Attaching my printer and HDD enclosure to my network.

[Rathji]

I have a external USB HDD enclosure that I want to connect to my network so we can access from anywhere in the house. I am considering this to accomplish that, however I would also like my printer to be similarly available. I know I could get a print server to do this, but I was thinking there might be hardware that combines both the print server and USB to Ethernet storage adapter in a single device.

If there isn't such a device, then I will probably just spring for an actual Network Attached Storage unit or convert my old desktop to a server and then just deal with the printer separately, but that option is likely more costly in the short run.

If anyone has any idea about this or alternatives that would accomplish the same goals, I would love to hear them

[Jedi Ninja]

Tiger Direct has something similar to your DLink box that also has a print server, Hawking HMPS1U.

Some NAS units have print servers as well. I have an HP NAS unit that has a print server and does gigabit ethernet as well, which is a definite plus.

[Jedi Ninja]

Memory express sells a Gigabit NAS with a print server, DNS-323 for $160. It has a Upnp server as well, which will allow you to stream media to media clients.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by Jedi Ninja

Tiger Direct has something similar to your DLink box that also has a print server, Hawking HMPS1U.

Some NAS units have print servers as well. I have an HP NAS unit that has a print server and does gigabit ethernet as well, which is a definite plus.

This does seem like a decent option. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Jedi Ninja

Memory express sells a Gigabit NAS with a print server, DNS-323 for $160. It has a Upnp server as well, which will allow you to stream media to media clients.

I have considered that option and it is my primary choice if I cannot find something to directly attach the enclosure I have to the network. I would like to avoid buying a new NAS if possible since I would like to use my existing enclosure.

Once I get up in the > $100 range it makes more sense to just go straight to an actual server, since I do have a lot of the hardward required in the form of my old desktop, right now I would rather not spend the time to set it up though.

[Jedi Ninja]

The thing I like about the NAS units is that they consume less power than running a server. Even if the difference is only 50w, running 24/7 that's 433kwh per year.

[Titan]

Originally Posted by Jedi Ninja

Memory express sells a Gigabit NAS with a print server, DNS-323 for $160. It has a Upnp server as well, which will allow you to stream media to media clients.

I bought this and I know Photon and at least one other has this unit.

I set it up quite easily but am having some trouble getting the print server to work. I just need to fiddle with it I am sure.

Also, you cannot attach two printers through a hub to this without getting way over my head with hacks and stuff. Still one printer better than none.

fwiw

[Marvelous]

i bought the dns-323 a few weeks ago and it is a great little machine. I did try installing mediatomb on it and now my wife can access movies and pictures streamed through the ps3.

These sites ad the possibiities pushed me into buying it. and tinkering with it
horto.ca
wiki.dns323.info/