Many users are familiar with the situation where a functional printer remains idle due to a missing USB cable or a remote computer. Modern wireless solutions are often expensive, while time-tested models LaserJet or MFP can lie on the shelf for years. However, the presence Wi-Fi router at home turns this problem into a solvable task in a matter of minutes, allowing you to set up network printing without unnecessary costs.
Transforming a regular USB printer into a network device is possible thanks to the function Print Server, built into most modern routers. This solution allows you to connect a printing device directly to the router, making it accessible to all computers, laptops, and even mobile devices on the local network. Unlike the "sharing" method of using a single, running PC, this approach ensures autonomous and stable operation.
In this guide, we'll cover all the setup details, from choosing the right cable to the intricacies of installing drivers in operating systems. Windows And macOSYou'll learn how to avoid common mistakes when assigning IP addresses and why a static address can be the key to trouble-free printing in the future. Let's transform your old device into a fully-fledged network resource.
Checking equipment compatibility and preparation
The first step is a thorough inspection of your existing hardware, as not every router is capable of managing printing. You need to make sure the router has a USB port and the software supports this feature. Print Server or "Network Printer." Often manufacturers such as Asus, TP-Link or Keenetic, mark such models with appropriate icons on the box.
⚠️ Note: Even if a USB port is present, it may only be intended for connecting 3G/4G modems or external hard drives. Be sure to check the official specifications for your router model on the manufacturer's website.
The next critical issue is the printer's compatibility with network protocols. Most laser and inkjet models released in the last 15 years support standard print commands, but difficulties may arise with multifunction devices that require feedback for scanning. For pure printing, there are usually no issues if the latest protocols are installed. drivers on client machines.
It's also worth preparing a high-quality USB cable. Connecting to a router, which is often located on a cabinet or in an alcove, may require a cable longer than the standard 1.5 meters. However, keep in mind the limitations of the USB 2.0 standard: cable length should not exceed 5 meters without an active amplifier, otherwise the signal will be unstable.
Physical connection and initial router setup
The process begins with physically connecting the devices. Turn off the printer, connect the USB cable to the router port, and then turn on the printer. The router should detect the new hardware, which is usually indicated by a change in the USB indicator color or a corresponding message in the web interface.
Next, you need to log into your router's control panel. Open your browser and enter the gateway IP address, which is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1After logging in, find the section responsible for peripherals. In different brands' interfaces, it may be called USB Application, Print Server or Network/Printer.
Within this section, you need to activate the printing service. The interface may prompt you to select a printer model from a list or automatically detect it. If your model isn't found in the list, automatic configuration, select the "Other" or "Generic" option, since the basic data transfer protocol is often sufficient to work through a router.
☑️ Ready to set up your network
After activating the service, the router will assign the printer an IP address on the local network. Write down this address; you'll need it to install the device on computers. Some routers allow you to manually assign a static IP address to the printer, which is highly recommended for stable operation.
Setting up a static IP address for stability
One of the main problems with dynamic address distribution (DHCP) is that when the router reboots, the printer may receive a new IP address. This will cause computers to stop seeing the device, and printing will stop. To avoid constantly reconfiguring ports, it's necessary to reserve an address.
To do this, find the section in the router settings DHCP Server or LANThere should be a function there. Address Reservation (Address Reservation) or Static LeaseYou'll need the printer's MAC address, which is often displayed in the USB device status in the same Print Server section, or you can find it by printing a test page from the printer itself.
Bind the selected IP address (eg. 192.168.1.200) to your printer's MAC address. Now, no matter how many times the network reboots, the printing device will always be accessible via the same path. This simplifies future maintenance and troubleshooting.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the reserved IP address is in the same subnet as your computers, but not in the range of addresses automatically assigned by the DHCP server to avoid conflicts.
Installing a printer on Windows computers
Now let's move on to setting up client devices. In the operating system Windows 10 or 11 The process is slightly different from a standard connection. Open Settings and go to Devices → Printers & Scanners. Click the "Add a printer or scanner" button.
When the system completes the search and doesn't find the device automatically, a link will appear stating "The printer I want isn't listed." Click it. In the window that opens, select the last option: "Add a printer by IP address or hostname." In the "Name or IP address" field, enter the static address you configured on your router.
The system will attempt to locate the device. Next, Windows will ask you to install a driver. There are two options: if the model is popular, the system will offer to download the driver automatically. If the printer is older, click the button Install from disk and specify the path to the driver downloaded in advance from the manufacturer's website.
Important note: when creating a port, you may need to select a protocol. The most commonly used protocol is Standard TCP/IP PortIf printing does not work, try switching the protocol from RAW on LPR and in the queue name field enter iprint or printer - This is a common requirement for network printers via routers. Asus And TP-Link.
What to do if Windows says "Driver not available"?
In this case, download the driver for your printer model manually from the official website. During installation, select "I have a disk" and specify the path to the INF file. If the driver is only for 32-bit systems and you have 64-bit Windows, try running the installer in Windows 7 compatibility mode.
Setting up printing on macOS and mobile devices
Computer users Apple You can also use a network printer, although the process has its own peculiarities. macOS uses the protocol AirPrint or IPP, which can be emulated by the router. Add the printer via System Preferences → Printers & Scanners, click "+" and go to the IP tab.
In the Address field, enter the printer's IP address. Select the Protocol IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) or HP Jetdirect - SocketIf IPP isn't working, enter any convenient name in the "Name" field. macOS often automatically finds the required driver (PPD file) from its database, but for older models, you may need to manually select the driver from the list or download it separately.
For printing from smartphones on Android or iOS The situation depends on the router's support of the protocol AirPrint. If the router (for example, Keenetic or Asus If the Merlin firmware supports this feature, the iPhone will detect the printer automatically. Otherwise, you will need to install third-party intermediary apps, such as PrinterShare or NokoPrint, which can send a document directly to an IP address on the local network.
Troubleshooting and Error Table
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. These are most often related to a firewall blocking the connection or an incorrectly selected port. If a document is sent to the Print queue but the printer remains silent, check the device's availability with the command ping in the command line.
Enter
ping 192.168.1.200 -tBelow is a table with the most common errors and how to solve them:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Offline Printer | Invalid port or IP | Check the port settings in the printer properties. |
| Printing "garbage" | Incorrect driver | Install PCL driver instead of PostScript |
| Requires password | Blocking SMB | Disable password protection in sharing settings |
| Prints one page | Protocol error | Change the port protocol from RAW to LPR |
⚠️ Note: Router and operating system interfaces are constantly updated. The menu layout may differ from what's described. Always look for keywords like "USB," "Print," and "Network."
Alternative connection methods and pinouts
If the built-in Print Server feature in your router is unstable or missing, there are alternatives. You can purchase a separate Wi-Fi print server — a small box with a USB port that connects to a wireless network. Another popular solution is to use Raspberry Pi with a print server installed CUPS, which turns any USB printer into a powerful AirPrint-enabled network device.
Another option is to leave the printer connected to one computer and use third-party software to virtualize the port, for example, USB Network Gate, but this requires the host computer to be on at all times. A router has the advantage in this regard due to its low power consumption and independence from the PC.
In conclusion, converting an old printer to Wi-Fi via a router is an excellent solution for extending the life of your equipment. You get the convenience of wireless printing, save space, and eliminate unnecessary cables. The key is to properly configure a static IP address and select the right driver, and the system will work for years to come.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a router via a USB hub?
Technically, this is possible, but highly discouraged. Routers have limited USB port power. Connecting through an inactive hub can cause voltage drops and unstable operation of both the printer and the router itself. Use a direct connection only.
Why is my printer printing slowly over the network?
Printing speed via a router depends on the bandwidth of the router's USB port (often USB 1.1 or 2.0 at low speeds) and the router's processor load. For text documents, the difference is unnoticeable, but when printing large graphic files, the delay can be several seconds per page.
Does the scanner work via a router's network connection?
In 90% of cases, no. The Print Server function in routers is designed only for transmitting print data. Scanning, cartridge management, and ink level monitoring functions usually require a direct USB connection or the printer's own network interface (Ethernet/Wi-Fi).
Do I need a driver on every computer to print?
Yes, a driver must be installed on each device (PC, laptop) that will send print jobs. The router only transmits data, but does not process it. However, if you use the AirPrint or Mopria protocol, mobile devices can print without installing additional drivers.