1. Forum
  2. FidoNet
  3. alt.comp.hardware

  • Re: USB sharing?

    From VanguardLH@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, September 03, 2026 19:00:56
    T <T@invalid.invalid> wrote:

    Is this possible:

    Two computer connected by USB to a device that then connects
    to a single USB only printer. Thus allow either computer
    to automatically print to the printer.

    Since your customers are in a [small] business, they don't have a LAN to network to a shared printer? Sharing printers is very common in
    business scenarios. That means the printer must have a LAN port, or
    support wifi. While LAN ports were common in MFC (MultiFunction Center) printers/scanners, seem more are going wireless.

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)
  • From Paul@3:633/10 to All on Thursday, September 03, 2026 23:01:40
    On Thu, 9/3/2026 7:55 PM, T wrote:
    On 9/3/26 3:20 PM, T wrote:
    On 9/3/26 3:07 PM, T wrote:
    Is this possible:

    Two computer connected by USB to a device that then connects
    to a single USB only printer.ÿ Thus allow either computer
    to automatically print to the printer.

    https://iogear.com/products/gub231

    Startech just looked up the printer:

    ÿÿ That printer essentially offloads ALL of the processing
    ÿÿ onto the host computer, which means it leaves you very
    ÿÿ limited options for a computer-less deployment and by
    ÿÿ "very limited" I actually mean "none".

    I am thinking of a mini with Fedora and CUPS on it.ÿ I have
    a support request in to see if the manufacturer supports RPM.
    Unfortunately, I think I am relegated to Windows.

    Ethernet
    Computer#1 -------------- Computer#2 ---- USB --- dumb-printer

    This works as long as Computer#2 is on.

    *******

    If this SOHO has a domain server, or a server of some sort, there
    may be a print server available. Or, if you get a print server as
    a box with a USB output, it may connect to your USB printer.

    The dumb-printer may not support LPR.

    https://www.startech.com/en-ca/networking-io/pm1115u2

    There is another one. The printer connects via USB. The print speed
    is likely to be limited by the networking side of the device.

    https://media.startech.com/downloads/image/PM1115UW_Manual.pdf

    Default: 192.168.0.10

    Note: The Print Server does not support printing with
    Host-Based Printers (e.g. CAPT, GDI, PPA).

    Which might mean it is the LPR thing again.

    Anyway, you could look around for a print server, or
    see if the printer web page mentions any companion product
    or even an add-on card.

    Summary: Characteristics of the printer, are key to a solution.

    Paul

    --- PyGate Linux v1.5.19
    * Origin: Dragon's Lair, PyGate NNTP<>Fido Gate (3:633/10)