WiFi Printing: Share Your Old USB Printer on Any Network Easily

Update: December 28, 2024
By Han
Table of Contents
From Desk to Printer-Simplifying Office Productivity
From Desk to Printer: Simplifying Office Productivity

Do you find it frustrating to constantly plug and unplug your old USB printer for every print job? Is your office printer setup inefficient, with each computer needing a direct connection? What if you could make your printer wireless without the expense of buying a new one?

A WiFi print server offers a simple and cost-effective solution by converting your USB printer into a wireless one. This eliminates the need for constant manual connections, enabling multiple devices to print seamlessly without upgrading to an expensive new printer.

I still remember how transforming my old USB printer with a WiFi print server completely changed my workflow. Suddenly, printing from any room in the house became effortless. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can achieve the same convenience, step by step, while saving money and boosting efficiency.

Using a WiFi print server is a cost-effective alternative to replacing an old USB printer with a new wireless one. True

Instead of purchasing a new wireless printer, a print server upgrades your existing equipment, saving money.

A WiFi print server can only connect to one device at a time. False

WiFi print servers support multiple devices simultaneously, allowing shared access to a single printer.

How Does WiFi Printing Work and What Are Its Advantages?

What Is WiFi Printing?

WiFi printing operates via a wireless print server, such as the LY-MPS-WN01, which plays a critical role in setting up a local network where multiple devices can seamlessly communicate with the printer. Unlike traditional USB connections, this method offers mobility, flexibility, and convenience, especially in modern workspaces or homes.

Advantages of WiFi Printing

Why are more people switching to WiFi printing? Its unmatched flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly design make it a preferred solution for both personal and professional settings.

WiFi printing offers several advantages over traditional USB-based printing:

  1. Flexibility: WiFi printing allows multiple devices to share a single printer, enabling collaboration in multi-user environments. Whether in homes or offices, users are no longer restricted by cables or proximity to the printer.
  2. Cost-Effectiveness: A WiFi print server eliminates the need to replace older printers, allowing users to maximize the value of their existing equipment. This reduces unnecessary spending and improves overall cost management.
  3. Ease of Use: Sending print jobs wirelessly from smartphones, tablets, or PCs eliminates physical connections and enhances workflow efficiency.
  4. Compatibility: The LY-MPS-WN01 supports over 99% of mainstream printers in the market and handles a wide variety of file formats, including images, PDFs, PPTs, Excel sheets, and Word documents. This ensures it can meet diverse printing needs in both personal and professional environments.

Comparison: Traditional USB Printing vs. WiFi Printing

FeatureTraditional USB PrintingWiFi Printing
Connection TypeRequires physical USB connectionWireless via a local network
Device SharingLimited to one connected deviceSupports multiple devices
Ease of UseRequires cable reconnectionSend tasks wirelessly from any device
FlexibilityPrinter must be nearbyNo location restrictions
Cost-EffectivenessMay require upgrading equipmentExtends lifespan of existing printers
Setup ComplexitySimple cable connectionRequires initial network configuration
zebra label printer with wifi print server
Zebra Label Printer with WiFi Print Server

Recommended Product: LY-MPS-WN01 WiFi Wireless USB Print Server

The LY-MPS-WN01 is a compact, versatile, and powerful WiFi print server designed for modern printing needs.

Key Features of LY-MPS-WN01:

  • Compact and Portable: Small and lightweight, with low power consumption and a small footprint, making it easy to carry.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works with over 99% of mainstream printers, supporting formats like images, PDFs, PPTs, Excel, and Word files.
  • High Performance: Supports 802.11b/g/n wireless networks, with speeds of up to 150Mbps.
  • Multi-User Access: Allows multiple users to share one printer simultaneously on the same network.
  • Storage Expansion: Offers customizable SD card storage, supporting up to 256GB for managing print files.
  • Stable Connectivity: Equipped with USB 2.0 high-speed printer connection and a 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 LAN port for reliable performance.

With the LY-MPS-WN01, you can simplify your printing tasks and unlock the full potential of wireless technology for your office or home.

Turn Your Old Printer into a WiFi Printer in 3 Simple Steps

Transforming your USB printer into a wireless printer is easier than you think. Follow these clear and simple steps, even if you’re not a tech expert!

What You Need to Prepare

  1. Smartphone (to configure the print server).
  2. Computer (to complete the printer setup).
  3. USB Printer (your existing device).
  4. WiFi Print Server (e.g., LY-MPS-WB07-NC).
  5. Software: Print Assistant App (download from here).

Step 1: Use Your Smartphone to Connect the Print Server

  1. Download the Print Assistant app on your smartphone (if not installed, get it here).
  2. Launch the app and search for your print server’s device ID (e.g., sw123456).Tip: The device ID is usually printed on a label attached to the print server.
  3. Use the app to connect the print server to your WiFi by entering your WiFi network name and password.
  4. Locate and note down the IP address assigned to the print server (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

Step 2: Set Up the Printer on Your Computer

  1. On your computer, open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
  2. Select Add a Printer, then choose the Add manually option.
  3. Choose Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings, then click Next.
  4. Select Create a new port, and choose Standard TCP/IP Port, then click Next.
  5. In the next screen, enter the Hostname or IP address from Step 1 (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Click Next.
  6. Follow the prompts to select your printer model and drivers.
  7. Assign a name to the printer for easy identification, then click Finish.

Step 3: Test the Connection

  1. Print a test page from your computer to confirm the setup is working correctly.
  2. If the test page fails, revisit the Print Assistant app to confirm the WiFi credentials and IP address are correct.Tip: Restart the printer, print server, and computer if issues persist or contact us.

FAQs: Common Problems and Solutions

  • Q: I can’t find the print server in the app. What should I do?
  • A: Ensure the print server is powered on and your smartphone is connected to the correct WiFi.
  • Q: Where can I find the print server's device ID?
  • A: The device ID is typically found on a label attached to the print server. This guide ensures a smooth setup process, making it easy for anyone to convert their USB printer into a wireless printer. Whether you’re tech-savvy or a beginner, these steps are designed to help you enjoy the convenience of WiFi printing!
Wireless Printing Made Easy-From Smartphone to Printer
Wireless Printing Made Easy: From Smartphone to Printer

What Are the Practical Use Cases for WiFi Print Servers?

Home Scenario: How Can WiFi Printing Simplify Your Daily Life?

WiFi printing allows devices like tablets, smartphones, and laptops to send print jobs wirelessly from anywhere in your home, eliminating the need for physical connections or messy cables.

When we set up a WiFi print server at home, it transformed our daily routines. My kids could print homework from their tablets, while I printed documents from the living room without moving. Even guests now print effortlessly, making our lives easier and clutter-free.

Small Office Scenario: How Can WiFi Printing Boost Team Efficiency?

WiFi printing allows team members to access the same printer wirelessly from their own devices, streamlining workflows, improving collaboration, and ensuring a secure and organized printing process.

In our early office setup, sharing one printer was frustrating, with constant reconnecting disrupting workflows. After installing a WiFi print server, everything improved—team members printed wirelessly, and secure permissions for sensitive projects streamlined operations.

Mobile Workspaces and Educational Institutions: How Can WiFi Printing Support Flexibility?

WiFi print servers enable wireless printing for multiple users in coworking spaces or classrooms, eliminating the need for physical setups while saving time and costs.

My friend worked with a coworking space that used a single WiFi print server, enabling rotating clients to print seamlessly from any device. Likewise, at an educational workshop, students easily printed reports from various devices.

A single WiFi print server can efficiently handle printing needs for multiple users in coworking spaces. True

WiFi print servers enable seamless printing for rotating clients, reducing the need for multiple devices.

Educational workshops cannot benefit from WiFi print servers due to their temporary nature. False

WiFi print servers are perfect for workshops, enabling students to print quickly without complicated setups.

Conclusion

Printing doesn’t have to be complicated. A WiFi print server enables wireless printing for multiple devices, bringing convenience and efficiency to homes, offices, and coworking spaces, transforming your printing experience.

Why Wait? Start Enjoying Wireless Printing Today. Chat with us online or get expert advice to find the perfect solution for your needs.

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Article by
Han
Han is a Operations and Marketing Specialist at LOYALTY-SECU. 
With extensive expertise in wireless printing technology, cloud solutions, innovative product development, and Bluetooth module integration, I am dedicated to sharing company insights and industry knowledge to deliver unmatched value to our audience.

LOYALTY-SECU Is Dedicated to Delivering Top-quality, Efficient Printing Solutions to Customers Worldwide.

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