Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

(2)switch boxs a b type

0 helpful
3 replies

by willsgrimes99

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
can I use 2 A B boxes to tie 2 computers and two printers together and use switch control from each to use whcih printer I need to use?

3 replies

by thechas

With the setup that you are looking at, you would be able to switch which PC is connected to the printers, and which printer is connected to that PC.

One concern that I have with this setup is that if the printers require EPP or ECP printer ports, the noise and crosstalk in the switches and cableing could cause printing problems.

If you want to select either printer from either PC, I suggest that you get a dual printer auto switch.
With the autoswitch, you install software on each PC, and select the printer to use when you print.

Alternately, you could get a manual "X" switch.
The "X" switch would swap which PC is connected to which printer.
That way, each PC always has a printer available.

An even better way would be to network the PC's, and enable printer sharing on both. That way, either PC could use either printer at any time.

Chas

by willsgrimes99

Thanks for the information,but I did as I explaned and It worked. This was the only choice I had because the DSL system that was leased would not allow any other way as the epuipment on one computer would not allow one to do other wise.

by mdelyea

A concern I have with this setup is that some printers (Brother multifunction and newer HP laserjets) need to talk to the computer during the boot process. In fact I know that the above mentioned printers will not function together using a switch.As the_chas suggested, a network with shared printers is the preferred method.

This discussion is closed to new replies.