[GaryA]

Greetings:
I have two older printers that use the 25 pin connection cable. They are now connected to my desktop computer. My desktop is connected to my wireless router and I print my documents from my wireless laptop through the desktop through the router. I have two printers - an HP Laserjet and an HP Officejet. Is there anyway I can connect them directly to the router so I don't have to have my desktop on all the time?
Thanks.
Gary

[ScottGem]

Yes. You need to get a Print server that supports parallel port connections. They do exist, though they may be harder to find. You will need wither two of them or a multi-port one (if you can find it). I have a three port model from HP, but I don't think they make it anymore.

However, you might find it costs more to get the print servers then to replace the printers.

[Scleros]

I know of no wireless multi-parallel-port servers. If your router also supports wired connections, Dlink makes a wired DP-300U multi-port server, but my experience with them hasn't been the best. HP has a wired 3 port Jetdirect 510x print server that will cost as much as a new entry level color laser printer. I've also used multiple Netgear single port wired mini-servers with HP printers without issues. Another option for the LaserJet is a wired HP MIO/EIO/LIO card if your printer has the slot. But, if your printers are older or you must have wireless, I second Scott's suggestion to get a new printer with native ethernet or wireless connectivity built-in. Color lasers are only a few hundred bucks these days and you'll avoid any server induced headaches.

[KISS]

The print server does not have to be wireless. It can be connected to the hardwired network and still allow wireless printing from the laptop. Besides, a hard wired fixed IP address for a print server has the least amount of problems.

I love the Universal Printer Driver from HP for Laser printers. It's a bit harder to set up, but so is network printing, but it seems to make the printers work correctly.

I'm not sure I'd want to fool with USB/Parallel adapters combined with a 4 port USB serial server which can share other devices such as scanners, disk drives and printers.

One Q and D Internet search turned up:

D-Link DP-300U Fast Ethernet 3-Port Print Server

Supports 2 parallel and 1 USB printers.

[GaryA]

Gentlemen:
Thanks for your ideas and suggestions. I did find a print server for about $75 from Exteremegear - Zonet Multi-Port Print Server: ZPS2102 that has one parallel port and two USB ports. They have a variety of print servers with different connection schemes. Thanks again for your input.
Gary