Re: Wireless Printing and MFPs

On Sat, 16 Jun 2007 00:54:56 -0400, Mr Ed
<Mr.Ed.2s98bp@no-mx.wirelessforums.org> wrote:

>I have a wireless network, with the home PC (Windows XP) connected to
>directly to a LinkSys Wireless G Broadband Router which is connected
>directly to the Internet Modem. Occasionaly I connect to the Intenet
>via the wireless router from a wireless laptop. My computer is normally
>on 24/7.
>
>I will buy a laser MFP shortly, probably a Samsung SCX-5530FN. This has
>an inbuilt ethernet port and USB 2.0.

<http://www.samsung.com/Products/PrinterandMultifunction/MultifunctionProducts/SCX_5530FNXAA.asp>
I'm too lazy to do much looking, but there are quite a few HP products
that have built in 802.11b/g Wi-Fi connectivity. That might be easier
than hanging some external contivance on your printer in order to
avoid a CAT5 run.

MFP? Oh, Multi (mal)Functional Product. Got it.

>I want to locate this in a
>different room from my home PC and router and connect it to the home
>network via wireless.

Note that it doesn't have to be connected via wireless. I can also be
bridged via power line networking or phone line networking.

>Now from what I have read, wireless print servers
>dont support MFPs properly.

In general, that's true. Most print servers include compatibility
lists for what printers will work and/or have been tested. I've had
excessive entertainement with various combinations of print server and
multi-funk printers. I suggest you make VERY sure it will work before
you spend the time and money.

>There are print servers available that do
>support SOME MFPS, but even then support is not always up to scratch.

Why are you thinking of a USB wireless print server? You have
ethernet. Use the force Luke. Just install a "wireless client
bridge" or "game adapter", plug it into the ethernet port, and you're
done. There's a list of possible devices at:
<http://wireless.wikia.com/wiki/Wi-Fi#Wireless_Ethernet_Bridges>
If it has a "client mode", it will work. The nice thing about
802.11a/b/g wireless is that all it does in encapsulate ethernet
packets. It's literally an ethernet extension cord. Therefore, if
your prospective printer driver can remotely operate all the necessary
functions of the printer via ethernet, then wireless will always work
(unless the driver scribblers do something stupid). Forget about USB.

>So I am thinking that my home PC can be the print server (as it is on
>24/7 anyway) with the remote printer connected via a wireless bridge
>(or AP). I believe that I will not lose any MFP functionality (other
>than maybe performance) in this configuration (e.g. should still be
>able to scan to my home PC and receive faxes to my home PC) and will
>also be able to print from my wireless laptop PC to the printer. For
>the wireless AP/bridge I can just use another Linksys SRX router.

I don't think you can use another SRX router. They do NOT have a
client mode. I would look it up and check, but you didn't bother
mentioning the exact model number and I'm really lazy tonite.

>Does this sound OK ?

Nope. Forget about USB, use ethernet.

>Thanks for your help.
>Mr Ed.

Ummm.... Mr Ed was a talking horse on TV back in the 1960's. Are you
sure you want to be known by that name?
<http://members.tripod.com/~horsefame/MrEdS.htm>
--
# Jeff Liebermann 150 Felker St #D Santa Cruz CA 95060
# 831-336-2558 jeffl@comix.santa-cruz.ca.us
# http://802.11junk.com jeffl@cruzio.com
# http://www.LearnByDestroying.com AE6KS