Print Server For Multifunction Printer

[randmo]

Small network at home (7 clients)-
Canon C755 Multipass multifunction printer-
3 desktop clients run win2k sp4
1 desktop runs XP Pro
3 laptops run XP Pro

Current set up is that one of the clients is acting as a print server, Clients were having problems printing but the print server machine (connected by parallel cable to printer) printed fine. Typical client problem was that they could print 1 time only after a re-boot of the print server; on a 2nd attempt to print there would be an unable to communicate error. (possible issue is that parallel cable is 15' +)

Decided to buy a print server (D-Link - DP301P+) and run the printing through the router. Client machines can all see the print server and ping test is successful. Spent 45 min with D-Link tech and came to the conclusion that this print server is incompatible with the printer. Canon support is no help.

Anyone know a print server that would work with this printer?

[Rob R.]

I am using this one (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-156-025&depa=0) and it works just great. I haven't had any problems with any of the Trendware stuff I own so far.

[randmo]

Rob, Thanks for the reply. Are you using that on a Canon C755? If not, are you using it on a multi-function printer?

Moderator, My son tells me I should have put this question in technical support forum. If true, would you move it there since I don't want to double post.
Thanks

[r8500]

I myself have never heard of a print server being incompatible with a particualr printer, but, I suppose its possible. I would take it back were you got it from, and trade it for a different brand.

As far as being in the wrong section, I Would leave this thread right were it is. It looks like a networking issue to me.

[Rob R.]

Originally posted by randmo
Rob, Thanks for the reply. Are you using that on a Canon C755? If not, are you using it on a multi-function printer?

Moderator, My son tells me I should have put this question in technical support forum. If true, would you move it there since I don't want to double post.
Thanks

I'm just running an Epson photo printer but when you look at the function of a printer server, it should make no difference what is attached on the other side of it.

[cat5e]

I am not familiar with your particular set.
However, Combo Printer/Scanner/Fax, are problematic when it comes to Networking.

In some cases the printer part would work OK, but the in many cases it would not work with the Scanner/Fax of the combo, or like in your case will not work at all.

Unless you get a deal that specify that it should work or you money back I would shy away from Networking Printer Combos. Prices of this stuff are so low that does not worth the hassle I would get a normal printer for the Network.

:t

[randmo]

Thanks for the replies.
cat5e - I agree that the problem is trying to connect to a "multi-function" printer. I am only trying to get the print function to work (installing driver only) but again, even that was unsuccessful. I've noticed that when I check the specs of various print servers, many of them say "may not work with multi-function printers".
I've emailed tech support for netgear and trendware to see if they will specifically state that one of their print servers will work. As you said, I may end up just buying a new printer for the network.

[Midknyte]

I've run into this problem with HP officejets and PSCs. Unfortunately, the "brain" in the all-in-ones now are non-existent. most of the work is done by the PC that it is connected to. It's like networking a 700 series HP Deskjet or one of the sub $50 ones now. It's basically a printer engine with the PC doing all the work that would normally be done by a formatter board. That's why the prices of printers have dropped so dramatically in the past few years. If you want a network printer, you need to make sure it says "networkable" on the specs.

[qsqueeq]

couple of questions

1. what os is the computer running that you are trying to use as the print server (before you got the D-Link)

2. does the printer have the option to be usb?

3. does the d-link print server give the printer an ip address?
if so can you set the printers up to use ip printing? (not the best solution but since the network is small it won't storm too much)

[randmo]

1) Win2K sp4

2) yes it could be connected usb

3) The print server itself did have an ip address and I was to able to successfully ping. I set up the printer on a tcp/ip port but it would not print

[qsqueeq]

i assume you are using workgroups?
have you tried connecting the printer via usb to the computer directly, install it, then share the printer. on the other computers just browse the workgroup the computer is in and install it that way. if it doesn't work try using one of the xp pro computers to serve the printer

i have 3 computers, all xp pro, same workgroup, HP PSC 2175 multifunction connected to my main xp machine, all machines connected to wireless linksys router. they were all added via the browse workgroup and not ip printing.

i had a problem with an older printer(5 yrs old) but this printer works great with all the computers

also, you said the print server had an ip, but did the print server give the actual printer an ip address seperate from everything else? i'm not too familiar with them

[randmo]

Yes I am using a workgroup

I did have my computer as the print server connected to the C755 by parallel (at least a 15' cord which may have been an issue) - Mine would print fine but other clients on the network had issues - have never tried that setup with usb

All clients are connected to a netgear RT314 router (a couple of switches are also involved)

Only the print server would have an IP address

OK Basic question time - Is usb a better means of connection than parallel?

[mobo57]

Randmo:
Any luck? Get your problem fixed? Got something similar, in-laws home office, 4 pc's xp home, D-link 8 port router, network and hawking 3 parallel port printserver. Any "plain" printer works fine on the server. Any multi function, Sharp AL 1551cs, HP R40, etc, no go no matter what I do. Even tried using USB and sharing, works fine for the host computer, but not the others. About ready to start throwing things ou the windows soon.

[Ol'Tunzafun]

Dis we install drivers and software on all workstations?

[Xagor]

Most multi-function printer/scanner/fax will not work with print servers. I have a similar setup here:

1 D-link DSL/Cable modem 4 port router with AP Wirless G
3 Windows XP PC connected wired 10/100 to Router
3 windows XP PC connected via wireless to AP
3 Port Parallel Print server
1 Laser Printer connected to Print server (IP address assigned)
1 Epson inkjet color printer connected to Print Server (IP address assigned)
1 Cannon USB MP730 Multifunction connected to main XP PC

Cannon is hooked up to my main XP machine. It is made shareable via Microsoft Print Sharing. All the other machines were able to add that printer via MS Print Sharing. Drivers are automatically loaded from the Host PC. I can utilize the Cannon on all the machines but only Print mode. Scanner/Fax functions are only available on the main machine.

Hope that helps.

[BipolarBill]

For USB multifunctions, use this:

http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/index/Keyspan_USB_Server.htm

[Xagor]

Great find BipolarBill! Looks like what I need on my lil network. :)

[mr_hops]

1 last thing you might try
i have a lexmark multifunction that ii just needed to print with and had the devil of a time with it until i took it from machine to machine and installed it standalone usb
after the driver were installed i then shared it and the problems went away
you might try that

[u9dbg]

Try this print server from Netgear PS121 (http://www.netgear.co.uk/netgear_print_servers.php#PS121)

We use it with a HP Multifunction Printer and get support for the scanner.

You have to set up the software on invidiaul PC's and set up the remote TCP/IP port.
It says in the documentation for the server that it has bidirectional support for Canon Lexmark HP and Epson.

I cant say for sure whether it will work with your Canon but give netgear a ring they are always helpfull with me.