Network Printer

Might be a dumb question but...
If I get a brand, spanking new laser printer with an ethernet connection, does it need to have a direct connection to a CPU or can it merely be connected to the LAN and set for all stations to access it?
Have checked out some product specs and FAQs and cannot find a clear answer. Wondering if anyone here has this sort of setup on their LAN?

thanks
bg

 

If it actually has an RJ45 port (ethernet connection) then you can simply plug it into a router or switch. It will then pull down an IP from the network and you can use it from any computer on the network by pointing it to the IP.

You'll need to have either a computer or router on the network setup with dhcp in order for the printer to get an IP and be useable though.

 

You have two options.

1. Get a regular USB printer and a USB Printer server (about $50) the USB printer server let you connect the printer to the Switch and become a Network printer.

2. Buy a printer that has already built in Network Interface.

If you do not want a special office printer option 1 is usually less expensive.