Setting up printing on a home network or small office often faces the problem of physical limitations. USB cables are limited in length, and tethering a computer to a specific workstation becomes inconvenient, especially when you need to print from a laptop in another room or from a smartphone. The solution is to use a router with USB support. USB ports, which turns a local printer into a network device accessible to all members of a WiFi network.
Before you begin setting up, it's important to understand that not every router is fully capable of working with printing equipment. The mere presence of a USB port on the router doesn't guarantee support for this feature. Print ServerIn most modern models from TP-Link, Asus or Keenetic This option is present, but requires proper software configuration. The process of converting a wired device to wireless requires attention to detail, especially when choosing the file system and driver format.
In this article, we'll cover the entire process in detail: from checking hardware compatibility to the intricacies of setting up Windows and macOS. You'll learn how to avoid common errors, why your printer might not respond, and how to ensure reliable printing from mobile devices. Getting up and running will take 15 to 30 minutes, but the result will free you from the hassle of constantly switching cables.
Checking equipment compatibility and preparation
The first step should always be to diagnose the hardware capabilities. You need to make sure your router supports printing. To do this, inspect the back panel of the device: a USB port is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition. Go to the router's web interface and look for sections with names like USB Application, Print Server or Network printingIf such items are not present, a firmware update or hardware replacement may be required.
It's also crucial to consider the printer's connection type. We're talking exclusively about models with an interface. USB Type-BOld printers with a port LPT (parallel port) or modern devices that only work via cloud services without direct IP printing support may not display correctly on the network via a router. Furthermore, some MFPs with scanning functionality may only transmit the print function over the network, leaving the scanner accessible only when directly connected to a PC.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the printer is connected directly to the router, bypassing USB hubs. Passive power strips often don't provide sufficient power, leading to constant disconnects or complete failure to detect the device.
Preparation also includes checking the cable. Use a high-quality USB cable no longer than 1.5–2 meters. Long cables without active signal boosting can cause interference in the WiFi range and reduce data transfer speeds, which is especially noticeable when printing high-resolution graphics or photos.
Physical connection and initial router setup
After checking compatibility, we move on to the physical connection. Turn off the printer, connect it with a USB cable to the corresponding port on the router, and then turn on the printer. The router may take 30 to 60 seconds to scan the new device and download the necessary modules. The USB indicator on the router, if equipped, should light or start blinking, indicating a successful connection.
Now you need to log into the router's control panel. Open a browser on a computer connected to this network and enter the gateway IP address (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). After entering the administrator login and password, find the section responsible for peripherals. In the interfaces TP-Link it can be called USB Settings, V Asus — Print server, and in Keenetic — Applications → USB.
☑️ Checking the printer connection
In the print server settings, ensure that this feature is enabled. It's often set to "Disabled" by default. Select your printer from the list of detected devices. You may also need to configure the naming here: create a descriptive network name to avoid confusion when searching through the list of available resources, especially if you have multiple printers on the network.
Some routers offer a choice of operating protocols. The most universal and compatible mode is Raw or LPD. Mode TCP/IP This is also popular, but may require additional port configuration. If you're unsure which one to choose, leave the default values or select the mode recommended by the router manufacturer for your printer model.
Setting up printing in the Windows operating system
For Windows users, the process of adding a network printer is slightly different from the usual installation from a disk. Open the Start menu and go to Settings → Devices → Printers & ScannersClick the "Add a printer or scanner" button. The system will begin searching, but it likely won't find the device automatically, as it's not connected directly, but rather over the network. At this point, click the "The printer I want isn't listed" link.
In the window that opens, select the "Add a printer by its TCP/IP address or hostname" option. In the "Hostname or IP address" field, enter the local IP address of your router (e.g., 192.168.1.1). The system will automatically fill in the port name, but you can change it to something more understandable, for example, WiFi_Printer_PortMake sure the "Query the printer and automatically select a driver" box is checked, although in the case of network printing, Windows often relies on already installed local drivers.
In the next step, the system will prompt you to select a driver. If your printer has been used on this computer before, it will be listed. If not, click the button. Install the driver and select the manufacturer and model from the list, or use the driver disk/file downloaded from the official website. Important: The driver must be installed on the specific computer you're using to perform setup.
What should I do if Windows says "Unable to connect"?
Often, the problem lies with a firewall or antivirus blocking port 9100. Try temporarily disabling the protection or adding an exception for your local network. Also, make sure that WiFi client isolation isn't enabled on your router, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
After the drivers are successfully installed, the system will prompt you to print a test page. This is critical. If the page prints, the connection between the computer, router, and printer is established correctly. If not, check the print queue status—it may show a specific error, such as "Access Denied" or "Invalid Port."
Connection Features for macOS and Linux
Computer users Apple often encounter fewer problems thanks to built-in protocol support AirPrint and the IPP standard. In macOS, open System Preferences and go to the Printers & Scanners section. Click the Add New Device button. Your device should automatically appear in the list of available printers if your router is correctly broadcasting its presence via the Bonjour protocol.
If the automatic search did not yield any results, go to the tab IPIn the "Address" field, enter the router's IP address. Select the protocol. HP Jetdirect - Socket (standard port 9100) or Line Printer Daemon - LPDThe queue name (Queue) is usually left blank or entered RAW, IP1 or LPR Depending on the router's requirements, macOS will automatically select the necessary software (driver) if the printer is supported by the system.
In operating systems based on Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Debian) uses the printing system CUPSAccess to printer management is via a browser at http://localhost:631Adding a printer is done through the "Administration" tab. You'll need to select "Network Printer" and specify the device's URI in the format socket://192.168.1.1:9100 or lpd://192.168.1.1/queue_name.
It's important to note that access rights can be limited in Linux. Make sure your user is added to the group. lpadmin, otherwise you will not be able to change print queue settings or add new devices without superuser rights.
Printing from smartphones and tablets
Mobile printing is becoming increasingly popular. For devices based on Android And iOS There are different ways to connect. The easiest is using technology Google Cloud Print (Although the service is being shut down, many routers emulate its equivalent) or native AirPrint support for iPhone. If the router supports these protocols, the printer will appear in the list of available devices automatically when on the same WiFi network.
In the absence of native support, router manufacturers often offer their own applications. For example, TP-Link Tether or Asus Router may have built-in modules for printing documents and photos. There are also universal intermediary applications, such as PrinterShare or Mopria Print Service, which can find printers by IP address and send jobs directly to the router port.
Setting up manual printing from Android often requires installing a print plugin specific to your printer brand (HP Print Service Plugin, Epson Print Enabler, etc.). After installing the plugin, go to the printing settings, select "Add Printer," and enter the router's IP address. The port is usually set to the default— 9100.
It's important to consider the limitations of mobile operating systems: they may not support printing in complex formats or require files to be converted to PDF before sending. Furthermore, printing speeds from a phone may be slower due to the router's on-the-fly data processing.
Troubleshooting and Error Table
Even with proper configuration, problems may still occur. Most often, problems are related to a change in the router's IP address (if a static IP isn't configured), blocking by antivirus software, or driver incompatibility. If the printer stops responding, try resetting the entire chain: turn off the printer, turn off the router, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on.
Below is a table of common errors and solutions that will help you quickly diagnose the problem without calling a specialist.
| Error / Symptom | Possible cause | Solution method |
|---|---|---|
| The printer was not found on the network. | Invalid IP address or Print Server is disabled | Check the USB settings on your router to make sure the IP is static. |
| "Access Denied" error | Blocked by firewall or antivirus | Add a firewall exception for port 9100 or the local network |
| The print is a mess or full of symbols | Incorrect driver selected (PCL instead of PostScript or vice versa) | Reinstall the driver by selecting the exact model or compatible PPD |
| The device keeps turning off | Lack of power to the router's USB port | Use a self-powered printer or a powered USB hub |
| The scanner does not work over the network | Protocol limitation (print only) | Use the manufacturer's network scanning software (WSD) |
Security deserves special attention. Opening ports for printing within the local network is usually safe, but if you have remote access to your router configured, make sure the printing function isn't forwarded to the wide area network (WAN) without a password. This could allow unauthorized individuals to use your printer or, in rare cases, access your internal network.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and menu names may vary depending on the firmware version. If you cannot find the described options, please refer to the user manual for your specific model or the manufacturer's website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect a printer to a router via a USB hub?
Technically, this is possible, but highly discouraged. Routers often lack the power to poll multiple devices through a hub, and passive hubs may not provide the required voltage. This leads to unstable operation and lost data packets when printing.
Why does my printer print very slowly over WiFi?
Printing speed via a router is limited by its processor and the bandwidth of the USB port (often USB 2.0, which is low-speed). Large files (photos, PDFs with graphics) take longer to process than with a direct connection to a PC.
Does the scanner work over a network connection?
In most cases, no. Router protocols only allow for the printing function. To scan over a network, the printer must have its own Ethernet port or WiFi module that supports MFP functions, or specialized software must be used on the PC to which it is connected.
Do I need to install drivers on every computer in the network?
Yes, a driver is a translation program for the operating system. The router only transmits data, but does not process it. Therefore, each device (laptop, PC) from which you plan to print must have the appropriate driver installed.
How do I change my printer's IP address if my router has changed its address?
You need to assign a static IP address to the router in the provider settings or in the WAN configuration itself, or reconfigure the printer port on each computer in the device properties, specifying the new IP address of the router.