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Networking a scanner

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by julied

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We have a HP Laserjet 3100 that is a fax, printer, scanner in one. It has no jet direct. The only machine within reach of it is the file server. My boss wants me to network it. The only ways to do this as I see are either to hook it directly into the server and share it (which I think sounds like a really bad idea) or to hook it up to a jet direct and network it that way. Can this be done? Because of network port restrictions, it would have to be done through a hub or direclty through the server. It is a good idea. It is not a network ready device. I need to either figure this out or tell him why it can't or shouldn't be done. Thanks.

9 replies

by curlergirl

There is no way to do this without special software on the scanner device itself - you cannot share a scanner like you can share a folder, printer, or other such resource without special software. There are special multi-use devices that include a network-capable scanner, but this is obviously not one of them. This device is only usable as a local device. Jet Direct print servers will only work with printers, not with a scanner. Hope this helps!

by ann777

I have done it both ways (depending on how the users wanted to use the devices); it'll work both ways.

Connected directly to an NT server, a multi-function printer will operate as a shared printer. Scanning/copying must be done locally and it will take over the resource... ie. if someone else tries to send a large doc to the printer, their local machine will wait for access or time-out. Be aware though, if your server is one OS, your workstations must be older than that server OS if it is to recognize the server drivers (ie Win2000 server... will work with most OSes. WinNT server.... tends to have problems with WinXP Pro or Win2000 Pro as far as distributing that printer driver properly).

Jet Direct does resolve all of the driver issues if your supervisor wants to go the additional expense. But the scanning/copying/receiving of faxes is slower through one of these multifunction printers.

I would recommend that depending on the quantity of use that is expected, you look at printers with a nic included. The 3100's often need paper separation pads and pickup rollers replaced. Unless you expect very little use ????

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