Network Printer Server

[Bolt11]

What would yall reccomend to use as an add in module to run my HP Laserjet 2200d as a network printer? (wired network) I've seen a bunch of differnet reviews on newegg, and wonder what I really need to make my printer a stand alone unit. Thanks for the advice.

[randomousity]

I'd say, you best bet would be one of either the HP JetDirect 620n/625n/635n internal print servers, which cost $349, $389, or $429, respectively, on HP's site, though I'm sure you can get them elsewhere for significantly less. I don't know if your printer is compatible with those, though. You could call HP's sales or support departments and ask, and then turn around and buy it somewhere else if you find it for less than they sell it for.

If your printer is not compatible, and/or you want a less expensive option, you can go with the JetDirect 175x, which hooks up to the printer's USB port, and then has an ethernet jack to connect it to the network. As long as your printer has a USB port, which I'm reasonably sure it does. I've used this option at work before, and it works well. I'm not sure if it was this exact same model, or a previous iteration, but I'm sure the performance should be comparable. It's $129 through HP, and, once again, Im' sure you can find it for less if you check pricegrabber.com or ebay.com.

I only suggested HP products because I know they'll work with your printer, and because I've used them before. I know some networking companies also sell network print servers, like Linksys.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Stick with HP's print servers, I'd get an internal, one of the 6xxn series like the 615n or so.

[Bolt11]

Thanks guys, I ordered a 615n of of ebay for under 77 bucks delivered. It works great now, had a few issues with it at first, XP test page and programs such as Word would print fine, but other programs, herd management software, serial port based programs, etc. would not print to it, had to setup a port on each PC directing it to the IP address, no I have no more issues. A port forward through the router, dyndns, and now I can print from my home PC's to the laser in the office as well. All you guys did was send me in the right direction, and it snowballed from there.

This forum is great.

[YeOldeStonecat]

Thanks guys, I ordered a 615n of of ebay for under 77 bucks delivered. It works great now,.

Very cool...good buy too! :thumb:

You can log into them via a web browser, to the IP address, don't forget to turn off IPX and CrApple Talk...don't need those chatting up your network with extra traffic. I prefer a static IP address also on print servers, instead of leaving them DHCP. Since you port forwarded..assuming you've done so.

[Bolt11]

Most certainly did those all things as soon as I got it talking to one of the computers. I have now got the whole network (at least permanent devices) static addressed, have a few less headaches that way. Most devices work fine with the setup set for an IP, but the Dell Axims I had to DHCP and assign MAC address at the router, as they didn't always work like they should. But the problem may have been elsewhere too though.