[Ham-Computers] Using a USB Printer with Multiple Computers

[Jim Hill]

My old HP LaserJet 4 (with only a parallel port) failed, and I 
purchased a new Brother HL-5370DW laser Printer.

In my previous setup, I connected the LaserJet 4 to a Belkin F1U115E 
compact Auto Switch.  One of the output ports went to a computer, and 
the second port to the input port of another Belkin which was 
connected to the two other computers.  If the computer only had USB, 
I used a Cables To Go 16899 USB to DB25 IEEE-1284 Parallel Printer 
Adapter Cable, purchased from Amazon.com.  The printer automatically 
connected to the appropriate printer when needed.

I wanted to switch to all USB, and attempted to use a USB hub in 
place of the Belkin Auto Switch.  It didn't work.  The input port of 
the hub must be connected to a computer for the hub to operate.  I 
wanted to connect the input port to the printer.  Maybe I need a 
switch (found in Amazon.com by searching for switch box), but wanted 
to ask before purchasing more equipment.  Actually, I'll need two 
switches.  I have one computer and the printer on one side of the 
room, and the other computers on the other side, and would use a 
switch on each side of the room.

There are other alternatives, which are not as desirable.

One is to use wireless, but I have older computers without wireless.

I could also share, but then I need to have the "main" computer on 
whenever I'm printing.  I turn off unused computers.

The third choice is to use the parallel printer port on the printer 
and the switch boxes, using adapter cables as needed. I should have a 
cleaner setup with just USB devices and the hubs or switches would 
provide additional USB ports in a more convenient location than the 
rear of the computer.  Also, I thought the hub or switch would 
provide more power for the long cable connected to the two sides of 
the room.  A USB cable seems to work fine, but using a printer cable 
to cross the room provided marginal results.

Jim