Convert a Wireless Router to Print Server

[anaksarawak]

I have a few wireless routers in the drawer and hope to convert them to function as print server. Anyone knows how to do that?Problem: UNIFI and telephone incoming line at living room but PC, notebook,etcs in study and bedroom 10-20 meters from source. Solution 1: Buy a Print Server but fax cant workSolution 2: Place the printer/fax at living room (ugly and I dont like this solution)Sharing this hope, some Network SIFU here have a cheap solution to my problem I have two Belkin Wireless routers and 2 Wireless USB adapters hope they can be useful.Thanks

 

[seewai]

Has your printer ethernet / wifi function?

My WiFi-enabled printer is located in my study room, which has a TM phone jack.

Sorry never used a printserver before.

Somehow, my non-PC devices couldn't connect directly to UNIFI wireless router, so I bought a few wireless repeaters / extenders and place them at a few locations at home, power them up only when necessary. I also connect a Streamyx modem/router to the UNIFI router to act as another WiFi spot for my non-PC devices to connect to UNIFI.

 

[haywire]

Use a Wifi repeater, mate. It will extend your range. Cannot use your existing ones.

 

[haywire]

Has your printer ethernet / wifi function?

My WiFi-enabled printer is located in my study room, which has a TM phone jack.

Sorry never used a printserver before.

Somehow, my non-PC devices couldn't connect directly to UNIFI wireless router, so I bought a few wireless repeaters / extenders and place them at a few locations at home, power them up only when necessary. I also connect a Streamyx modem/router to the UNIFI router to act as another WiFi spot for my non-PC devices to connect to UNIFI.

Unifi router in default form uses band N to broadcast Wifi. This is only natural since band N is the fastest. But some devices like Android still didnt support it. I had the same problem too when I first got my Unifi.
Access the network options and change the broadcast to band G and you should be fine, easier to connect the other devices rather than having to power up separate routers. Its slower than band N but I personally think Unifi is not that fast to require band N anyway. Band G is sufficient and support the other devices.

Guide to access the settings here:

http://sawanila.com/v10/2011/03/6-things-to-do-when-you-got-your-unifi-wireless-router-d-link-dir-615/

This is the setting you need to change:

Change the 'Wireless Mode'

 

[anaksarawak]

My Canon Multifunctions Printer come with USB and Ethernet port however proffered location is far from telephone jack and router. Need to recycle my old Belkin WIFI routers/modem as Wireless Print Server http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=354892

I have replaced my UNIFI D-Link router to TP-Link http://www.tp-link.com/en/article/?id=346 (seewai, our similar problem resolved here)

Haywire: Thanks for the suggestions but extension of wifi coverage cant connect my printer to it? I have tried connect the printer via network cable to the Belkin wireless G router and set the router as Bridge Mode but it require another Belkin G router router (Problem is I have a N router) to connect to the TP-Link.

Keep the suggestions coming... Hope to solve this tonight otherwise I will just revert to purchase a print server (waste money and unable to use my old routers)

 

[haywire]

So, your printer needs a physical cable to connect to the network, correct?

I was thinking it was a wireless printer, like what I have. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[anaksarawak]

No worry bro,

Welcome all suggestions

So, your printer needs a physical cable to connect to the network, correct?

I was thinking it was a wireless printer, like what I have. Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[slk]

hi,

you can try a PoE (power over ethernet) to link from your router to printer.

 

[seewai]

Unifi router in default form uses band N to broadcast Wifi. This is only natural since band N is the fastest. But some devices like Android still didnt support it. I had the same problem too when I first got my Unifi.
Access the network options and change the broadcast to band G and you should be fine, easier to connect the other devices rather than having to power up separate routers. Its slower than band N but I personally think Unifi is not that fast to require band N anyway. Band G is sufficient and support the other devices.

Guide to access the settings here:

http://sawanila.com/v10/2011/03/6-t...ot-your-unifi-wireless-router-d-link-dir-615/

This is the setting you need to change:

Change the 'Wireless Mode'

Bro haywire, I tried this just days after the UNIFI was setup, but it didn't work out. Since then I leave it at g/b with unselectable 20MHz only. Anyway it's solved by attaching either a router or modem/router combo (from Streamyx) to one of the Unifi network port, so that I have another completely different SSID, with N enabled, all devices connection no problem.

 

[seewai]

To use power over ethernet, if not mistaken, you need to make sure that the sockets you attach your "extender plugs" are from the same phase (my house 3-phase), ie Red/Yellow/Blue.

Just use a wireless extender. eg D-Link DAP-1360 (I'm using one to connect my media player to home network), with 1 x ethernet port to connect to your printer, place it anywhere within your TP-Link wireless coverage.

hi,

you can try a PoE (power over ethernet) to link from your router to printer.

 

[e46_UDM]

Use a Wifi repeater, mate. It will extend your range. Cannot use your existing ones.

hi bro, mind to share the brand and cost of a wifi repeater. Having the similar problem here... currently using the Linksys by Cisco as the router. do I need to use the wifi repearter from the same brand as well? cheers.

 

[anaksarawak]

Belkin or any mid range wifi router will be able to function as repeater but I am looking for solution to convert the router to wifi adapter plus share the network via its network port.

thanks

 

[fabianyee]

hmmm... are u going to write a printer driver to be installed in your PC/laptop to 'speak' to the router, and a firmware for the router to receive the instruction to print??

http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/184909-wireless-wifi-printer-wifi-adapter-printer.html

 

[anaksarawak]

Fabian, I wish I have the knowledge to write a driver for that.

 

[anaksarawak]

Found the solution! Pleased to share with all

http://www.buffalo-asia.com/products/pdf/WLAE-AG300N.pdf


The AirStation Nfiniti™ Wireless-N Dual Band Ethernet
Converter, Access Point & Bridge WLAE-AG300N is a
versatile wireless device that extends the capabilities
of wireless networks by offering three operating modes
for limitless flexibility. WLAE-AG300N can connect any
two wired devices, such as printers, gaming consoles
or DVRs, to an existing wireless network. It can turn
any wired network into a high speed 11n network, or
two or more can used to wirelessly connect and extend
the range of the wireless network. 802.11n dual band
support allows maximum performance and compatibility providing interference free connectivity, great for
wireless video streaming, gaming and other high
performance uses

 

[seewai]

So eventually still need to purchase additional item(s) to make it work? If yes, might as well just buy a Wireless Extender.

 

[anaksarawak]

RM149 at low yat.. However that still cant enable telephone/fax line via wifi

 

[bmwky]

RM149 at low yat.. However that still cant enable telephone/fax line via wifi

for your fax to work, you still need to have the telephone line rj11 to your fax machine. these legacy systems are a PITA. alternatively, just subscribe to email fax service and you can throw away your fax machine.


www.itgc.com.my,www.onlinefax2u.com,www.efax.com etc.

 

[bmwky]

and remember too Fax on UNIFI is charged as STD call rate. Not FREE.

 

[anaksarawak]

Thanks bro, by the way any recommendation for email to fax service?