In an era where smartphones and tablets have become essential work tools, having a device that supports wireless printing is becoming more than a luxury: Imagine this: you find an important article on your phone or receive an urgent document in a messenger, but your printer simply refuses to work because it's connected via a cable to an old computer. This is a familiar problem for many users who are hesitant to replace their working equipment.
Luckily, there are several proven methods. turn a regular USB printer into a network printer Without purchasing expensive equipment. You can use your router's capabilities, set up shared access via a computer, or even build a mini-server using a single-board computer. The choice of a specific method depends on your router model, your PC operating system, and, of course, your technical skills.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all available options, weigh their pros and cons, and provide step-by-step instructions for each scenario. Regardless of what router you have in your home, Asus, Keenetic or TP-Link — you'll find a solution that will allow you to print documents from any gadget within your network coverage area.
Analyzing your router's capabilities
The most elegant and energy-efficient way to set up wireless printing is to use your router's built-in features. Many modern models, even budget ones, have a USB port on the rear panel for connecting external drives or printers. However, the presence of a port doesn't guarantee wireless printing support. Print Server.
To begin, you need to physically connect the device to the router using a USB cable. After that, log in to the web administrator interface, usually accessible at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1In the settings menu, look for sections named "USB Application," "Print Server," or "Network Printer."
⚠️ Please note: Not all USB printers are compatible with routers. Devices that use the GDI (Host-based) protocol often require drivers that the router cannot install. In this case, printing will be impossible, and you will have to use other methods.
If your router supports this feature, all you need to do is enable it and download the PC printing setup utility. Mobile devices may require installing additional apps or configuring the protocol. AirPrint through third-party services.
⚠️ Please note: Router firmware interfaces are constantly being updated. Menu locations and item names may differ from those described in the instructions. Always consult the latest documentation from your equipment manufacturer.
Setting up sharing via a Windows computer
If your router doesn't support printing or the drivers haven't installed, the most reliable option is to use your computer as a print server. This method requires the PC to be turned on and connected to the network. Open "Settings" and go to "Devices," then select "Printers & Scanners."
Find your device in the list, click "Manage," and select "Printer Properties." In the window that opens, go to the "Sharing" tab and check the box next to "Share this printer." Create a descriptive, easy-to-identify network name.
Next, you need to ensure that discovery is enabled in your Windows network settings. Open "Network and Sharing Center," select "Change advanced sharing settings," and enable network discovery. After this, other devices on your local network will be able to see the printer.
To connect from another computer or laptop, open "My Network Places," find your computer's name, and connect to the shared printer. The system will automatically prompt you to install the necessary drivers. This is a classic method that works reliably on most corporate and home networks.
☑️ Check Windows settings
Using Raspberry Pi for Offline Printing
For those who want to make the printer completely independent from the main computer, the ideal solution would be to use a single-board computer. Raspberry PiThis miniature device consumes minimal power and can operate 24/7, acting as a dedicated print server. You'll need the board itself, a memory card, and a USB cable.
The Raspberry Pi comes with an operating system installed, most often Raspberry Pi OSThen you need to install the software. CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), which is the standard for printing in Linux environments. Installation is done via the terminal with the command sudo apt-get install cups.
After installing CUPS, you need to add the user to the print administrators group and configure access via the web interface at http://localhost:631In this interface, you will add your USB printer, select the appropriate drivers (PPD files), and enable protocol support. AirPrint, which will allow you to print directly from your iPhone and iPad.
List of required packages for CUPS
For a Linux-based print server to function properly, additional packages are often required, such as cups-browsed, avahi-daemon (for discovering devices on the network), and ghostscript (for processing PostScript data). Without these, some features may be unavailable.
The advantage of this method is its flexibility: you can set up logging, print queues, and even internet access if you configure security correctly. It's a professional solution that transforms an old printer into a modern network device.
Comparison of connection methods: table
To help you choose the best method, let's compare the options we've considered based on key parameters. Each method has its own unique characteristics that may be decisive in your specific situation.
| Parameter | Router (Print Server) | Sharing (Windows) | Raspberry Pi |
|---|---|---|---|
| The need to turn on the PC | No | Yes (required) | No |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | Average | High |
| AirPrint support | Rarely | Software required | Yes (natively) |
| Stability of work | Depends on the router | High | Very high |
As you can see from the table, using a router is the easiest way if it is supported. However, Raspberry Pi The Windows method wins in terms of functionality and independence. It's suitable for temporary solutions or offices where the computer is constantly running.
Troubleshooting driver and compatibility issues
A common issue when setting up network printing is the lack of drivers for the client's operating system. For example, the print server runs Linux or Windows 10, but you need to connect a macOS or Android device. In such cases, the system may prompt you to install software.
For Windows clients, manually searching for drivers through the update center or downloading them from the manufacturer's website often helps. In Linux environments, such as CUPS, it's important to select the correct PPD file. If your exact model isn't listed, you can try selecting a compatible page description language, such as PCL 6 or PostScript.
Sometimes antivirus software or firewall software blocks printing ports. The standard port for the TCP/IP protocol is 9100Make sure this port is open in your router's security settings and your operating system's firewall.
Printing from smartphones and tablets
Modern users rarely use PCs for printing, preferring mobile devices. If you have set up a print server (via a router or Raspberry Pi) with support AirPrintOn your iPhone, simply tap "Share" and select the printer. No additional apps are required.
For Android devices, the situation is a little more complicated, as there is no single standard. You can use Google's built-in print service or manufacturer-specific apps, such as HP Print Service Plugin or Epson Print EnablerThese plugins can find network printers and transfer documents to them.
It's important that the mobile device and printer (or print server) are on the same subnet. If you have a guest Wi-Fi network configured, printing from it will likely not work due to client isolation. Switch your phone to the main network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to make a Wi-Fi printer from an old laser printer?
Yes, the age of the printer doesn't matter as long as it's in good working order and has a USB interface. The key is having drivers for the operating system that will handle printing (Windows, Linux, or router firmware).
Why doesn't the router see the connected printer?
The printer may require more power than the router's USB port can provide. Try using a USB hub with an external power source. Also, check the file system format of your flash drive if the router requires it for services.
Will the scanner work over the network?
In most cases, no. Network printing protocols are well standardized, and scanning functions often require specific software that only works with a direct connection to a PC. Some advanced MFP models support scanning to the network (Scan to Email/Folder), but this is a function of the MFP itself, not the print server.
How to find the IP address of a network printer?
If the printer is connected via a router with Print Server functionality, its IP address is usually the same as the router's IP address. If via a Raspberry Pi or PC, use that device's IP address. You can find it in the network settings of the respective device.