Increasing Wireless Range with PrintServer... Posible?

#1 Sun, 18 Aug 2002 - 14:12

After finding a solution so that I could print to a printer that I already had conected to a windows pc, I found that the print server from Linksys also has wireless support.

I have a broadband router that has wired and wireless posibilities. The thing is, it does not have good wireless range so it practically only works from my room. The other pc is conected via a long wire.

Here is my question. I was wondering if I install the Wireless print server directly conected to my network where my other pc is, will I be able to increase my wireless range?

I could not find any info on that on the linksys webpage.....

THe print server is a WIRELESS READY USB PRINTSERVER 11MBPS 802.11B. Am I crazy for thinking it could work ?

I want to be able to access the internet where my current wireless conection does not reach by placing the print server farther away conected to the 10/100 network.

A quick reply would be apreciated since I am trying to order it now.

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#2 Sun, 18 Aug 2002 - 17:51

does this wireless printserver also give net access? if it does, and if you physically connect the printserver to your broadband connection, then it should work as you want it to.

#3 Sun, 18 Aug 2002 - 20:43

it should if it is just a bridge� but isn't the print server supposed to be connected to the printer?

#4 Sun, 18 Aug 2002 - 22:18

Its the EtherFast Wireless-Ready USB PrintServer and as features it lists:

� Interoperable with IEEE 802.11b (DSSS) 2.4GHz-Compliant Equipment
(when used with the Instant Wireless� Network PC Card)
� Configurable Through Your Networked PC�s Web Browser
� Runs with Virtually All USB-Compliant Laser, Ink Jet, Bubble Jet, and
Color Printers
� Supports Multiple Print Jobs Simultaneously
� Integrates Through Both Ethernet and Wireless Connections (when used
with the Instant Wireless� Network PC Card)
� Works with Virtually All Major Operating Systems
� Stand-Alone Unit�No Dedicated PrintServer PC Needed
� Easy-to-Use Built-In Remote Management Utility
� 256KB RAM Buffer for Faster Graphics Performance
� 512KB Flash Memory for Future Upgrades

And it has a tool that shows the printserver info that shows something like this:

Hardware ID: 00F04B8C28
Firmware Version: 6030
Protocol ID: 803E
Default Name: SC7800E5
Server Name: SC7800E5
AppleTalk Info:
Printer Type:
SC7800E5:LaserWriter
TCP/IP Info:
IP Address: 192.168.0.50
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway Address: 192.168.0.1
Email Server IP Address: 0.0.0.0
Printing Account Name: N/A
Redirect Account Name: N/A
SMB Info:
Domain Name:
WIRELESS Info:
Station Name: 00-C0-02-78-00-E5
SSID: Jim
BSSID: 00:04:5A:0E:1D:08
Channel No: 1
Network Type: Infrastructure
Primary Firmware: p40003c0.hex
Secondary Firmware: s10008c0.hex

I do not have it yet, just ordered it. Did not order it with the optional wireless card just yet since I have no use for it if it will not increase my range. What do you guys think? Will it work?

#5 Mon, 19 Aug 2002 - 13:29

It's a PRINT server. It is designed to let you share a printer. That's it. If you add the wireless card, then it can connect to your base station and let you print.

tooki

#6 Mon, 19 Aug 2002 - 14:10

Darn......

Anyone know a ultra cheap ethernet to wireless bridge?