Setting up a business can be quite expensive. You would need to rent the space, purchase the equipment, register and pay the needed licenses and hire the employees. As such, some business owners have begun to look for other ways to cut down costs. One way is to connect a workgroup printer to multiple computers in the form of a network.

What is a printer network?

A printer network is created by connecting all the computers used in the business to one particular printer through the use of a server, usually a dedicated computer. Usually, this is done by a computer networking company who may use a series of routers and hubs, depending on the number of computers to be connected to a printer. Business owners would often seek the assistance of a computer network technician to set up the entire network system that the business would use to make sure that you can prevent any errors in establishing the network.

Common Ways to Network a Printer

Computers can be networked to a printer through two ways:

• LAN Connection. LAN stands for Local Area Network. As the name implies, it allows computers within a small area to be connected with each other. There are two kinds of LAN connections that are normally used. The most common one used in business establishments is the peer-to-peer network. This kind of LAN connection allows computers within the business to share information and resources among all workstations. LAN networks are commonly created through installing Ethernet cables and network hubs and routers.
• Wireless Connection. Wireless connection is created and performed in the same manner as that of a LAN connection. The only difference that this does not use Ethernet cables to connect the computer workstations with each other. Instead, information and resources is sent from one workstation to another workstation or a printer through the use of radio signals.

Benefits of Creating a Printer Network

Setting up a printer network to connect multiple workstations has a number of benefits:

• Costs. Instead of purchasing multiple printers and printer supplies to meet the needs of each of the workstation in the company, computer networks would allow the business to minimize the cost.
• Convenient Retrieval of Information. Employees no longer need to share USB flash drives, CDs or floppy disks to transfer information from one computer to another. Instead, they would be able to store the information by simply clicking on the name of the workstation in the list of computers attached to the network for easy retrieval.
• Backup of Information. It is expected that every once in a while a computer workstation would crash and would need repair. Because all information can be easily retrieved through the network, the employee would be able to use a free workstation and pick up where he or she left off, minimizing downtime.

Can all printers be networked?

Most of the models of printers available in computer stores have the capability of being networked to multiple workstations. If you are not sure whether your existing printer can be networked, you can consult the printer manufacturer’s website or the printer manual for the printer’s features and capabilities.

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Tags: computer network technician, computer networking company, computer workstations, local area network, network hubs, printer network, setting up a business, workgroup printer | Category: Printer Basics & Information | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL