Printer sharing is the process of allowing multiple computers and devices connected to the same network to access one or more printers.
Network printer sharing allows another computer on your network to print to the printer connected to your computer on the same network.
A local printer is one which is directly connected to a specific computer via USB cable. … A network printer, on the other hand, is part of a workgroup or network of computers that can all access the same printers at the same time. These printers or copiers are connected to the networks server via ethernet cable.
Printer Sharing – Allows your computers that are part of the main network and same Workgroup or Homegroup to send print jobs to a printer connected wired or wirelessly to your computer.
What are the advantages of file and printer sharing?
The advantages of printer sharing are:
- Fewer printers are needed, and less money is spent on printers and supplies.
- Reduced maintenance. There are fewer machines to maintain, and fewer people spending time fiddling with printers.
- Access to special printers.
Turn on Sharing in Settings
- Select the Start button, then select Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
- Under Related settings, select Change advanced sharing options.
- In the Advanced sharing settings dialog box, expand the Private section. …
- Under File and printer sharing, select Turn on file and printer sharing.
What type of connection would be used to connect a printer directly to the network?
To connect a printer directly to the network an Ethernet connection through an RJ-45 interface would be used.
Accessing a Shared Printer
- Open the network computer or print server that has the printer you want to use.
- Right-click the shared printer.
- Click Connect. …
- Click Install Driver. …
- Enter your UAC credentials to continue.
How do I connect to a network printer?
How to connect a printer to your home network.
- Open the Control Panel.
- Double-click the Printers icon.
- Double-click the Add a printer icon.
- Click Next to start the Add a printer wizard.
- Select Network Printer and click Next.
- Type the network path for the printer.
Advantages of Connecting a printer to a Network
Network printers offer flexibility and efficiency to all employees in the office; they can operate with multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) … This means users throughout the office can access network printers regardless of the platform in use on their device.
Can a printer be both local and network?
You can change the way you access your printer, depending on your needs. … The printer supports one active local (USB) connection and one active network connection (Ethernet or wireless) at a time. It is not possible to connect the printer to both Ethernet and wireless networks at the same time.
Does printer need to be on same network?
You don’t have to be in the same room, or in some cases the same building, to print from a wireless printer. Most modern models have wi-fi built-in, but if yours doesn’t, there are still ways of making it work wirelessly by connecting it to a router.