recommend wireless router/print server?

[joecool]

folks, i've been running on an smc 4-port router for 3 years now and it's getting to be time to move up - 4 ports just don't cut it any more, and the built-in parallel port only print server is lame! my requirements are:

- at least 4 cat 5 ports
- built-in print server w/usb connector (2.0 anyone?)
- current fastest wireless technology
- preferrably <$100, $50 even better!

there seem to be a million options out there (tho relatively few with print servers built in), and a real alphabet soup of wireless specs and firewall features. what really matters, and can you guys recommend some good options?

also, regarding the print server feature, i know i can get a seperate print server, but unless i go wireless there (expen$ive!) i'd be using one of my precious cat 5 ports ... and i really need 'em for some other functions, so having the print server built in is pretty important.

thanks in advance,

joe

 

[AFB]

Hahaha, I don't think it will be in your price range. The only thing you could do would be to get a 108Mbs g router and a seperate print server. If all you need is extra ports, get a switch.

 

[JackMDS]

SMC has a 802.11g with USB Printer server.

 

[joecool]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
SMC has a 802.11g with USB Printer server.

yeah, i'm looking at that one. can it get from buy.com for $100 w/$25 rebate ... pretty good price, but does anybody know how good it is? i currently have the smc 7004abr, a wired router with parallel port print server. it worked great with my canon i550 printer but has some issues with my brand new i860, so i'm wondering if the wireless router (2804wbrp-g) will have issues too. anybody have any experience with either one of these (canon i860 with print server of ANY type, or smc2804wbrp-g with ANY printer)?

thanks,

joe

 

[JackMDS]

The USB printers are more compatible with USB printer servers since they do not suffer from the lack of by-direction communication of the Router's LPT servers.

:light:

 

[joecool]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
The USB printers are more compatible with USB printer servers since they do not suffer from the lack of by-direction communication of the Router's LPT servers.

:light:

hey, could you explain this a little further, please? my understanding is that, even with usb printers, i loose bidirectional communications because anything coming back from the printer essentially stops at the router. is this incorrect? does this mean i will actually be able to use features like the low ink warning with a printer connected to a usb print server? can anyone verify this from actual experience?

thanks for the help!

-joe

/edit

one more question, regarding correct placement of a wireless router. currently all my wires end up in my office in the basement, in the northeast corner of the house. in fact, right now my wired router is sitting right next to my samsung 900nf 19" monitor. i can't really do much about the wires coming to this room but the house isn't that big (~3300 sq feet across 3 floors including the basement); will locating a wireless router in this location be a problem? i can't imaging there's anywhere in the house more than 150 feet from the office - and that's probably a high number!

however, i can move the router within the room - if necessary i can always build up some more cat5 cables. will locating a wireless router right next to a big monitor, with all the metal and magnets inside, create problems? if so, what qualities should i consider in locating my router? could i actually keep my current router and connect the new one two it via one of the 4 lan ports and have everything just work?

thanks again for the education!

joe

 

[joecool]

bump?

 

[InlineFive]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
The USB printers are more compatible with USB printer servers since they do not suffer from the lack of by-direction communication of the Router's LPT servers.

:light:

I think he's saying that parallel printers have problems communications both directions with a printer server.

Originally posted by: joecool
one more question, regarding correct placement of a wireless router. currently all my wires end up in my office in the basement, in the northeast corner of the house. in fact, right now my wired router is sitting right next to my samsung 900nf 19" monitor. i can't really do much about the wires coming to this room but the house isn't that big (~3300 sq feet across 3 floors including the basement); will locating a wireless router in this location be a problem? i can't imaging there's anywhere in the house more than 150 feet from the office - and that's probably a high number!

however, i can move the router within the room - if necessary i can always build up some more cat5 cables. will locating a wireless router right next to a big monitor, with all the metal and magnets inside, create problems? if so, what qualities should i consider in locating my router? could i actually keep my current router and connect the new one two it via one of the 4 lan ports and have everything just work?

All the magnetic interference from the monitor would play terribly with the wireless router. I would consider buying a WAP and place that in the center of the house with a cable running to the router/printserver in the basement. That would be the best option for good wireless coverage.

-Por

 

[viking1966]

one thing to look out for is alot of multipurpose printer/scanners will print fine being shared but the scanner will not be supported.. i dont know if this is something you should consider.. you may also just connect the printer directly to a pc and share the printer... this will save you some money.. the just get a switch to grow your network.