Member Avatar for NKENERD

Hello dearies,
pls help! i would like to know how to configure printers on a network to print in a way that whenever i want to print from a computer on the network i do not have to switch on the printers host computer. i have heard that it is possible but i do not know how.

God bless you

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

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— short, practical checklist so any PC on the LAN can print without relying on another PC to be switched on. This builds on hints from , and and focuses on the configuration and troubleshooting steps you can apply today.

Give the printer a stable address on your LAN (DHCP reservation in the router or a static IP set on the printer). Note the IP and hostname, and use the printer web admin to set its name and enable standard protocols (IPP, LPD, or raw/9100). If the printer supports Wi-Fi, configure the SSID and WPA2 password from that admin page so it joins the same subnet as the PCs.

How to add the printer on clients:

  • Windows: Devices and Printers > Add a printer > "The printer that I want isn't listed" > add by TCP/IP address or hostname, then install the vendor driver or a generic PCL/PostScript driver. If the wizard fails, edit the port and disable SNMP Status in port settings.
  • macOS: System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > + > IP tab. Choose IPP or socket/HP Jetdirect and enter the IP.
  • Linux: Use CUPS () or the distro tool and add via ipp://, socket:// or lpd:// URI.

Troubleshooting and tips: ping the printer IP, print a test page from the printer’s web UI, check client firewalls and open TCP 9100 (raw), 631 (IPP) and 515 (LPD) if needed, and disable AP/client isolation on the Wi-Fi access point. Many home routers also offer USB-print sharing (read the router manual for quirks). If the printer has no network capability, a small always-on device (NAS or a Raspberry Pi running CUPS) can host it on the LAN. Security note: keep printing local (do not forward printer ports to the Internet), set an admin password, and keep printer firmware updated.

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Member Avatar for zeroth

you need a printer that has an ethernet port. Or just leave the printer's computer on all the time...mine is and has been running for years.

Member Avatar for RLHennig

Yeah man gotta network that printer one way or another. If the host computer is ever turned off, then the printer will need to be standalone - it's own connection, IP, etc.

Member Avatar for jbennet

You can buy what is called a printer server if your printer does not have a network port

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