Can I Turn a Non-WiFi Printer WiFi into a WiFi Printe?

[ParatoOptimal]

I have an HP laser printer and a Brother Laser printer. Neither is WiFi. The Brother is USB. I don't know what other connections it has. I thought the HP was RJ-45 but I don't know. It may be USB. I can get any info of their boxes if it helps. The model would help. They're stored away at the moment.

I'd like to make them WiFi in the simplest, cheapest way. I have a couple of old WiFi routers lying around. I've seen print servers on Newegg but they're pricey. There must be a cheap solution.

Thanks for your knowledge.

 

[razel]

You didn't research the printer's connections, which you have the model # for and have physically, but you did research wanting to buying something. I would rather let you go about and enjoy the rest of how that goes and enjoy reading an expensive story, but on the other hand....

Get your butt over, open the box and look if it has Ethernet ports. If it does, log into your spare routers and check to see if they can be used as a media bridge. Then you're set.

 

[sdifox]

Depends on what printers and spare wifi routers you have. The model is usually printed on the label.

Chances are usb only printers cannot be bridged unless you have a spare wifi router with usb print server built in.

 

[JackMDS]

Most USB connection on a Routers can accept Printer and make them Access as Wireless through the Network. Thus if you can connect the printers to your Router via USB you solved the problem.

Otherwise, you have to find an inexpensive Wireless Router that can be configured as a Bridge and has a USB port. Then hook it with the Printer and you would be able to see the Printer as a Wireless share.

I think that this Router can do it, check it carefully to make sure because there is different sun versions of it.

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-3-In-1-Wireless-Router-RT-N12/dp/B00DWFPDNO

 

[VirtualLarry]

Otherwise, you have to find an inexpensive Wireless Router that can be configured as a Bridge and has a USB port. Then hook it with the Printer and you would be able to see the Printer as a Wireless share.

I think that this Router can do it, check it carefully to make sure because there is different sun versions of it.

https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-3-In-1-Wireless-Router-RT-N12/dp/B00DWFPDNO

Jack, unlike the higher-end models, that model (specifically, the RT-N12/D1) does NOT have any USB ports on it, and cannot be used to bridge a wifi network with a USB printer.

I do believe that the AC66U and AC1750 (same H/W) and up can do that. Just not the cheapest N12 model. (I own several, and physically checked for a USB port, there are none.)

Edit: The AC1750 model, is on sale at Newegg and their ebay site, REFURB, for $45-55 the last few weeks. It's a great router, I'd grab one at that price, before they disappear like the AC68U/R/AC1900 did. (Now only available, refurb, from 3rd-party "scalpers".)

 

[ParatoOptimal]

Thank you very much for all your input. I couldn't get further info on the printers as they're buried in the attic and plastic has been draped/wrapped over everything as roofers are cutting a roof ridge and doing other work that prevents me from doing any work in there at the moment.

I have a few old WiFi routers. One has a USB port for a HDD but none support printers nor have built-in print servers. I have one old 802.11N router a friend just sent me. I'll check it's capabilities.

I've seen the AC1900 on clearance, usually recertified/refurbed at Walmart and Newegg a lot lately. They usually sell out to fast to get one.

Another option I've just found is turning a Raspberry Pi Zero W into a wireless print server. I'm told they sell for $10 and that Microcenter sells them for $5. A power adapter is extra. A kit with power adapter, case/box, heat sink and other goodies is $30 on Amazon.

I was hoping I could use one of my old routers to do the job but they don't have the necessary features. All your solutions and the Pi are better than a stand-a-lone print server from Newegg.

Thank you again very much. I haven't been on here much of late. I used to be on here all the time like a disease. It's good to know there are still good, knowledgeable people here willing to help.

Best Regards!

 

[mikeymikec]

A Windows only solution would be to set up file sharing on the Windows machines, connect the printer via USB to one of them and have the PC share the printer on the network. It does require that PC to be on for the other PC to print to that printer, but if you're looking for a free solution, it works.

 

[Aaron B]

I have a couple of used Dlink DPR-1260 Range Booster/Print servers that I use for this. I bought them used and they were very inexpensive, but work well. There are a few on ebay for a range of prices - some which are very affordable.