Using ISP router for wifi print server

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prob

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#249529 15-May-2019 08:19

I need a wifi print server to allow printing to a brother laser printer (USB). I have a couple of ISP provided routers here, a Netcom NF4V and a Huawei HG659b. Has anyone managed to set one up to do this? I had a look but it seems that neither is compatible with Tomato or similar firmware.

Thoughts?

BarTender

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#2237143 15-May-2019 08:27

No... Just no. Just buy a new printer that support ethernet or wireless and don't bother trying to get this working.

It will only bring pain and suffering when almost all recent inject printers for less than $100 will include WiFi/Ethernet and support things like Google Cloud print and various other new protocols.

My old Epson NX635 printer from 6 years ago supports IP and the USB cable has never been plugged in even though the printer sits next to my desktop computer.

raytaylor

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#2240707 19-May-2019 09:44

Most brother printers in recent years have ethernet LAN ports.
Simply plug in the printer to your existing router and then follow the setup installer using the "lan/ethernet" option rather than usb or wifi.

Most routers with USB ports are only for memory sticks and file sharing.

Ray Taylor

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prob

225 posts

Master Geek

#2240802 19-May-2019 14:30

Thanks for suggestions. I don't have a Lan connection near the printer and hence my question. I am using 'sneakernet' by printing off line and plugging my laptop into the printer as necessary.

Kinda OK.

I have a wireless colour inkjet but, as usual, when I go to use it it is out of ink. Lasers are so much better for text.

Spyware

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#2240806 19-May-2019 14:41

If the printer has wired Ethernet then you can connect a client device to printers Ethernet port and connect to existing wifi, i.e., you don't need a USB print server.

richms

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#2240810 19-May-2019 15:10

Possibly something for a raspberry pi instead?

There are also many openwrt capable routers all over aliexpress for very little.

Richard rich.ms