Connecting to printer via the Internet

Question

I am currently able to connect to my Windows XP-Prof by utilizing its Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) feature and by forwading port 3389 in my 1184 router. I am also able to print on the shared printer VIA THIS CONNECTION.

Quesion is, how can I connect to my shared printer without going thru the RDC mentioned above. In another words, how can I share my printer over the internet so that I would be able to print on it directly from a remote area. Is there a specific port that needs to be forwarded in 1184 Router for the printer (like te 3389 for RDC)? I hope I am clear about what I am asking. In a nut shell: I need to be able to connect DIRECTLY to my shared printer which is connected to my WIN XP-Prof which is in turn is hooked to Dell 1184 Router W/out using the RDC (Remote Desktop Connection) feature. Thank you

PS. the Internet Information Services (IIS) already installed on the XP machine.

Golliwog · Answer

There is no way to do what you're asking (to my knowledge).  At least with your current software configuration.  You simply cannot share a printer and just put it out into the internet.  I realize that you can print with Remote Desktop but that's a bit different.  When you print that way, you're essentially hitting the print button on your computer at home, the only difference is your controlling the computer remotely.

Bahman_7e7640 · Answer

The following article from Microsoft indicates that one can connect to a shared printer via the web browser and correct configuration. The part that is a mystery to me is where do I find the name of my "Print Server."

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307847&Product=winxp

Golliwog · Answer

That's really interesting, there must be a built in feature somewhere in IIS, something like the RDC 'tsweb'.  I wasn't aware of that.  I'll look into it when I get home, if I come up with anything I'll post it here. :)

Bahman_7e7640 · Answer

Thank you. I will be anxiously waiting for your findings.

johnallg · Answer

The print server is the name of the computer it is connected to.  It would be a whole lot easier for your network to get a network print server, hook it to the network, hook the printer to it, then load the print server driver on all computers wanting to access the printer.  That way a specific computer is not tied to the printer necessitating it be turned on at all times.  One network print server example.

Bahman_7e7640 · Answer

Here is the confusing part:

Say the computer (my desktop with Win-XP-Prof) to which the printer is attached is called "XYZ" and say that the client computer (my laptop) already has the driver for the printer, also let's assume that the printer's name is "ABC" and that the IP address of the desktop 1.2.3.4. Two questions:

1. What should be typed in my browser address part to connect to this printer;

2. If the desktop in question is attached to a Dell Router 1184, do I need to open a port for this to go through?

FYI: On Router, port 3389 is already open for Remote Desktop Connection, and it works fine.

Thank you

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Connecting to printer via the Internet

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