How to wifi Printer with CTR-350?

Tom SKP · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

I have a USB 720 and just bought a Cradlepoint CTR-350 from the 3GStore. Working great and wifi networking for wife and self in our RV.

Now I want to add my printer: Canon Pixma with a USB cable. I want to add a wifi dongle or something (a printer server?) to the printer and have it wirelessly connected to the CTR-350 so wife and I can share that too.

What do I need buy and how do I do it?

TIA

herlien · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

What you want is a wireless print server. For example -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122151

Many manufacturers make them. The example I gave has the advantage of also having a wired ethernet switch, so you can use it as a print server and also as a wireless to wired ethernet bridge.

Capt Ron · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:51 am Post subject:

Tom SKP, I suggest you check real close that the server that you purchase will support your printer. I bought one for my printer and had nothing but trouble. I finally had to return it because it wouldn't work for me.

I suggest that you purchase a wireless printer and forget the server. That way you will be sure that it will work. If you have an All in One type printer/scanner most servers wont support therm, unless you purchase from the maker of the unit. In the end a wireless unit may be cheaper in the long run.

I ended up just plugging my printer in when I want to print something. I don't print that often anyway. I just thought it would be a nice feature to have.

My next printer will be a wireless all in one unit.

Jim_in_VA · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:56 am Post subject:

If you already have a wireless network setup with the Cradlepoint why not just hook the printer to one of the computers and configure it to be shared on the network? Nothing else to buy.
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Tom SKP · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Tom SKP · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

sbonar · EVDO Junkie Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 170

Will the printer be close to the CTR350? If so you can use the ethernet port in LAN mode and just connect the printer up wired as opposed to wireless.

Capt Ron · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject:

You still have to have a server to hook the printer to the router.

Any WIFI server will work as far as the router is concerned as long it is a
WIFI G, A, or B type. N type won't work. The problem is getting one that will work with your printer.

Tom SKP · EVDO Newbie Joined: 27 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Capt Ron · Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:55 pm Post subject:

Tom SKP,
My situation is similar to yours, I use my router in the warm months on my houseboat. I don't use the printer a lot so it is located aft in the master suite. I keep the router topside at the bar for best reception of my modem. So wireless is the best way for me to go.

I guess I will bite the bullet this spring and purchase a new wireless all in one printer/scanner. It seems like we need a scanner ever time we turn around. I have one here at the house in Florida but have just a printer at the boat. So I'll kill to birds with one stone.