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Wireless Printing

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I’ve got 3 laptops around my home. I’ve got a Lexmark printer I currently use but have to plug in when I want to print.

I want to add something to my printer so i can print without plugging in. Someone suggested a “Wireless Router” but I not familar with how this works. I purchased the router and after installing it, did not work.

Any suggestions on what to do or what to buy.

Thanks,

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Clarifications

In reply to Wireless Printing

Clarifications

Wireless router with cable to Lexmark or Wireless print server.

In reply to Wireless Printing

The basic assumption is that you have wireless capabiltiy in the laptops.

What model of printer do you have? It is unlikely that it is a network ready model.

A wireless router provides two functions.
1. It provides a shared accessto a highspeed internet connection (DSL/Cable). This access is shared to all the computers connected to the router.

2.A wireless router usually has RJ-45 ports for connecting wired computers over ethernet same as a wired router and has a wireless access point built in so you can connect to the router from a PC equipped with a wireless network card without using a cable.

In order to print to the Lexmark printer over the “router” actually over the network, the Lexmark has to be connected to the network in some fashion.

Basically you need a Print Server that connects between the network and the printer. This device can be either wired or wireless. Since you have already purchased a wireless router, you should consider a Wireless Print Server. This will allow you to place the printer in a convenient location without having to worry about a cable from the printer to the router.

Make sure you purchase a device with a compatible connection for the Lexmark printer. If the Printer uses USB you need a USB print server, if it prints through a parallel port you need a Print Server with a parallel port.

Try to purchase one with an RJ-45 connector for a wired connection as well as the wireless antenna. This can make configuration much easier.

For example:

Linksys WPSM54G Wireless Print Server – 54Mbps, 802.11b, USB 2.0

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2855856&sku=L48-2574

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