Printing from iPad without AirPrint using direct USB connection

The problem is that USB printing is not supported for an iPad. Many printers offer a direct wireless alternative, but this method has its limitations. The better way is the normal infrastructure mode with a Wi-Fi router.

However, as I understand it, your connection is from a central Wi-Fi access point. If so, it should be possible to use a travel router (TP-Link TL-WR902AC just as one example, there are similar devices from a number of manufacturers) operating in a hotspot mode. The router would create its own private Wi-Fi network, to which you could connect the iPad and the printer.

>the travel router is an additional ongoing expense

Not very expensive. You can buy a travel router for something like USD 25 (the TP-Link model mentioned is about USD 40). That is it. That is not more than you would pay for a USB adapter and a cable (if it were possible to use them). A travel router in this case (in a hotspot mode; see page 2 in https://static.tp-link.com/2020/202010/20201019/TL-WR902AC(EU&US)3.0_Datasheet.pdf for the example router) would just pick up the signal from a central Wi-Fi access point and create its own network from there. That should not lead to any extra expenses (it is not a travel router with a mobile/cellular connection).

As described, either your environment or current network configuration doesn’t lend itself to using AirPrint over an extended WiFi coverage area.

WiFi is a line of sight technology - where obstructions can impede the WiFi signal. In these environments, multiple network Access Points (AP) or range extenders may be required - ideally using wired connections between the Router, APs and network extenders. When the network infrastructure is adequate, an AirPrint Printer that is part of the same WiFi network should still be entirely usable.

If you are unable to create a suitable WiFi network, but you have a suitable cabled network, an alternative solution is to consider installing a dedicated Print Server Appliance on your network - and connect your printer to this. One example is the Lantronix xPrintServer, although the cost of this solution may exceed that of your existing [basic] printer.

Hi,

Which exact printer model are you using?