How to Add a Wireless Print Server to a Belkin N Router

by Stephen Byron Cooper
Printers connect to a wireless network through a wireless printer server and a wireless router.

Printers connect to a wireless network through a wireless printer server and a wireless router.

Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images

Traditionally, a printer attaches to your PC via a serial cable. Modern serial cables connect to a USB port on your computer. These can access a wireless network through a wireless print server. Belkin produces a range of wireless routers. The "N" of the router's name refers to the version of Wi-Fi standards the router complies with. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) produces Wi-Fi standards under the code 802.11. Each version has a letter after it. 802.11n defines Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) capabilities.

Step 1

Check the compatibility of your wireless print server. If there is no information on the box or in the user guide, go to the manufacturer's website. The server needs to be compatible with your Belkin N series wireless router, or at least be compatible with IEEE 802.11n networks.

Step 2

Plug the printer, wireless print server and the Belkin N router into the electricity supply and turn them on. The wireless print server is supplied with a USB cable and an Ethernet cable. Connect the printer to the wireless print server with the USB cable. Connect the wireless printer server to the Belkin Router with the Ethernet cable. Although they will eventually communicate wirelessly, wireless print servers need a physical connection for the first setup.

Step 3

Connect you computer to the Belkin router by Ethernet cable and switch it on. Again, although the computer and the Belkin can communicate wirelessly, many users report problems with the initial installation of their wireless printer server when the initial configuration is carried out over a wireless connection.

Step 4

Insert the installation CD-ROM into your computer. Follow the Installation Wizard's instructions. This will communicate with the router and the wireless print server. It will also install driver software onto your computer and test communication to the printer. During the setup process, elect for the equipment to automatically detect IP addresses. Also, when asked whether to operate in Infrastructure mode or Ad Hoc mode, select Infrastructure mode.

Step 5

Install printer drivers for the printer attached to the wireless printer server. Most wireless printer servers produced for the home network market have two USB ports; they can also connect with wireless-enabled printers wirelessly. For each printer you want to attach to the network, connect to it by cable first for detection and check you have the printer drivers installed.

Step 6

Print a test page to the target printer. Next, disconnect the Ethernet cable between the router and the wireless printer server. Try sending a test page again. If successful, and your computer normally communicates with the router by Wi-Fi, disconnect the Ethernet cable between the PC and the Belkin N router.

About the Author

Stephen Byron Cooper began writing professionally in 2010. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computing from the University of Plymouth and a Master of Science degree in manufacturing systems from Kingston University. A career as a programmer gives him experience in technology. Cooper also has experience in hospitality management with knowledge in tourism.

Photo Credits

  • Thomas Northcut/Photodisc/Getty Images