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Fair share: need to share a printer without wires? No problem

Entrepreneur, Jan, 2006 by Amanda C. Kooser

Wireless networks can be amazingly convenient--until you have to deal with the sometimes prickly issue of sharing a printer. Fortunately, there are solutions. The $149 (street) Actiontec (www.actiontec.com) 54Mbps Wireless Multiport Printer Server is one way to go. With two USB ports and one parallel port, it works for up to three printers. A big advantage: Your printers don't need to be attached to a dedicated computer, so you can place them wherever it's convenient.

You do need to connect to a computer for setup, though. The quick-start guide does an admirable job of walking you through the initial steps. But like most wireless setups, you need to know some key data, like your encryption settings. It took us about 15 minutes to hook up a single USB color laser. For more complicated setups or for troubleshooting, you may need to check out the CD-based user manual.

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The convenience of wireless printer sharing is worth the effort. Other companies with similar products include the usual wireless suspects: Belkin (www.belkin.com), D-Link (www.dlink.com), Netgear (www.netgear.com), SMC Networks (www.smc.com) and 3Com (www.3com.com).

Business Services Industry

Fair share: need to share a printer without wires? No problem

Entrepreneur, Jan, 2006 by Amanda C. Kooser

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