I have always found printer sharing to  be reliable. Tell us more about
the problems you've had and maybe we can help.
As for router ports, it sounds as though you have at least one spare
router, so just add it to the existing LAN. This pretty simple and we
can provide help if needed.

I'm in favor of wireless network printers, and my HP 6000 has been
flawless. Get  an NAS or USB/NAS adapter and you'll be OK.


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [PCBUILD] Networking vs Sharing
From: Tom Waddell <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Sat, October 09, 2010 6:34 am
To: [log in to unmask]

I have posted here a few times about an external HD for backup. Thanks
for the help. I think NAS is the way to go but I am out of router ports.
Is there a way to add router ports or do I have to buy a new router with
more ports? Hear there are routers that have USB ports so you can
network USB devices like printers and external HD's. Would these be
likely to have USB 3 ports as an add on?

Getting a USB 3 external HD is still an option. Even if I can't add USB
3 through a router I am told I can buy a USB 3 PCI card to add them. At
any rate I will have to share the external HD so all computers on the
network can use it. I know my computer has to be on so others can access
it but is it a reliable way to network an external HD? Same thing for a
printer. I had a printer networked by sharing it but it never worked
that well. I was using Vista and a NetGear router. I bought a Cisco
router and will be getting Win 7 Pro. The printer is USB 2. If I can not
add more ports to my router I guess I will have to get a USB 3 card and
share the external HD and printer.

I know I rambled a bit. Any thoughts on how to best network a printer
and external HD?

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         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at
                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml