Top 5 Best routers with embedded print server in 2020
In a heterogeneous networked environment where there are multiple operating systems are installed on client machines, a print server becomes quite important. The print server basically receives and ques printing jobs from across the network and distribute them within the available printers. I have shortlisted both modern wireless routers and wired Gigabit supporting routers that can act as a print server.
Why do we need a router with a print server?
Being a computer network student we all know that the purpose of a router is the central point of communication and packet exchange among various computers of the network. Every packet even the print jobs first have to reach the router before they reach the print server. Now imagine if the router has builtin capability of a print server than isn't it excellent.
I have been working in a network from almost 15 years and during this period i set up many routers that already had capability of print server. I have shortlisted a few of these and i hope my blog readers will benefit from my selection. I have gone through thousands of reviews on Amazon and other websites before i bring my list to you.
1) Linksys AC1900 router with USB printer
Linksys wireless router has a USB printer where you can attach and share your network printer and so this router acts like a network print server. This router can stream movies and pictures from your storage device, to the smart TV or other DLNA certified devices. It also has four gigabit ports to connect wired devices. If you are planning 4K streaming this is off course one of the best DLNA certified routers. From the android app of Linksys you can easily manage parental control and limit access to certain websites that are not safe for your kid.
2) TP-Link AC1750 Smart WiFi Router with print server
This router is Amazon best seller from last many years and very good user feed back. TP-Link Router has a USB port that can not only make it a print server but you can also make it a storage or media server. Just attach external hard drive to your router that contain movies. Now every one in your house can directly stream those movies. Tp-link support is outclass with 2 years warranty. Due to three strong antennas the WiFi signals reach far corners of your house. As this router supports the dual mode so it is considered ideal for 4K streaming. As this router is Alexa supported so you can control it through your voice "Hi Alexa, start guest WiFi please"
3) ASUS Router with USB print server
Another great router that can act as a print server is from ASUS and it has builtin encryption with all standards including 64 bit WEP, 128 bit WEP, WPA2 PSK etc. It supports all versions of Windows including Windows 10 and the USB 3.0 can be used to share media and printing devices across the network. It has a very convenient web based interface for setting it up. Other than that you can control it via your mobile through ASUS Router App.
4) SMC Barricade 8 port router with print server
This router with 8 ports and builtin print server is ideal for home users and small offices. It comes with life time warranty and excellent technical support by SMC. To install this device just connect this router with the broad band with the help of RJ-45 wan port.First of all use the web base interface to set up the router. This router has a parallel port for network printing , you have to connect printer with that port and then install the driver for the printer port. This router supports NAT to connect to 253 PC's simultaneously. Other than that this router has builtin Internet firewall for security against hackers and other unauthorized users.
With the Barricade’s built-in print server, you can connect your printer to the Barricade and print from any computer on your network. Each computer needs to have a “client” installed that will communicate with the Barricade’s print server. Windows 2000 and UNIX and Linux operating systems have a print client already installed. If you are running Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 or NT, you must use the SMC Barricade Print Server Monitor as your print client.