Many users face a situation where a modern laptop or smartphone lacks a USB port, and an old but reliable printer only works via a cable. Buying a new device with wireless support often seems like an unnecessary expense, especially if the current device is fully functional. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to transform an ordinary device. USB printer into a full-fledged network device, accessible to all gadgets in the home.
In this article, we'll look at the most effective methods for setting up wireless printing that don't require extensive programming or network engineering knowledge. You'll learn how to utilize the resources of your router, old computer, or single-board microcomputer to create print serversThis will allow you to print documents and photos directly from your phone, tablet, or laptop, from anywhere in your home.
Before we get into the technical details, it's important to understand that the method you choose depends on your hardware. Some routers have a built-in USB port, but not all of them can work with printers. In other cases, you'll need to set up a server based on Raspberry Pi or use the software capabilities of the Windows operating system. It's critical to check the list of supported printers on your router manufacturer's website before purchasing additional equipment.
Using a router's USB port for printing
The easiest and most cost-effective way is to use the capabilities of your internet gateway. Many modern router models from Asus, TP-Link, Zyxel, and Keenetic are equipped with a USB port that can operate in wireless mode. Print ServerHowever, the presence of a port does not guarantee success, as the device's firmware must support printing protocols.
To begin, connect the printer to the router's USB port using a cable and wait for it to boot up. Log in to the administrator's web interface, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You need to find the section related to USB applications or peripherals and enable the printing function. The device status and a list of supported models are often displayed here.
⚠️ Please note: Not all printer drivers are compatible with router operating systems. If your device isn't automatically detected, it likely requires specific commands that budget routers can't handle.
After activating the service on the router, you need to configure the client devices. On a Windows computer, this is done by adding a new printer via TCP/IP address. Enter your router's static IP address and select the appropriate port. Mobile devices may require installing a special app from the router manufacturer or using a protocol. AirPrint, if it is supported.
Organizing printing from a Windows computer
If your router doesn't support printers, any Windows computer or laptop connected to a Wi-Fi network can act as a server. This method is called public access It's a standard OS feature that doesn't require any additional software. The main requirement is that the server computer must be turned on to perform the printing task.
First, open "Settings" and go to the "Devices" section, then select "Printers & Scanners." Find your printer in the list, click it, and select "Manage." In the menu that opens, find the "Printer properties" link and go to the "Sharing" tab. Here, check the "Share this printer" box and specify a descriptive network name.
☑️ Setting up sharing
Configuring your network settings is crucial. Make sure network discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled in the Network and Sharing Center. Without these, other devices simply won't see your computer on the local network. You may also need to add an exception. Windows Firewall for the printing service.
To connect from another computer, use the command \\Computer_Name\Printer_Name in the progress bar. On smartphones, accessing a shared printer often requires third-party assistant apps, as native Windows sharing support on mobile OSs is limited. This method is ideal for offices where PCs are rarely turned off.
Building a Dedicated Server on Raspberry Pi
For those who want a computer-independent printing system, a single-board computer is the ideal solution. Raspberry PiThis miniature device consumes minimal energy and can operate 24/7. It is used as a base for the printing system. CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), which is the standard for Linux and macOS.
The process begins with installing an operating system, such as Raspberry Pi OS, onto a microSD card. After the first boot and connection to a Wi-Fi network, you need to update packages and install CUPS itself. This is done via the terminal with the command sudo apt-get install cupsAfter installation, you need to add a user. pi to the print administrators group.
| Team | Description of action | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi |
Adding administrator rights | Necessarily |
sudo cupsctl --remote-any |
Allowing access from the network | For Wi-Fi |
sudo /etc/init.d/cups restart |
Restarting the Print Service | After settings |
sudo apt-get install avahi-daemon |
Installing AirPrint support | For Apple |
Configuration is performed via the web interface at the address localhost:631In the "Administration" section, you add your printer, select the driver (PPD file), and configure access settings. After that, your printer becomes accessible to all devices on the network, including iPhones and Android devices (via the Mopria plugin or CUPS filters).
Where can I get drivers for CUPS?
Drivers (PPD files) for most popular Epson, Canon, HP, and Brother models can be found on the manufacturer's official website in the Linux support section. There's also an OpenPrinting repository containing thousands of profiles for older and rare models.
Ready-made Wi-Fi adapters and external print servers
If the hassle of setting up Linux or a router seems too complicated, the market offers ready-made hardware solutions. External Wi-Fi adapters for printers These are small boxes with a USB port that handle all the signal conversion work. They connect to the printer and operate independently of the computer.
Popular models like the TP-Link TL-PS110U or similar devices from D-Link allow you to connect your printer to a wireless network in minutes. The device is configured once using a utility from a disc or a web interface, after which it "forgets" about the computer and operates autonomously. This is an excellent solution for older laser printers you don't want to throw away.
⚠️ Important: When purchasing an external server, make sure it supports the PCL or PostScript protocol if your printer only supports these. Cheaper models may not handle complex graphic files correctly.
The advantage of such devices is their versatility and simplicity. You don't need to keep your PC running, and your router isn't burdened with unnecessary tasks. However, keep in mind that printing speeds through budget servers may be lower than with a direct connection, especially when printing high-resolution photos.
Setting up AirPrint and Google Cloud Print alternatives
For Apple device owners, it is important that the printer supports the technology. AirPrint, which allows you to print without installing drivers. If your printer or server (for example, Raspberry Pi) doesn't support AirPrint out of the box, this package will fix the problem. avahi-daemonIt broadcasts print services in a format understandable to Apple devices.
For Android users and cross-platform printing, a great solution is to use intermediary services or local equivalents. Since the original Google Cloud Print was shut down, many are switching to PaperCut Mobility Print or open-source equivalents. These solutions create a virtual printer in the cloud or on a local network, accessible from any device.
Setting up such systems often requires registering an account and installing a small agent on the server computer. This allows printing even from across the world, as long as the server is connected to the internet. However, for a home network, local setup via Bonjour (for Apple) or Mopria (for Android) is often sufficient.