Print server for home

[Ergates]

Does anyone use a small print server in a home office set up?

Our main printer (Canon LBP6300dn) used to be connected to the network but recently stopped talking to us (I think the network card is dead). The printer is still otherwise fine so I'd rather not replace it - I figured a mini print server might do instead.

There doesn't seem to be much info about them that is current - I guess because a lot of printers have the networking built in these days so they're not really necessary for most people (until their printer's network card breaks...).

So - does anyone use one they can recommend? Doesn't need to be wireless - I have an ethernet cable running to the printer already.

 

[andy_mk3]

Raspberry pi with CUPS installed would do the job.

 

[joey1211]

Raspberry pi with CUPS installed would do the job.

Done this just last week, all via the terminal, and I have next to zero experience of Unix. It was surprisingly easy.

The same can't be said for setting it up as a NAS though. I went round in circles and got nowhere.

 

[Ergates]

I do actually have a "spare" Pi knocking about, I'll check that out, thanks.

 

[mrbazmondo]

Some wifi repeaters or routers allow you to plug a printer in for network sharing. Might be easier and cheaper than a Pi.

 

[Caged]

I would guess that since it's 2021 it doesn't have a parallel port and would connect to the Pi using USB

 

[Ergates]

I would guess that since it's 2021 it doesn't have a parallel port and would connect to the Pi using USB

Correct x2

I'm not sure if CUPS will support my printer. It doesn't list the exact model, but the closest model number-wise is categorised as "paperweight" - but that model doesn't look like my printer. There are other models which look closer to mine which are support.

Suck it and see I guess....

Edit: And... the Pi is seemingly dead too. Great.