Can You Connect a PC & a Laptop to the Same Printer?

multi-computer setup

Many households own more than one computer, with a desktop as the central hub and one or more laptops for convenience and/or for other users. As costs for additional equipment may add up, its good to know a single printer can be accessed by multiple computers, though with some models not all at the same time.

Software

Modern printers are designed to be used with any computer that meets the necessary specifications. Most models will come with a CD containing the printer's driver installation software, which can be used with more than one computer. The printer will then recognize that computer once they are linked.

USB

The majority of printers connect to the computer via the USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or USB 2.0 as it is known in newer models. Most printers will only offer a single USB connection port, so the cable must be disconnected from the first computer to plug into any additional computers before printing.

LAN

Some printers are designed to be connected to a home or small-business network to provide access to multiple computers. These will offer an LAN (Local Area Network) port along with the USB port, allowing the user to connect the printer to another computer or a router using an Ethernet cable.

Wireless

Many of these same printers also offer wireless capability to serve multiple computers. The printer can be physically connected to a wireless router with the Ethernet cable or, under the right circumstances, connect to the existing active wireless network during the setup process and remain fully wireless.

Configuring

Once the printer has acquired the wireless network and the driver software is installed on any computers that will be accessing the printer, the user configures the wireless settings of the printer to communicate with the network router. Include the name and type of network, encryption mode and any encryption key (password) necessary to connect to the network.

References

• Brother HL-3070 Owner's Manual
• Lexmark Wireless Setup