Setting up a home or office printing network via a router Keenetic Giga — is an effective solution that frees computers from unnecessary cables and provides access to a printing device to all network members. Instead of keeping one PC turned on to share a printer, you can connect it directly to the router's USB port, turning it into a full-fledged print server. This is especially true for models in the [Print] series. KN-1010 And KN-1011, which have sufficient computing power for stable operation with peripherals.
The setup process doesn't require in-depth knowledge of network administration, but there are a number of technical nuances that must be taken into account for stable operation. Proper configuration USB print servers The router interface ensures that documents are sent to the print queue instantly, without freezes or driver errors. Below, we'll cover each step in detail, from the physical connection to installing components in the Windows operating system.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software setup, you need to make sure your hardware is ready for use. Not all printer models support operation via external print servers, although most modern devices from HP, Canon, Epson, and Brother are compatible with the protocols used. KeenOSFirst, check that the printer is working properly and is connected directly to the computer.
An important step is choosing a high-quality USB cable. The cable length should not exceed 1.5–2 meters, as the USB ports of routers, including Keenetic Giga, have limited current and are susceptible to interference on long lines. Using cheap or excessively long cables often results in the router seeing the device but being unable to transmit printing data to it.
- 🖨️ Make sure the printer is plugged in and in standby mode.
- 🔌 Use a working USB cable type AB (standard for printers) up to 2 meters long.
- ⚡ Connect the device directly to the router port, avoiding USB hubs without their own power supply.
- 📶 Make sure that the computers you will be printing from are on the same WiFi network.
If you plan to use a multifunctional device (MFP), keep in mind that the router's USB port typically only supports printing. Network scanning is often unsupported in such configurations or requires the installation of specific software from the manufacturer, which may not work correctly with the network address.
⚠️ Attention: Some inkjet printers require initialization each time they're turned on. If the printer doesn't print after being idle, try first starting it with the button on the printer, wait until it's ready, and only then send the document to print.
Setting up a USB print server in the Keenetic interface
After physically connecting the printer to the USB port on the rear panel Keenetic Giga, you need to activate the corresponding component in the web interface. Access the router settings through a browser by entering the address 192.168.1.1 or my.keenetic.netGo to the system component management menu.
In the list of available options, find the section responsible for peripherals. In current versions KeenOS This may be called "USB Print Server" or be part of the advanced USB settings. You need to check the box next to "Enable Print Server." After applying the settings, the system may restart network services, which will take a few seconds.
☑️ Checking print server settings
Make sure the correct port is selected in the print server settings. The default port is 9100 or protocol LPRFor most home use cases, leaving the default settings is sufficient. If your printer appears as "Unknown Device" or "Mass Storage" in the list of connected devices, the router may not have recognized its class.
In this case, rebooting the printer itself while the router is already turned on will help. Keenetic Giga The program polls USB ports during boot and when new devices are connected, but sometimes a manual refresh of the interface list is required. The device status should change to "Connected," and its model or ID should appear next to it.
⚠️ Attention: The KeenOS interface is regularly updated. Menu layout and item names may vary depending on the installed firmware version. Always consult the official user manual for your specific software version.
Installing drivers and creating a port in Windows
The most crucial step is configuring the operating system. Windows doesn't always automatically detect network printers connected via a router, so manually creating a TCP/IP port is often necessary. Open Control Panel and go to "Devices and Printers" or "Printers and Scanners" in the system settings.
Click "Add Printer." When the system completes the search and doesn't find the device, select "The printer I want isn't listed." Next, select "Add a printer by TCP/IP address or hostname." In the "Name or IP address" field, enter your router's local address, for example, 192.168.1.1The port name will be filled in automatically, you can leave it unchanged.
In the next step, the system will attempt to detect the device. Since this is a network port, Windows may not be able to automatically detect the model. This is normal. In the driver selection window, click "Have Disk" if you have downloaded drivers, or select the manufacturer and model from the list. If the exact model is not available, you can select a compatible driver (such as a generic PCL or PostScript driver), but it is better to use the original software.
What to do if Windows requires drivers?
Windows 10/11 often can't find a driver for older models in its database. In this case, download the full driver package from the printer manufacturer's website. During installation, select "Local installation" or unzip the archive and specify the path to the INF file manually.
After installing the driver, the system will prompt you to use the existing driver—consent. Finally, give the printer a descriptive name, such as "Keenetic_Print," to distinguish it from other devices on the network. The test page should print if all IP address settings are correct.
Setting up printing from mobile devices and macOS
Modern operating systems such as macOS and iOS/Android mobile platforms often support the technology. AirPrint or Mopria, which simplifies the connection. However, a standard print server Keenetic May not support AirPrint out of the box without additional components. Apple devices often require the installation of middleware or the use of third-party print server apps if the router doesn't have built-in AirPrint support in your firmware version.
For Android and Windows Mobile, the situation is simpler: many printing apps (for example, the official Google print plugin or the HP Print Service Plugin) can find printers using the IPP or RAW protocol via an IP address. In the mobile printer settings, select "Add printer by IP" and enter the address. Keenetic Giga.
macOS users may need to manually specify the protocol. When adding a printer via System Preferences -> Printers & Scanners, click the "+" button, go to the IP tab, and select the protocol. HP Jetdirect – Socket (This is the equivalent of port 9100). In the address field, enter the router's IP address, and in the "Use" field, select the appropriate driver from the list or PPD file.
- 🍏 For iOS, a proxy app may be required if your router does not natively support AirPrint.
- 🤖 Android devices often detect the printer automatically through the Google Print plugin.
- 💻 macOS requires the Jetdirect (Socket) protocol to be selected for stable communication.
- 🌐 Make sure that your router's local network ports are not blocked.
Table of main parameters and protocols
To properly configure network printing, it is important to understand what parameters and protocols are used in the connection. Keenetic Giga and operating system. Below is a summary table to help you fill out the fields in the printer installation wizard.
| Parameter | Meaning / Description | Where is it used? |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | 192.168.1.1 (default) | Setting up a TCP/IP port on Windows/macOS |
| Protocol | RAW / Jetdirect | Selecting a port type when adding |
| Port | 9100 | Standard print port (LPR/RAW) |
| Queue name | blank or usb | Additional LPR settings (sometimes required) |
| Driver | Original (PCL/PostScript) | Installation on the client OS |
Please note that in the Queue Name field for the LPR protocol in some cases you need to leave the field blank, and in others you need to enter usb or lp1For the RAW (Jetdirect) protocol, which is the default in Windows, this field is usually ignored.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
If printing doesn't start, first check the status of the print queue in Windows. Documents often simply "hang" waiting. Clear the print queue and try printing a test page again. Make sure Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking network communication.
The problem may lie in the data format. Some older printers don't understand the complex graphics commands sent by modern operating systems. In the printer properties, under the "Advanced" tab, try enabling the "Print immediately" option or changing the EMF rendering settings to "RAW."
It's also worth checking the router logs. In the web interface Keenetic Giga The "Diagnostics" or "System Log" sections may show USB error messages. If the router reports "Over Current," this means the printer is drawing more power than the USB port can handle. In this case, connecting via a powered USB hub with an external power source will help.
⚠️ Attention: If your printer frequently freezes, try changing the USB port mode in your router settings (if available) from USB 3.0/2.0 Auto to Forced USB 1.1/2.0. Some older devices don't work correctly with high-speed ports.
Print network optimization and security
After successful setup, it's recommended to secure your network. Even though the print server operates within the local network, ensure access to the router's web interface is protected with a strong password. Do not expose printer management ports (9100, 515) to the internet via NAT/PAT settings unless absolutely necessary, as network printers are often vulnerable to attacks.
To optimize response speed, you can reserve an IP address for the printer (if it were connected directly over the network) or, in our case, simply make sure that the router itself has a static IP on the provider's network or local network so that the port settings on the PC are not disrupted.
Update your firmware regularly Keenetic GigaThe developers are constantly improving compatibility with new hardware and fixing bugs in the USB stack. You can check for updates in "General Settings" -> "Software Update."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the printer only print from one computer, even though it is connected to a router?
Most likely, the driver is not installed on other computers or the port is configured incorrectly. Print server Keenetic It doesn't store print queues for different users independently; it transmits data directly. Make sure each PC has its own local port with the router's IP address and the specific driver for the router model is installed.
Is it possible to connect a printer via a USB hub to the Keenetic Giga?
Yes, but only if the hub has its own external power supply. The router's ports may not be able to handle multiple devices or even a single powerful MFP via a non-powered hub. The router must also support USB hubs (most Giga models do).
Does network scanning work via a USB connection to a router?
In the standard configuration, no. The protocols used by the Keenetic print server are intended only for printing data (outbound). Scanning requires a feedback loop and specific software, which typically only works with a direct USB connection or via the MFP's network module (Ethernet/Wi-Fi), if available.
How do I reset my print server if everything stops working?
In the router's web interface, go to the USB print server settings and disable the component. Then delete the created ports in Windows. Afterwards, re-enable the component and re-create the port with the same settings. Sometimes, a full router reboot with the printer disconnected and then re-enable it after the system has booted up helps.