Any W520 owners with wireless print server solution?

[caonen]

With a new W520 (W7-64) and an still functioning T43 (WXP), I would like to install a wireless print server that will accommodate both systems.

Web searches have revealed nothing but unhappy W7-64 users who cannot find a compatible wireless print server.

Any W7-64 Thinkpad owners out there have a wireless print server solution that works? Wireless is not a hard requirement (just a preference), so I'd welcome wired recommendations as well.

[Q-Ball]

Here's something that I use.

Does your router have a USB port or two? If it doesn't, you'll want one that does.
These routers usually have software and setup instructions for doing just that- it's mostly the reason why they have them onboard.

As long as the driver for that printer has a version in Windows 7 x64, you're good to go.
(If it doesn't, just go and buy a printer that has this functionality built in- it should also come with applicable drivers and be 100% functional.)


Anyways- all you have to do is just set it up: all you really have to do is follow the instructions.
Of course, there are two kinds of routers: ones that can be loaded up with more sophisticated firmware and those that can't be.

This firmware can do a whole lot more with the router- if you need to, say, increase transmission power, you can do that.
On the other hand, it's a bit more work to do, and you have to check to see if that router's compatible, and you have to flash the firmware on the router, but the payoff is worth it.


I'd recommend something from ASUS- their stock firmware is alright (not too 'engrish-y') and the build quality is decent. I'd check out the WL-520GU/500GP, or, if you want Wireless N, I'd check out the RT-N13U, or the RT-N16.


Actually, if your old router is faster (i.e. supports Wireless N), you could just get by with a cheaper model, connect the two routers (you shouldn't need a crossover cable since the ASUS router should automatically configure itself), disable routing on the print server router, and set up the new router as normal. Then all you'll have to do is install the drivers for the printer on each applicable computer and configure them to look for the printer at that specific IP address.

Of course, the documentation should explain that better.

[davidhbrown]

Good suggestions above. You haven't mentioned the device(s) you're wanting to use and for what purpose. My experience (mostly with wired print servers) is that unless the printer was designed for such a device, some functionality can be lost. There have even been multifunction devices with WiFi built-in that, for example, print fine but won't send their scans over the network.

I bought an HP Officejet Pro K550 a number of years ago for home use with the built-in WiFi and it has served a large number of computers (including a W520, T61, Dells, an HP, even an iBook) well. Having the functionality built into the printer is very convenient, very reliable, and something you should consider especially if you're talking a single small printer. You might find that the cost in purchasing a WiFi printer is comparable to the cost of a print-supporting router or print server once you factor in your time.

[Q-Ball]

Oh- forgot to mention that.

I'm using a Canon MP160 with an ASUS WL-520GU.
It's a multifunction printer, but you can only print from it over the network (scanning doesn't work, copying does since it's on the machine itself).
Also, the printer won't communicate ink levels to the driver- not a large problem because it has 'Ink Low' indicators but might be if you don't have them.


+1 to looking at a printer that has wireless printing built in because it's simple/simpler.

I'd probably quantify the difficulty of setting up network printing with one of those routers being a small bit more difficult than having a wireless printer. It's easy but not as easy as a wireless printer.
Plus, if the router crashes/just doesn't like the print job, you don't have to go in and restart it when you go to the printer directly.

[caonen]

After reading your responses and doing a bit more research, I don't believe this topic belongs in the ThinkPad W5x0/W7x0 Series section of this forum. It's really all about Windows 7/64 and my HP LaserJet 3030 printer. It's not a ThinkPad issue at all.

Would a moderator please move this discussion to the "Off topic" section (or wherever is appropriate)?

I think all your responses would be useful if I had a network capable printer. My LJ3030 All-in-One printer has neither a built-in wireless capability nor a cat-5 port. HP's solution for making the 3030 network accessible is through a separate product called JetDirect, which is a wireless print server that connects to the printer's usb port. The good news, JetDirect supports both printing and scanning. The bad news, it does not come with a W7/64 driver.

I have question into HP's tech support for suggestions, but for now I'm facing the possibility that I'm SOL with the LJ3030.

[ozzymud]

I use an Asus RT-N16, It has 2 USB ports, I use one for NAS (network attached storage), and the other for an HP LaserJet P2035... All machines connected to my network can print to it effortlessly.

Side Note: This is one of the best wireless routers i've ever seen, finally made me get rid of my Linksys WRT54G (I love routers that support 3rd party firmware). The Asus router works REALLY well with Tomato I cannot comment on the stock print server, but with Tomato there has been 0 issue.

[RealBlackStuff]

Another happy camper here with an Asus WL-520GU router with built-in print server.
Using a USB cable, I have a Brother HL-5240 laser printer attached to it, which is accessible from any PC/laptop in my house, be it wired or wireless, as long as they have the Brother printer drivers installed.
Running the router with stock firmware, although it can take the likes of DD-WRT and Tomato (just too lazy to bother).

[bill bolton]

I would like to install a wireless print server

Perhaps if you explained your printing problem in somewhat more detail, rather than jumping to a particular perceived solution (why do you need a printer server at all?), you might in fact get a better resolution than your present expectation

Are your printers network connectable?

Cheers,

Bill B.

[GomJabbar]

I bought a Netgear FWG114P v2 several years ago that works great. It has a built in USB print server, router, wireless access point, NAT, and hardware firewall.

Don't know if they still make such things these days, but you may be able to get a used one somewhere. Now my printers are all wireless ones, so I am not "hard-wired" to the print server anymore, but I still use it as a print server via wireless.

[caonen]

Thanks to all for input.

Based on positive experiences from multiple responders with ASUS router products,
I have ordered an ASUS RT-N13U, which combines wireless printing & scanning for my HP LJ 3030 via USB cable (802.11b/g for T43, 802.11n for W520), auto-switching to handle my 2 ThinkPads, and is certified for Windows 7 64 bit.

Can't wait. My W520 has been mainly a paper weight while sorting out a print solution.

[killer]

This whole question puzzles me. Maybe I am thick, but I have a wireless network laser printer (Xerox 6110) and anyone in our house can use it to print if they are logged on to our internet access and have loaded the drivers for the printer.

It isn't difficult ... well, it can't be if I can get it to work.

[ozzymud]

I have a wireless network laser printer

OP's printer is not wirless

[caonen]

Final footnote (I think):

Bought and tried to install the ASUS RT-N13U, but no go. Admittedly network naive, I learned the ASUS wireless router demanded a wired internet connection, period. I don't have one; I connect exclusively via Verizon wireless 4G card.

The conflict between the router's need for a wired connection and the Verizon 4G card was unresolvable. Whenever the router was turned on, my system could not 'see' my 4g connection, and the ASUS router complained non-stop about not being connected. I am returning the ASUS unit, and am temporarily resigned to driving my printer locally from the W520.

[hybenz]

After reading your responses and doing a bit more research, I don't believe this topic belongs in the ThinkPad W5x0/W7x0 Series section of this forum. It's really all about Windows 7/64 and my HP LaserJet 3030 printer. It's not a ThinkPad issue at all.

Would a moderator please move this discussion to the "Off topic" section (or wherever is appropriate)?

I think all your responses would be useful if I had a network capable printer. My LJ3030 All-in-One printer has neither a built-in wireless capability nor a cat-5 port. HP's solution for making the 3030 network accessible is through a separate product called JetDirect, which is a wireless print server that connects to the printer's usb port. The good news, JetDirect supports both printing and scanning. The bad news, it does not come with a W7/64 driver.

I have question into HP's tech support for suggestions, but for now I'm facing the possibility that I'm SOL with the LJ3030.

Are there really no W7/64 drivers????????

[PeterNY]

Last week I installed a HP LaserJet P1102W. Works great. It also matches the Lenovo look as it is all black. It was also really cheap @ $110 (before NY sales tax) @ Best Buy. I connected my 3 ThinkPads to it so far. Beware: you need to work with your firewalls (router, software firewalls on the ThinkPads) to get it to work.

[GomJabbar]

Final footnote (I think):

Bought and tried to install the ASUS RT-N13U, but no go. Admittedly network naive, I learned the ASUS wireless router demanded a wired internet connection, period. I don't have one; I connect exclusively via Verizon wireless 4G card.

The conflict between the router's need for a wired connection and the Verizon 4G card was unresolvable. Whenever the router was turned on, my system could not 'see' my 4g connection, and the ASUS router complained non-stop about not being connected. I am returning the ASUS unit, and am temporarily resigned to driving my printer locally from the W520.

There are special routers for 3G/4G cards, but they're not cheap. Here is one such from Cradlepoint.

http://www.amazon.com/Cradlepoint-Mobil ... B002SBH9B2

EDIT: I posted the above too quick. You need a print server.
http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/3294/63/
Here is one you could use with the Cradlepoint router (there are different Cradlepoint models available).
http://www.shopping.com/WRLS-PRINT-SERV ... G-USB/info

[PeterNY]

FYI: I have been able to print to my HP LaserJet from my iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 without any issues. Obviously not through 3G but through my WIFI at home.

[caonen]

Problem solved.

I've been remiss in not getting back sooner, but higher priorities and all that...

My thanks to GomJabbar for pointing out the Cradlepoint brand of 4G/3G wireless routers. I purchased their Model MBR95. To this network I added a TrendNet TEW-MFP1 wireless print server. The router installation was easy-peasy, the print server required a firewall setting adjustment on my XP system (for some reason Win7 had no problem with it).

Bottom line: after fighting with the print server a couple of days, my problem of wirelessly sharing my network-incapable HP3030 were solved, and both my systems can also wirelessly share my Verizon 4G network connection. I especially recommend the Cradlepoint 4G/3G wireless router. Rock solid.

Thanks again to GomJabber, as well as all others that offered a helping hand.

[GomJabbar]

Glad I was of some help, and you got it sorted!