I want to convert a USB Type B receptacle on a printer to an ethernet adapter. I know they make USB Type A to ethernet adapters. But I don't see USB Type B to ethernet adapters. USB Type B is downstream; I don't even know if it would work. First, is it possible to convert a USB Type B to USB Type A on a printer? Second, is it possible to convert USB Type B on a printer to an ethernet adapter? Would ethernet even work?
Thank you.
3 Answers
You need a USB "print server" $20-$200 or more
USB type B Ethernet | | V V +-------+ +------------+ +---------------+ +-------+ |printer|--------|Print Server|===========|Ethernet switch|=========| PC | +-------+ +------------+ +---------------+ +-------+ --------- USB type B to type A cable ========= Cat5 or Cat6 UTP Ethernet patch cable with 8P8C (RJ45) connectorsThe Ethernet switch is optional if you currently only have one PC and no other Ethernet devices such as routers etc, domestic (SOHO) routers usually have a 4-port switch built-in.
1USB is an asymmetric interface. You need a USB host to talk to peripherals. In the configuration with an Ethernet dongle and printer, you are short of a host, you just have two clients.
The easiest way to solve your problem would be to use a router with a USB port (that already contains appropriate software support aka print server) to talk to the printer, should you have one spare. If you are willing to opt for a DIY solution then a Raspberry Pi with a default GNU/Linux distro should be an excellent project with projected costs of around 35£ including a power supply. For an off-the-shelf solution please look at @RedGrittyBrick's answer.
3There is another problem here. Most USB-only printers are GDI printers (which have no intelligence, but rely on the Windows graphics system to convert the page into dots on the paper).
GDI printers are notoriously hard to network. They typically only work if networked via another PC. In other words, most printservers will not work with GDI printers. Some combinations do work though. If you're thinking of getting a printserver, make sure you first check the manufacturers' compatibility list. If your printer is not listed, then you must assume it will not work.
If your printer supports PCL5/6 or PostScript then the above does not apply and there should be no problem. And note that HP use something called PCL3, which is another name for GDI.
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