The modern home is overflowing with wireless devices, but an old but reliable printer often becomes a bottleneck due to the lack of a Wi-Fi module. Instead of buying a new device, many users are looking for a way integrate Connect your existing device to your wireless network. This allows you to print from laptops, smartphones, and tablets without the hassle of wires, saving you money.
There are several proven methods for solving this problem, depending on the type of interfaces available on your device. We'll cover options for connecting via a router's USB port, creating shared access via a computer, and using external print servers. Each method has its own advantages and limitations you need to be aware of before you begin setup.
Before we get started with the technical part, you need to prepare your equipment. You'll need the printer itself, a working USB cable, and a router that supports peripheral connections (with a USB port on the back panel). If your router doesn't have one, you'll have to use a computer. intermediary.
Connecting via the router's USB port
The most elegant way to turn a wired printer into a network printer is to use the USB port on the router itself. This feature turns the router into a kind of print server, which transmits the USB signal to the network. However, it's important to note that not all routers support printers, even if the port is physically present.
To begin, connect the printer to the router's USB port using a cable and power on both devices. Wait a couple of minutes for the system to download the necessary drivers. Next, you need to log in to the router's web interface by entering its IP address in your browser. This is usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
⚠️ Please note: Not all router models can see all printers. Issues often arise with GDI (Host-based) drivers, which are processed by the computer's processor, not the printer itself. In such cases, the router may not recognize the device.
In the router menu, find the section responsible for USB applications or printers. The status of the connected device should be displayed there. If the printer is detected, you need to copy or remember the IP address assigned by the router to the printer, or use the router's own address with a specific port. This address will be key when setting computers on the network.
Setting up sharing through Windows
If your router doesn't support printers or there's no such port, you can use a Windows computer as a server. This method requires the PC to be turned on and online so other devices can access it. printIt's less convenient, but works with 100% hardware compatibility.
Go to the Control Panel and select "Devices and Printers." Find your printer in the list, right-click it, and select "Printer properties." In the window that opens, go to the "Sharing" tab and check the "Share this printer" box. Make sure it's short and clear. network name, without spaces and special characters.
Now you need to configure your network settings. Open "Network and Sharing Center" and go to "Change advanced sharing settings." Make sure network discovery and file and printer sharing are enabled. Without these, other computers simply won't "see" your device on the local network.
☑️ Check Windows settings
To connect from another computer, open File Explorer, enter the IP address of the host computer in the address bar (for example, \\192.168.1.50) and press Enter. You'll see the shared printer. Double-clicking it will launch the driver installation. On mobile devices, this method is more complex and often requires the use of intermediary software or cloud services.
Using external print servers
The most reliable, but expensive, solution is to purchase a separate device called a print server. This is a small gadget that connects to the printer via a USB or LPT port and has a connector for an Ethernet cable or module. Wi-FiSuch devices are often used in offices, but compact home models also exist.
The principle of operation is simple: you connect the print server to a power outlet and to a printer, then configure it through the web interface or a special utility. Once configured, it creates a virtual network port. Computers on the network see the printer as if it were directly connected to the network, bypassing the need to keep any device turned on. computer.
When choosing a device, pay attention to the supported printing protocols. For modern operating systems and mobile devices, AirPrint (for Apple) and Mopria (for Android) support are critical. Cheap Chinese models may only work with specific drivers, which can create problems when trying to print from smartphone.
| Solution type | Price | PC addiction | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB port of the router | For free | It doesn't depend | Average |
| Windows Sharing | For free | The PC must be turned on. | Low |
| External print server | 1500-4000 rub. | It doesn't depend | High |
| Mini PC (Raspberry Pi) | 3000+ rubles | It doesn't depend | Very high |
What is CUPS in the context of Linux servers?
CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a printing system used in macOS and Linux. If you decide to use Raspberry Pi as a server, CUPS will manage print queues and drivers, allowing you to turn any USB printer into an AirPrint-compatible network device.
Setting up Android and iOS for printing
Mobile printing is one of the main reasons why users want to make their printer wireless. For Apple devices, AirPrint technology is often built into routers or print servers. If your printer is older and doesn't have AirPrint out of the box, but is connected to the network via a server, you may need a third-party intermediary app on your computer or use virtual drivers.
The situation is similar on Android. The system uses the Mopria Print Service. Go to your phone's settings, find the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" section, and select "Print." The system will attempt to find the printer on the local network. If the printer is connected via Windows sharing, you may not be able to see it using standard Android tools without installing specialized applications from the router manufacturer or third-party developers.
⚠️ Important: When printing from your phone via Windows sharing, make sure your computer isn't in Sleep or Hibernate mode. In these modes, the network adapter may be disabled, interrupting the connection to the printer.
There are aggregator apps, such as PrinterShare or HandyPrint, that can forward printing from a mobile device to an old printer via the cloud or a local network. They create a virtual printer on the phone that forwards the job to the appropriate IP address on the network.
Troubleshooting Drivers and Ports
The most common problem when connecting an old printer over a network is the lack of a network installation driver. The operating system may see the device but not know how to use it. In this case, when adding the printer, select the "The printer I want isn't listed" option and manually enter the IP address.
In the installation wizard, select "Create a new port" and type "Standard TCP/IP Port." Enter the printer's IP address (or router's IP address, if the printer is connected to one). The system will attempt to connect to the device. If it doesn't find the driver automatically, select "Have Disk" and specify the path to the driver downloaded from the manufacturer's website. driver, even if it is designed for USB connection.
Sometimes you need to change the protocol settings. In the properties of the created TCP/IP port, go to the "Advanced" tab and make sure the LPR protocol is selected if the standard RAW protocol doesn't work. You can also try changing the port number (usually 9100) or the queue name if the printer requires specific settings. parameters for identification.
Alternative Solutions: Mini PC and Raspberry Pi
For enthusiasts and those seeking the most flexible system possible, a single-board computer like the Raspberry Pi is an excellent solution. By installing an operating system (such as Raspberry Pi OS) and the CUPS package, you can transform the Raspberry Pi into a powerful print server.
The advantage of this approach is complete independence from client operating systems. Raspberry Pi can render an old USB printer as a fully-fledged AirPrint-compatible device, accessible by iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows without installing any extra drivers. universal solution for mixed networks.
Setting it up requires basic knowledge of Linux, but there are many ready-made scripts available online (for example, the project AutoAirPrint), which automate the process. All you need to do is connect the board to the router via a cable or Wi-Fi adapter, and the printer will be accessible to all devices in the house.
Is it possible to connect a printer directly to Wi-Fi without a router?
Only if the printer itself has a built-in Wi-Fi Direct module. If the printer only has a USB port, it physically cannot connect to a wireless network without an intermediary (router, computer, or print server).
Why does the computer “see” the printer, but not print?
The most common issue is Windows Firewall or antivirus software blocking incoming connections to the print port. A permissions error may also be the cause: make sure that printing is allowed for the "Everyone" group in the printer properties on the "Security" tab.
Will this method work the same for laser and inkjet printer?
Yes, the connection method (via router or server) is independent of the printing technology. The only difference may be in the drivers: laser printers often require more complex PPD files, especially in Linux environments, but the data transfer principle remains the same.
How do I know if my router supports printers?
Check the specifications for your router model on the official website. Look for a USB port with Print Server support. Even if the port is present, it may only be for storage devices (flash drives). This can only be verified by testing the connection.