 📱 A guest Wi-Fi network may be blocking access to the printer.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
The most common problem is a loss of connection between the computer and printer. This often occurs if the router assigns a new IP address to the device after a reset or reboot. The solution is to assign the address to the printer's MAC address in the router's DHCP server settings.
Another common error is "Printer not responding." Check to see if your antivirus or firewall is blocking the ports used for printing (usually port 9100 or 515). Try running the command ping [printer IP address] in the command line.
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly being updated. Menu item names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always consult the documentation for your specific equipment model if you cannot find the option you need.
If printing is slow or interrupted, try changing the MTU (packet size) in your router settings or reducing your Wi-Fi speed if there's a lot of noise. Switching the printer to a different USB port on the router can sometimes help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a regular USB printer to a router without a Wi-Fi module?
Yes, if your router has a USB port and supports the Print Server feature. The printer is connected to the router via a cable, and the router distributes the print job over the network.
Why doesn't the computer see the printer after sleep mode?
This may be related to the power-saving settings of the router's USB port or the printer itself. Try disabling power-saving settings in the USB root properties in Windows Device Manager.
Does the scanner work when connected via a router?
In most cases, no. Printing protocols (LPR, IPP) only transmit print data. Network scanning (Scan-to-PC) typically requires the installation of special software from the manufacturer and support by the MFP itself.
How can I find out the IP address of my printer if it printed a test page?
The IP address is often listed on the network configuration test page. It can also be found in the router's web interface in the list of connected USB devices or through the command line by entering the command arp -a.