One printer - several computers: This not only saves acquisition costs, but also space and, last but not least, electricity. Because even frequent printers don't usually keep their devices busy around the clock. It therefore makes sense to integrate a printer into the network in such a way that all other PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones can also access it if required. So sharing the printer. But how can you do this practically? If you want to know how much does printer ink last then read this post.
The easy way: buy a WiFi printer and connect it
If you wanted to buy a new printer anyway, this is definitely the easiest option: save your lifetime and invest in a printer that has a wireless connection. Such devices are now common and not significantly more expensive than comparable printers without WLAN. However, the WLAN makes it extremely flexible: the printer no longer has to be close to the computer, which can be a particular advantage in small apartments. Just put it somewhere on the shelf or in the closet. All he needs in terms of cables is electricity: no USB, no network cable and no other clutter.
In addition to the right printer that can be connected to the WLAN, you should also make sure that your operating system has the right requirements. Generally, you can easily set up printers on Windows 7 to Windows 10 and on a Mac. The most important thing, however, is that your PC also needs a WLAN module. This is particularly important for self-built systems. If there is no WLAN function, you can simply retrofit it with a WLAN card.
But not only printers and PCs need a WLAN connection: the router must also be able to connect to the wireless network. Almost all modern routers can do this nowadays. But if, contrary to expectations, your router does not have a WLAN function, you will need a new one.
Setup via WPS
But how does the printer connect to the WLAN? Well: As a rule, the printers are designed in such a way that they can be connected to the router via the so-called WPS standard. WPS means "Wireless Protected Setup" and is a standard that enables easy establishment of a WLAN connection between two devices. Most modern routers support the standard. WPS includes four connection technologies, two of which – PIN entry and push-button configuration (PBC) can be found in almost every router and WLAN printer. The easiest way is the push-button method: Routers like the FritzBox have an extra button for this, other routers hide them in the menu. However, the procedure is very simple:
First start WPS on the router.
You then have 120 seconds to start WPS on the printer as well.
Both devices find each other and the printer is on the network. From here it will be automatically recognized by all computers.
The economical variant: connect the USB printer to the router
If you already have a printer and aren't planning on getting a new device, the following method might be right for you: Simply connect your USB printer to your router. Most modern routers have a corresponding function and enable the printer to be shared on the network in this way. You have to look up how to do this with your router in the manual - it may work simply by connecting the printer to the router. The advantage of this solution: The printer is integrated into the (WLAN) network and automatically appears in the printer setup of all computers in the WLAN. Some FritzBox models even offer the option of a USB remote connection: This means that the FritzBox USB connection works as if it were directly on your computer. However, this variant only works on Windows PCs – and only with one computer. So it is better to connect the printer as a network printer.
Network printers on the router are just printers
However, there is a problem here: If you connect your USB printer to the router as a network printer, it only works as a printer - even if it is a multifunction device with a scanner and fax. This can be desirable, for example if you only use the scan and fax functions rarely or directly on the multifunction device. However, it is much easier to use a third variant in such cases. For this you need a computer that is switched on as much as possible. This can be a media center PC or desktop computer that simply runs around the clock – or at least when it needs to be printed. You can share its printer with all other users in the network in just a few simple steps – both on a Mac and on Windows!
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