Connect to a network printer. How to connect a network printer

Network printers are currently considered a profitable alternative to personal printers. After all, often, only one large device can cope much faster with a larger print task than a few smaller ones. In addition to all this, one sheet printed on a network printer will be much cheaper compared to a sheet printed on a small device, which significantly reduces the cost of office printing. But few people know how to make a network printer.

From a regular printer to a network printer

There are several ways for a printer to become networked: through the use of sharing, through an external server, through network card   the printer. Well, now more about each.

  • Through general access. It is considered the simplest in execution, but at the same time, the most limited option network use   the printer. Consider how to install network printer   shared access. It is installed on the computer in the standard way, but first of all it is necessary to connect the device to the computer using a USB cable or a parallel cable. Next, go to the folder "Printers and Faxes", here we click right click   mouse on the icon already installed printer, click on the "Properties" button. Then in the window that appears, select the "Access" tab. Next you need to put in front of the words "Shared access to this printer" point and enter the network name, which will be our shared resource. After all these procedures, press the "OK" button. You should see if the word “No” is displayed in the “Installed” column, it means you need to insert a disk of the printer manufacturer or download the selected and necessary driver from the site. That's all, the network shared printer is installed.
  • Consider the connection rules by means of an external print server. third party. To connect the printer in this way, you first need to install the print server itself. This is done on the basis of instructions attached to it. In general, everything is done in the same way as installing a shared printer. But you should pay attention, the printer will be networked, but you need to select the option “Local printer connected to this computer”, then select the item “Create a new port” and select “Standard TCP / IP Port” in the list. Many manufacturers attach to their print servers. detailed instructionswhere you can find detailed steps for installing network printers in this way.
  • Connect a network printer via a network card. Most printers involve the installation of an internal network card, which is made specifically for this printer model. In this case, you need to install a board on the internal system bus of the printer, which will allow you to transfer data at the maximum possible speed for the network. If a network card is installed in our printer, then most likely the manufacturer has taken care of installing the network printer with the help of the disk that comes with the printer. And yet you are wondering how to connect this kind of network printer, everything is very simple. After you put the disk, you must specify that your printer will be networked and the installation will begin automatically. Sometimes you just have to specify an IP address, unless the installer program automatically assigns it. With the help of an automatic installation, all the components necessary for the operation are installed on the printer, and it remains only to wait until its process is completed.

General instruction

  • Click the "Start" button, then click on the "Printers and Faxes" button.
  • Click on the "Add Printer" button.
  • After the printer installation wizard appears, click "Next".
  • Select "Network printer, or a printer connected to another computer," then "Next."
  • Select "Find a printer in Active Directory" and click "Next."
  • Find the desired printer in the list and select it by clicking “OK”.
  • Select "Yes", then "Next."
  • Complete the installation process by clicking the "Finish" button.

In the event that you did everything correctly, the installed network printer will appear among the list of all printers. Now you know how to connect a network printer. We wish you good luck!


You need to understand what is at stake

To make it easier to navigate the settings, you need to understand the existing printer interfaces - which are, what they look like and why they are needed.

  1. USB wired port. High-speed bus allows you to connect the printer directly to the device. By default, this is a computer, laptop and router. The interface cable is unique - on the one hand a rectangular connector for connecting to a PC, on the other hand - a trapezoidal port for connecting to a printer. Owners of USB devices are primarily interested in how to make a network printer in order to print not only from a computer, but also from other mobile devices.
  2. Ethernet network port. It is present only in expensive devices and is designed to connect the printer to a network hub. This technology meets the printing needs of all owners of such devices.
  3. Wi-Fi wireless technology. Most modern printers are equipped with such a module, but full performance is not always possible. After all, printing requires proprietary software that does not always willingly work on smartphones and tablets.


Friendship with a router

It is necessary to figure out how to make a USB printer network. Having a USB port on a network router without a built-in Print Server module will not give positive connectivity results. Therefore, it is recommended to first read the instructions supplied with network equipment, and make sure that you can connect the printer, up to the model. And if there is an opportunity, you can safely perform the following actions:

  1. Connect the printer and router to the power supply.
  2. By connecting the printer to the USB connector of the router, you need to make sure that it “made friends” with the device. To do this, open the web interface. network device   in the browser. The router's address, login and password can be found in the instructions, but if the wireless point was set up by the provider, then all the issues with connecting the printer directly depend on the person who did the settings of the router.
  3. After authorization, the name of the connected printer should appear in the Print Server section.


Correct setting of the USB connection with the router

  1. On a personal computer, you need to go to the control panel and select the tab “Devices and Printers”. Further, all of the algorithm: "Add local printer"-" Create a new port Standard TCP / IP ".
  2. After clicking the "Next" button, you must enter the IP address of the router (by default 192.168.1.1) and be sure to uncheck the checkbox next to the "Select driver automatically" option.
  3. After finding the printer, you need to select the device type “Generic Network Card” and click “Next”.
  4. The driver is installed manually from the disk using the menu of the same name.
  5. Re-entering “Devices and Printers”, you need to select “Printer Properties” by clicking the alternative mouse button on the newly installed device. Going to the Ports tab, you need to go to the settings, install the LPR protocol and set a name.

Having studied a simple description of how to make a network printer, connecting it to the router, the user will not be difficult to make all the settings on their own. It would not be superfluous to open the instructions for the router and become familiar with it in detail - very often the manufacturer offers its own algorithm for connecting a printer via USB.


Wi-Fi troubleshooting

Office equipment has recently been equipped with a Wi-Fi module, offering the user to quickly and easily make a network printer. Windows 8, 10, and later android versioninstalled on smartphones and tablets, can not always work correctly with the printer wireless network. The problem lies in the compatibility of the software with the operating system. Very often, users in the post-Soviet space do not have the opportunity to fully use Wi-Fi printing, a module of which is built into the printer.

In such cases, there are two possible solutions:

  1. Connect the printer to the router with using USB   according to the previously described instructions.
  2. Connect printer by wireless connection   WPS. Naturally, the router should have a Print Server, support the existing printer model and a fast WPS connection should be tied to the print server.

Wired network - out of a difficult situation

If you cannot connect the printer to a wireless network using the methods described above due to the lack of technical support for the equipment, you should not be upset. There is a very easy way how to make a regular printer network over a wired interface. To connect, you need to purchase a device called Print Server, which can be found in any computer store at a price of 200-300 rubles per piece.

In most cases, a certified print server has factory settings, which the manufacturer indicates in the manual or on a sticker placed on the device case. It is enough to connect the printer via USB to a print server, which, in turn, is connected to the router's hub with an Ethernet cable.

You can find out the printer’s network address in the settings of the router or locate it with a special PC. software. Next is the usual installation of the printing device according to the instructions described above.

Expensive solution

Many users wondering how to make a network printer from a local one do not stop the price of the issue, so a wireless print server designed specifically for such purposes should not be overlooked. Only the price can confuse - it is higher than most decent routers with great capabilities. Pay for a miracle device will have from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles. Setting up a Print Server wireless device is no different than a wired print server. All information on the fine-tuning is present in the instructions for network equipment.

The main feature that attracts customers to such a device is the support of Apple mobile technology. For some reason, many manufacturers forget about this brand. wireless printers   and routers. Therefore, for iPhone, MacBook and iPad owners, purchasing a wireless print server will be the only solution for printing problems.


Sharing a printer

The simplest, but not less effective way   to solve the problem of how to make the printer network, is to provide general access to the local computer. The algorithm is quite simple and even a schoolboy will master it.

  1. Going into the properties set in windows system   the printer, go to the “Access” tab and check the boxes next to the “Sharing” and “Drawing tasks” fields.
  2. Going into the properties of the system and going to the tab "Computer name" to make sure that the "Working Group" is registered the same for all computers in local network.
  3. To make the printer network, Windows 7, 8 and 10 require additional settings network adapter. To do this, go to the "Network Control Center" and change the advanced sharing options by checking the boxes next to all fields starting with the word "Enable".
  4. Encryption is recommended to install 128-bit, and disable password protection.

Remote connection to an available printer

After completing the first step in deciding how to make the printer networked, you can begin to connect the public device to the rest of the computers on the local network. There are only two options - they are different, but the result is the same. The first option is described above, because for the settings there is no particular difference what type of connection is used - the main thing is to know the printer’s IP address.

But the second method is suitable for people who are looking for easy ways. In fact, this is an instruction on how to make a network printer local. Going to " Network connections", Which can be found in the control panel, you must select" network". An alternative would be to launch the “Network Neighborhood” shortcut from the desktop, if the user has not previously deleted it as unnecessary. Here you need to display the computers that are part of the working group - for this there is a corresponding button. Having found the right computer, go into it. The printer will be displayed in the list of available resources. If you double-click on the device name and agree to all warnings, the printer is easily connected.


Finally

Asking the question "how to make a network printer," the user can always find any solution he needs. After all, the options are not considered - there would be money and desire. However, for some reason, many people forget about security when using an unsecured Wi-Fi communication channel. The printer will be visible to all users within a radius of operation. wireless router. Judging by the numerous reviews of IT technology professionals, it is not recommended to provide general access to a computer over a wireless network, because the safety of personal information is always above any amenities.

You need to understand what is at stake

To make it easier to navigate the settings, you need to understand the existing printer interfaces - which are, what they look like and why they are needed.

  1. USB wired port. High-speed bus allows you to connect the printer directly to the device. By default, this is a computer, laptop and router. The interface cable is unique - on the one hand a rectangular connector for connecting to a PC, on the other hand - a trapezoidal port for connecting to a printer. Owners of USB devices are primarily interested in how to make a network printer in order to print not only from a computer, but also from other mobile devices.
  2. Ethernet network port. It is present only in expensive devices and is designed to connect the printer to this technology satisfies the printing needs of all owners of such devices.
  3. Wi-Fi wireless technology. Most modern printers are equipped with such a module, but full performance is not always possible. After all, printing requires proprietary software that does not always willingly work on smartphones and tablets.


Friendship with a router

It is necessary to figure out how to make a USB printer network. Having a USB port on a network router without a built-in Print Server module will not give positive connectivity results. Therefore, it is first recommended to study the instructions supplied with the network equipment and make sure that the printer can be connected, up to the model. And if there is an opportunity, you can safely perform the following actions:

  1. Connect the printer and router to the power supply.
  2. By connecting the printer to the USB connector of the router, you need to make sure that it “made friends” with the device. To do this, open the web interface of the network device in the browser. The router's address, login and password can be found in the instructions, but if the wireless point was set up by the provider, then all the issues with connecting the printer directly depend on the person who did the settings of the router.
  3. After authorization, the name of the connected printer should appear in the Print Server section.


Correct setting of the USB connection with the router

  1. On a personal computer, you need to go to the control panel and select the tab “Devices and Printers”. Further, all of the algorithm: "Add a local printer" - "Create a new port Standard TCP / IP".
  2. After clicking the "Next" button, you must enter the IP address of the router (by default 192.168.1.1) and be sure to uncheck the checkbox next to the "Select driver automatically" option.
  3. After finding the printer, you need to select the device type “Generic Network Card” and click “Next”.
  4. The driver is installed manually from the disk using the menu of the same name.
  5. Re-entering “Devices and Printers”, you need to select “Printer Properties” by clicking the alternative mouse button on the newly installed device. Going to the Ports tab, you need to go to the settings, install the LPR protocol and set a name.

Having studied a simple description of how to make a network printer, connecting it to the router, the user will not be difficult to make all the settings on their own. It would not be superfluous to open the instructions for the router and become familiar with it in detail - very often the manufacturer offers its own algorithm for connecting a printer via USB.


Wi-Fi troubleshooting

Office equipment has recently been equipped with a Wi-Fi module, offering the user to quickly and easily make a network printer. Windows 8, 10, as well as later versions of Android installed on smartphones and tablets, may not always work correctly with the printer wirelessly. The problem lies in the compatibility of software with operating system. Very often, users in the post-Soviet space do not have the opportunity to fully use Wi-Fi printing, a module of which is built into the printer.

In such cases, there are two possible solutions:

  1. Connect the printer to the router using USB according to the previously described instructions.
  2. Connect the printer wirelessly via WPS. Naturally, the router should have a Print Server, support the existing printer model and a fast WPS connection should be tied to the print server.

Wired network - out of a difficult situation

If you cannot connect the printer to a wireless network using the methods described above due to the lack of technical support for the equipment, you should not be upset. There is a very easy way how to make a regular printer network over a wired interface. To connect, you need to purchase a device called Print Server, which can be found in any computer store at a price of 200-300 rubles per piece.

In most cases, a certified print server has factory settings, which the manufacturer indicates in the manual or on a sticker placed on the device case. Simply connect the printer via USB to the print server, which, in turn, is connected to the router's hub

The network address of the printer can be found in or detected from the PC using special software. Next is the usual installation of the printing device according to the instructions described above.

Expensive solution

Many users wondering how to make a network printer from a local one do not stop the price of the issue, so a wireless print server designed specifically for such purposes should not be overlooked. Only the price can confuse - it is higher than most decent routers with great capabilities. Pay for a miracle device will have from 4,000 to 8,000 rubles. Setting up a wireless device is no different than a wired print server. All information on the fine-tuning is present in the instructions for network equipment.

The main feature that attracts customers to such a device is the support of Apple mobile technology. For some reason, many manufacturers of wireless printers and routers forget about this brand. Therefore, for iPhone, MacBook and iPad owners, purchasing a wireless print server will be the only solution for printing problems.


Sharing a printer

The simplest, but no less effective way to solve the problem of how to make a printer network, is to provide general access to the local computer. The algorithm is quite simple and even a schoolboy will master it.

  1. Going into the properties set in the system Windows printer, go to the "Access" tab and check the boxes opposite the "Sharing" and "Drawing tasks" fields.
  2. Going into the properties of the system and going to the tab "Computer name" to make sure that the "Workgroup" is the same for all computers in the local network.
  3. To make a network printer, Windows 7, 8, and 10 require advanced settings   To do this, go to the "Network Control Center" and change the advanced sharing options by checking the boxes next to all fields starting with the word "Enable".
  4. Encryption is recommended to install 128-bit, and disable password protection.

Remote connection to an available printer

After completing the first step in deciding how to make the printer networked, you can begin to connect the public device to the rest of the computers on the local network. There are only two options - they are different, but the result is the same. The first option is described above, because for the settings there is no particular difference what type of connection is used - the main thing is to know the printer’s IP address.

But the second method is suitable for people who are looking for easy ways. In fact, this is an instruction on how to make a network printer local. Going to "Network Connections", which can be found in the control panel, you need to select "Network Neighborhood". An alternative would be to launch the “Network Neighborhood” shortcut from the desktop, if the user has not previously deleted it as unnecessary. Here you need to display the computers that are part of the working group - for this there is a corresponding button. Finding the right computer, go into it. The printer will be displayed in the list of available resources. If you double-click on the device name and agree to all warnings, the printer is easily connected.


Finally

Asking the question "how to make a network printer," the user can always find any solution he needs. After all, the options are not considered - there would be money and desire. However, for some reason, many people forget about security when using an unsecured Wi-Fi communication channel. The printer will be visible to all users within range of the wireless router. Judging by the numerous reviews of IT technology professionals, it is not recommended to provide general access to a computer over a wireless network, because the safety of personal information is always above any amenities.