Wireless and Printing

[sauroplites]

Hello!

I have been trying to set up some Multi-Function Printers (MFP) on the network using Linksys and DLink wireless printservers. I recently have found out that these MFPs aren't supported by ANY printserver...

Does anyone know of a device that would act like a wireless hub in a sense? I want to plug power into the device, and then be able to plug my printers into the device. Both have ethernet capabilities, I just don't have the luxury of plugging into the wall at this location.

Thanks for any recommendations!

-Mark

 

[Supergrrover]

What you are looking for is a wireless bridge - converts between two dissimilar media wired and wireless.
Cisco 1230 series APs can funtion like this and Linksys makes this one

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Sate...497433&pagename=Linksys/Common/VisitorWrapper

Netgear makes one as well but I was on the phone with netgear for 6 hours total before they told me they couldn't get it to work and I had to buy more hardware. They were clueless.

Here's a quick explanation link -

http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/tutorials/article.php/1563991

Brent
Systems Engineer / Consultant
CCNP, CCSP

 

[sauroplites]

thanks so much brent!
just starting off with networking and these printers have been a headache. this looks like some very useful information!
thanks again!
-mark

 

[AndrewTait]

What brand of printer is it?

I know Dell have a wireless print server which works with thier MFP's, and also I beleive the Lexmark ones (Dell printers are made by Lexmark)

I have one, and have not had any problems with it.

=======================================
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key

Ne auderis delere orbem rigidum meum
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[jdeisenm]

I have used the linksys wirelss wireless print server with an hp laserjet (paralell port). That worked well. I've used the dlink wireless. I've also used the dlink wireless print server with USB printers. I believe the dlink can only support wired or wireless, not both at same time. What brand/model printer? Some printers, especially mpf's (xerox 535) want to have a pc connection at all times in that case I had to share from my pc.

 

[sauroplites]

the printers we're using are oki 5510 MFPs. they're pretty awful at co-existing with other network devices. when i've tried to hook them up to the linksys or dlink printserver (which both work just fine with other printers), they freeze up and completely fail.

right now i'm just trying to work out a different solution sans-printserver.