printer server??

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Jenny

We have 4 computers on a dsl modem/ router but we
want to add a printer server so that any of the computers
can access the printer whenever they want to. We use
a Bellsouth dsl with 4 port caymen router which is located
in the downstairs utility closet.

I think the printer server will have to be close to the printer
location since it uses a parallel cable to connect. We have
many patch connections with a jumper cable system. Is
the printer server hooked into that system just like a computer
but also connected to the computer??

And are there any recommendations for a printer server that
can work with an small office??

Thanks
 
Jenny said:
We have 4 computers on a dsl modem/ router but we
want to add a printer server so that any of the computers
can access the printer whenever they want to. We use
a Bellsouth dsl with 4 port caymen router which is located
in the downstairs utility closet.

I think the printer server will have to be close to the printer
location since it uses a parallel cable to connect. We have
many patch connections with a jumper cable system. Is
the printer server hooked into that system just like a computer
but also connected to the computer??
Click to expand...

A network print server is only connected to the network. The computers
talk to it over the network; there's no other wiring or connections. A
print server is really just a small special-purpose computer.
And are there any recommendations for a printer server that
can work with an small office??
Click to expand...

HP's JetDirects are the standard, but they're relatively expensive. The
170X is the parallel external version. Last I looked, they were over
$130. Lesser-known brands can be found for much, much less, but I have
little experience with them.

Some printers want to be able to talk back to the host computer, and
don't like being networked. This is particularly a problem with some
inkjets and a few cheaper laser printers.
 
Jenny said:
I think the printer server will have to be close to the printer
location since it uses a parallel cable to connect. We have
many patch connections with a jumper cable system. Is
the printer server hooked into that system just like a computer
but also connected to the computer??
Click to expand...

Just a couple of other thoughts: yes, the print server needs to be close
to the printer. Within the length of a parallel cable, anyway, so up to
ten feet. But you can locate the print server and printer combination
anywhere that you can run a network cable.

Oh, and you may have to get a larger router or switch, since you said
yours was four-port and you already have four computers. The print
server will need another connection.
 
We have 4 computers on a dsl modem/ router but we
want to add a printer server so that any of the computers
can access the printer whenever they want to.
Click to expand...

The 'print server' can refer to the physical computer to which the printer
is connected, and also the SOFTWARE which provides the 'serving'
functionality, i.e. the PRINT QUEUE(s). When print server software (either
built into the OS or user supplied) is running, IT looks like a printer to
the world, and all the print-requests go to the software. The server
software then manage printing each job in turn, via the print queues.

Thus the printer is hooked to the computer by any standard connection
(Parallel or serial). The PRINT SERVER as an entity (the computer) is hooked
to the network via its Ethernet connection, and can be sitting anywhere
convenient.

=Alan R.
 
You don't say what make of printer you have? See if your printer maker has
one.

If not check that the one you plan to buy supports your printer. Does your
printer have both USB and Parallel port or USB?
 
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