WiFi-less AirPrint-capable Printer connected to router USB

Question

Level 6

11,984 points

WiFi-less AirPrint-capable Printer connected to router USB

I have an AirPrint-capable printer connected via USB to the print server port of my router. WiFi is disabled on both the printer and the router as I have given 2.4 GHz the boot.

Unfortunately, in this configuration iOS/iPadOS won’t see the printer. Works fine when 2.4 GHz WiFi is enabled on both printer and router.

Why won’t IPadOS/iOS not recognize it? Why does an AirPrint Printer have to be on WiFi when it is otherwise reachable over the network? Is this an AirPrint bug/feature/limitation?

To me it’s a limitation. MacOS and Windows computers don’t have an issue. C’mon, Apple.

iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi

Posted on Apr 17, 2020 10:32 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

LotusPilot

Community+ 2024

Level 10

284,144 points

Apr 17, 2020 11:35 AM in response to hcsitas

Don’t blame Apple... as AirPrint is not designed to work over wired USB connections.

AirPrint is a network protocol (or more accurately, AirPrint uses a number of network protocols); it’s not designed to work with a USB printer - which is exactly what you have as soon as you rely upon the printer’s USB connection.

If you connect your USB printer to a AirPrint server (such as a Lantronix xPrintServer) or a PC/Mac that is emulating an AirPrint server, you’ll be able to print.

This might provide a useful primer to the AirPrint technology.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPrint

Reply

Answer 2

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

230,479 points

Apr 17, 2020 11:58 AM in response to hcsitas

Check the App Store to see if there is an App from the printer company that can be used on the iPad for printing since the printer is not connected to wi-fi.

We are just uses like you, not Apple, so it isn't necessary to get hostile with your responses. The fact is that AirPrint is how the iOS devices work, and if your device is not connected via wi-fi to the network, then it won't work. If you wish to take out your frustrations about AirPrint, then you need to do that with Apple, and their feedback page is located here, Feedback - iPad - Apple Don't shoot the messenger here.

Reply

Answer 3

hcsitas Author

Level 6

11,984 points

Apr 17, 2020 11:43 AM in response to LotusPilot

Err, no, the printer is very much on the network. This is an Apple limitation which, given their traditional weakness in networking and the fact that they came up with it in 2010 (read your primer) is understandable.

But not fixing for today’s tech isn’t. C’mon, Apple.

Reply

Answer 4

hcsitas Author

Level 6

11,984 points

Apr 17, 2020 11:52 AM in response to LotusPilot

You too. You do know Apple backed out of making routers don’t you? And they don’t make printers? Guess why?

The printer is on the network. AirPrint is clueless because it is old and underdeveloped. It needs to open up its “talking”, not stick to decade-old 2010 technology. C’mon, Apple.

Reply

Answer 5

Apr 17, 2020 11:48 AM in response to hcsitas

You’re missing the point.

If connecting via a USB connection, you are not connecting to the printer over a network interface - over which the AirPrint protocol “talks” to the printer.

Reply

Answer 6

hcsitas Author

Level 6

11,984 points

Apr 17, 2020 12:04 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

Uh huh, whatever.

Reply

WiFi-less AirPrint-capable Printer connected to router USB

Similar questions