Converting USB Printer to Ethernet [2 Easy Methods]
One of the easier ways to share your USB printer over a network is by connecting it to the router’s Ethernet port. You can simply send the necessary files to the printer if your device is correctly connected to the network. Modern printers usually come with USB features and connect to a PC with ease.
Basically, you need to connect one end of the USB cable to the printer’s available USB port, and the other end to the USB-to-Ethernet adapter’s USB port. Still, wondering how things work? Don’t worry! We’re providing you with the overall information about converting a USB printer to a network printer on Windows including its benefits.
Procedures for Converting a USB Printer Into a Network Printer
You can connect your USB printer to your available network by connecting the printer straightforwardly to the router and turning it into a network printer. After that, you’ve to configure the router settings. But how to do this? Here’re the whole procedures –
Method 1: Convert Using a USB-to-Ethernet Adapter
On your Windows operating system, you can convert your USB printer into a network printer in this way –
Step 1: First of all, check if your router is USB-compatible as not all router offer this. If your router is missing this functionality, make use of a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.
Step 2: If your router is USB-compatible, all you’ve to do is connect both your printer and router with a USB cable using the USB ports. Else, connect one end of the USB cable to the USB-to-Ethernet adapter’s USB port and the other end to the printer’s available USB port.
Step 3: If you haven’t powered on your printer yet then turn it on. Wait for a while (at least one minute) so that your router can detect the printer.
Step 4: Now, you need to enable the print-sharing feature on your router. First, open any browser and go for the router’s IP address from the address bar. Next, log in to the router’s firmware settings and locate the USB menu. Then enable USB printer support and save the changes.
Step 5: Now, search for Printers & scanners in the search bar and select it from the results. Then click on the ( + ) under Add printers & scanners. It’ll scan for available printers and presumably won’t detect your preferred one. So, you’ve to select The printer that I want isn’t the listed option.
Step 6: After that, choose the Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings option and click Next.
Step 7: Then choose Create a new port option and set the type of port to Standard TCP/IP Port. Click Next.
Step 8: Now, provide your router’s IP address in the Hostname or IP address section and go on.
Step 9: Choose Custom and go on.
Step 10: After adding a custom port, the printer driver installation process will start.
Step 11: Then provide a name for your printer.
Step 12: Finally, choose the Do not share this printer option and finish the setup process.
That’s it!
Method 2: Convert Using a Print Server
If you prefer using a print server more instead of using the adapter, then –
Step 1: Plug it into a power outlet that’s near your router and printer.
Step 2: Then connect your printer to the print server using the USB cable.
Step 3: Now, connect the print server to the router and you can do this in these ways –
- By pressing the INIT/WPS button on the router and immediately pressing the INIT/WPS button on the print server.
- By using an Ethernet cable.
Step 4: Finally, install the print server program. If your print server comes with an installation CD then insert it into your PC and install it. Otherwise, get the program from the manufacturer’s official site and install it.
That’s all about the conversion of your USB printer to the network printer.
Benefits of Conversion of USB Printer to a Network Printer
There are some particular benefits you can get when you successfully convert your USB printer into a network one. Those are –
- Most scalable (offers you to scale the maximum amount of print access).
- Pliable installation.
- Capable of printing from any device.
- Capable of printing from anywhere.
- Save money by avoiding using additional IT equipment.
- Allow connecting to several apps.
So, get the benefits from your printer by converting it into a network printer by following the mentioned procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I share my USB printer on the network?
It’s quite an easy task. Go to the Control Panel, get into Hardware and Sound, and select Devices and Printers. Now, right-click on the printer that you want to share and select the change-sharing options. Then follow the instructions to allow sharing.
Can I give a USB printer an IP address?
Yes, you can. If your printer is connected using USB, surely it doesn’t have a unique IP address. So, to give it an IP address, you need to connect it to your network directly. According to your printer configuration, you can connect it with LAN or WiFi.
Is USB better than Ethernet for printers?
Actually, it entirely depends on your printer’s model and setup. If there are several square systems on your printer, you should go for Ethernet. On the contrary, USB printers are more valid than Ethernet as they’re straight connected. But here’s a catch, USB printers are only available on the device where they’re plugged in.
If this helped, take a look at Canon MG6220 Printer Not Responding, 3D Printer Nozzle Too High, Canon Printer MG2520 How to Scan? 5 Scanning Methods.
Conclusion
As you’ve read this far, hopefully, you’ve understood the conversion process of the USB printer to an Ethernet or network printer along with its benefits. You can definitely do this if you follow the procedures properly. If you’ve further questions, don’t hesitate to knock us in the comment section.
