Wanting to network a couple printers

Setishock · Post by **Setishock** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:39 am

I already have an idea on how to set them up. The thing I'm having trouble with is picking the right brand name device to do the job.
I have:
1 HP 4160 usb
1 HP 4260 usb
1 HP 5610 All in one usb
1 Epson Stylus C82 usb / parallel

I checked NewEgg and the reviews for most are real stinkers. I use TP-Link for my network and their network printer device looks good but I'd like to find out what members here think is good.
Budget: $60.00 for each printer max.
The thread title should have been a bunch of printers.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:45 am

Are you looking on how to share them via Windows shares? Or do you want ethernet print servers? Or wireless print servers?

Setishock · Post by **Setishock** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:18 pm

Ethernet print servers. Everything has to be hardwire.
Another question is when you program the IP would it be prudent to stay above or below the DHCP pool? I don't have a seperate network for the office so I'm not wanting to let the printers get used by the guests.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 7:24 pm

As long as they're "outside" the DHCP pool. I prefer to assign print servers static IP addresses, that way they never move. If they're dynamic...once or twice a year or something like that they'll change their IP address, and go "offline" til you redirect your print port.

I often select the "20's" for my printers..192.168.1.20, 192.168.1.21, 192.168.1.22, etc. I create DHCP reservations for them within whatever DHCP service I have on the network. If you don't have a Windows Server DHCP service..your routers DHCP service might support that. If not...just assign them manually. Most print servers are all accessible via a web admin..find out what IP they picked up from DHCP (usually there's a button to print a configuration page once a printer is connected to them)...log into that IP..and configure as you wish.

I prefer HPs JetDirect boxes. Yeah...they're more expensive, but ya know what? Most other brands..I've had nightmares with. The HP JetDirect boxes will cost you more money up front..but save you far less cursing over the years.