Network Your Printer

Preface

This page details the variety of possible network printer connections, including special instructions for those who have Apple-brand printers, since Apple has released free software that will add some of their printers to networks.

Note that if you're using a special device or adapter that makes your printer able to connect directly to a specific kind of networking, you should treat it as if were that kind of printer. If you have an Ethernet adapter for your StyleWriter 2400, for example, use the Ethernet printer instructions.

First determine what kind of printer you have

Before you attempt to network your printer, the most important thing you need to know is what networking capabilities your printer has. There are three kinds of printers:

1. Serial: Can connect to a Mac printer port, but doesn't have built-in support for networking. Almost all printers more than a couple years old and under around $300 will be this kind of printer.
2. LocalTalk-ready: Can connect directly to a LocalTalk network. Many $300-$600 range printers include LocalTalk support. The LocalTalk port on these printers looks like a Mac printer port, but is labeled with an icon that looks like <--->.
3. Ethernet-ready: Can connect directly to an Ethernet network. The more expensive printers (over $500) may include Ethernet support; you can tell by its Ethernet port.

If you don't know what kind of network support your printer has, look for one of the ports mentioned above. If you don't see one, chances are that your printer doesn't directly support a network connection.

Serial printers and networks

While there are serial printers that can attach to a network, they are usually model-specific. Serial printers from the Apple StyleWriter and ImageWriter series, such as my StyleWriter 1200, can attach to networks through a "host" Mac, as long as that Mac has the Printer Share extension installed. This extension is free and comes with the MacOS.

Some other companies produce printers that can attach to a network using special hardware, such as an adapter plug or network card. It is typical, unfortunately, for these network adapters to be over $150, about equal to the difference in price between the manufacturer's serial and network-ready printers.

Note that these examples are atypical. Almost all serial printers actually have no way to hook up to a network. To find out for sure, you'll need to do a little research. The easiest way is to check the instruction manual, which should tell you about networking options.

Adding a LocalTalk printer to a LocalTalk network or Ethernet-ready printer to an Ethernet network

This setup is very straightforward, since the printer will hook up directly, without any particular fuss.

1. Attach the printer to the network, using an appropriate cable or adapter.
2. Install the printer software on all Macs that will use the printer.
3. Restart, select the printer in the Chooser, and use as normal.

Adding a LocalTalk printer to an Ethernet network

Attaching a LocalTalk printer to an Ethernet network is actually the same as hooking up a non-Ethernet Mac to Ethernet. For a list of the hardware and software devices that can make this hookup possible, check out the Mix LocalTalk & Ethernet page.

Adding an Apple-brand serial printer to a LocalTalk or Ethernet network

Using the free Printer Share allows Apple-brand serial printers (such as the StyleWriter and ImageWriter series) access to LocalTalk and Ethernet networks.

1. Attach the printer to a networked Mac, through a free serial port (modem or printer).
2. Install the printer software and the Printer Share extension on all Macs that will use the printer.
3. Restart, select the printer in the Chooser, and select the Setup button.
4. Choose to Share this printer.

Adding a LocalTalk laser printer that uses the LaserWriter extension to an Ethernet network

Thanks to a free control panel called LaserWriter Bridge (LWB), owners of LocalTalk-ready LaserWriters can hook them up to Ethernet networks. If you have such a printer, head over to the Apple site and search for LaserWriter Bridge. You should be rewarded with a link to Networking Software. In the Other N-C section, download the file called LT and LW Bridge 2.1.sea; this file has version 2.1 of LWB. Note that Apple says this software will only work with printers that use the LaserWriter extension. If your printer can't use that extension, it probably won't be able to use the LWB.

1. Attach the printer to a networked Mac, through a free serial port (modem or printer).
2. Install the printer software on all Macs that will use the printer.
3. Install the LaserWriter Bridge control panel on the Mac connected to the LaserWriter.
4. Restart, open the LaserWriter Bridge control panel, and turn it on.
5. Select the printer from the Chooser and use as normal.

Adding an Epson serial printer to your network

Users of Epson printers (and I know you're out there) will glad to know that there is now software that can share several models of Epson printers to a Mac network. The software is called EpsonShare and is available for download and purchase. Check the website for the list of models supported. Pricing is $39 for a 3-user license and more for additional users.

Not working? Have additional questions?

Problem still not solved? Questions linger? If so, please send mail and I'll do my best to help out. I try to answer all mail with 24 hours, although it can take longer if the answer requires some research.