A question about a USB only printer

reble · 27 Sep 2015

I just picked up for free 2 HP LaserJet B/W (USB only) model P1006 printers. I also got in the same deal 12 TP-LINK model TL-WN727N Wireless N USB Adapters, brand spanking new in the box (the factory seals are unbroken).
My question is. The printer is going to be on the other end of the room from the laptop. To use this printer on a USB port I would need about a 12' USB cable. Is there a way of using 1 of the TP-LINK Wireless n USB Adapters so the printer can talk to my laptop via my wireless router?

Steve

Mellon Head · 27 Sep 2015

Probably not. The TP-Link devices will need drivers to work, and that usually involves an OS. They are made to plug into the computer, as that's where the control for them comes from. With the printer, there is noting but the printer OS which is very different from Windows. There's no way for the printer to control the wireless N adapters, so they won't work.

If you want to run the printers wirelessly, you could invest in a wireless print server. The server sits near the printer and has a USB cable which attaches to the printer, but gets all of its data wirelessly from your home network and wireless router. They work well.

Lady Fitzgerald · 27 Sep 2015

USB 2.0 is good for up to 16' so you might try using a cable first. If you have to route the cable more than 16', you will need an active USB cable.

reble · 27 Sep 2015

Thanks Mellon Head for the input. I will have to look into the price for the wireless print server to see if it is worth investing in.

Mellon Head said:

Probably not. The TP-Link devices will need drivers to work, and that usually involves an OS. They are made to plug into the computer, as that's where the control for them comes from. With the printer, there is noting but the printer OS which is very different from Windows. There's no way for the printer to control the wireless N adapters, so they won't work.

If you want to run the printers wirelessly, you could invest in a wireless print server. The server sits near the printer and has a USB cable which attaches to the printer, but gets all of its data wirelessly from your home network and wireless router. They work well.