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#1
March 17th, 2006, 12:53 PM
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Trying to avoid having to buy print server
So I have an available port on my router, can I just set up an old pc to the router and designate it as a network printer for other computers on my lan? If so do I just set up something where I block access to the internet for this printer pc and allow access for just the computer's on my lan? So I will press print on one of these other pc's and it will print from network printer, or will I have to buy a print server?
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#2
March 17th, 2006, 01:39 PM
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Re: Trying to avoid having to buy print server
You could do what you described. You'd just open up File and Print Sharing in your firewall (most likely software firewall), if it isn't already, and restrict traffic to the LAN. Just how you do that is going to depend on the firewall itself, and it may already have that pre-set for you, but will involve opening ports 135-139 and 445 and restricting the traffic to your local network, which is most likely 192.168.0.[1-255]. To restrict everything else you could probably just password protect the firewall without any applications authorized, but again this will kind of depend on the actual firewall you choose.
If you happen to hve an HP printer, you can get an HP JetDirect that will plug into the printer and let it plug directly into the network. Depending on what model you have, though, it might just be cheaper to buy a print server. When it comes down to it, getting a cheap print server might actually be your cheapest option (especially in the long run if you figure in power consumption). You can get them off NewEgg.com for as low as $35 for a USB printer, $39 for parallel port.
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Security is not a brand name. NSA security configuration guides -- Best Practices for Securing a Home Network Last edited by Notok : March 17th, 2006 at 01:47 PM. |
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#4
March 18th, 2006, 12:39 AM
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Re: Trying to avoid having to buy print server
Looks like your printer doesn't support a JetDirect, so you'd either have to set it up through a computer or get a print server. Like I say, though, you can get print servers for around $35-$40. I could see setting up a separate system for it if it also did other useful things, though. Perhaps put a modem in it and use some voicemail software (I use CallStation and love it), maybe a family calander, etc. There's lots of useful things you can do with an extra system like that
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Security is not a brand name. NSA security configuration guides -- Best Practices for Securing a Home Network |
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