I use a notebook to connect to a wireless network at work. The network OS is typical MS NT 4 server corporate setup and all the agents have to be running XP Pro, and tie their personal PCs onto the network. The company charges $ 100 per connection to have the floating tech personnel (they serve several offices) log a new computer onto the network. I’d rather not pay this (IMO exorbitant) connection fee if I can avoid it. There are networked printers in the admin room but it’s lot more convenient to print 1-2 page docs at me desk if possible.
I have a Laserjet 1100 which is a simple laserjet printer with a parallel port connection. It uses a standard connector for hooking to the computer side, but a Mini-Centronics connector on the printer side. The non-standard parallel cable I have for this printer is only 6 feet long which dangles between my desk and the printer stand, and is perfectly situated for tripping over and yanking the printer or notebook to the ground.
Using the free Ethernet connector on the back of my notebook (the wireless card is what connects me to the network) can I connect to a print server like this one and print to the 1100, effectively bypassing the NT4 network (just for printing) or will there be complications? I would use an ethernet cable to connect to the print server.