Turning a USB Printer into a Network Printer: A How-To Guide

Are you struggling with connecting a USB printer to multiple devices within your home or office? While wireless printers are widely available, some users might have older models that don't support wireless connectivity. This guide discusses how to connect a USB printer, like the Canon Pixma E-610, to a network via a router. You can then use the printer from multiple devices without connecting it to each one individually.

Problem Statement

The Canon Pixma E-610 multifunction printer is USB-only, requiring a direct connection to a computer for printing or scanning. This limitation can be cumbersome for households or offices with multiple laptops or devices. Fortunately, there are ways to connect a USB printer to a network, allowing for easier access and usability. If you've purchased a LAN-to-USB adapter or extension cable, you might wonder if you can connect your printer to a router to create a network printer. This guide explains the options available and provides solutions to common problems.

Understanding the Hardware

First, let's clarify the components involved in connecting a USB printer to a router:

• USB Printer: A printer that connects to a device via a USB cable.
• Router: A device that connects various devices to a network and the internet.
• LAN-to-USB Adapter: A device that converts a USB connection to a LAN (Ethernet) connection, allowing for connection to a router.

While these components might seem straightforward, not all USB printers are designed to work with LAN-to-USB adapters. It's essential to determine if your printer supports network functionality via this method.

Options for Connecting a USB Printer to a Router

Here are some possible approaches to make your USB printer accessible to multiple devices on a network:

1. Printer Sharing via a Host Computer This method involves connecting the USB printer to one primary computer (host) and sharing it with other computers on the same network. To do this:
   • Connect the printer to a host computer using a USB cable.
   • On the host computer, open "Devices and Printers."
   • Right-click the printer and select "Printer Properties."
   • Navigate to the "Sharing" tab and enable printer sharing.
   • On other devices, add the printer from the network.

   This option requires the host computer to be turned on whenever you need to print from another device.

2. Using a USB Print Server A USB print server is a small device that allows USB printers to connect to a network. It acts as a bridge between the USB printer and the router, creating a network printer.
   • Connect the USB printer to the print server.
   • Connect the print server to the router via an Ethernet cable.
   • Follow the print server's setup instructions to configure the network printer.
   • Install the printer on other devices by adding it as a network printer.

Seeking Additional Support

If these solutions don't work, contact your printer manufacturer for further support. While some manufacturers may not officially support USB-to-LAN connections, third-party solutions, such as print servers, often resolve the issue. When seeking support, mention the specific hardware and connections you're using to get the most accurate assistance.

Next Steps

Now that you have options for connecting your USB printer to a router, you can choose the best solution based on your resources and setup. If you're interested in more technology tips, consider following our YouTube Channel or reading our tech blog for additional insights. If you're local to Greensboro, North Carolina, drop by to discuss your tech challenges in person.