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Posted by GlowingBlueMist on December 14, 2005, 1:47 am
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>
>>> Today was my day for oddballs. I have a customer with a wireless only
>>> network. All Macs with built in wireless and an Airport. But now I have
>>> to put a copier/printer on the network. If it was PC it would be done by
>>> now. What device do I need to put the wireless onto the copier ?
>>>
>>> TIA
>>>
>>> TerryS
>> Some machines of this type have an accessory card or slot where you can
>> plug in either an Ethernet or wireless card. Check the user manual for
>> optional interface cards.
>>
>> If that is not an option a single or multiple port print server box would
>> be the way to go. They come in both wired or wireless versions. Take a
>> look at http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=174 for an example
>> wireless that's available from D-Link.
>>
>> Three things to look for in your application comes to mind.
>>
>> 1. What wireless format is currently in use as in 802.11b or the newer G
>> standard?.
>>
>> 2. Verify the interface currently in the printer. Is it parallel,
>> serial (yes a few still exist), or USB.
>>
>> 3. Is the existing network using AppleTalk or actual TCP/IP (as in
>> compatible with IBM's)? If using AppleTalk make sure the print server
>> supports it.
>>
>> With that info you should be able to do a Google search for "Print Server
>> Wireless" and possibly add "Apple" and see what strikes your fancy.
>>
> The printer has an Ethernet interface The Airport if old uses "b" and if
> new "g". It was not marked. Right now each workstation has an attached
> printer. Probably Appletalk. The printer/copier, believe it or not, has a
> PC attached to it by a bracket. The interface is the NIC card in the PC.
> And then a parallel printer cable to the copier. Its about the size of
> three footlockers. This monstosity was bought off of ebay by a female
> lawyer. I only had a few minutes to look at it, but will be going back, of
> course. Just trying to get a handle on what access point will work with
> the Airport.
>
> TerryS
Hmmm, sounds like one confusing mess all right.
A quick check brought up a Motorola router that might be able to handle what
ever this beast throws at it.
Take a look at the specs on WPS870G found at
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/wps870g/default.asp?sSection=home_networking
It supports AppleTalk and IBM format. Has Ethernet, parallel, and a USB
port. It works in the G or b wireless mode as well.
With the Motorola WPS870G you could try to hook up the beast using the
Ethernet and go through the PC or bypass the PC entirely by plugging the
parallel cable into the server, providing the beast is not using the PC as
the controlling engine for the printer/copier functions.
What ever happens the Motorola box or one like it should be able to get you
out of the jam.
One last thought... If the PC is actually the controlling engine for the
beast you might have to load AppleTalk drivers in it before the network will
admit it exists.
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