Connecting older printers directly to your network can be a challenge. However, I found a cheap and functional solution by turning a Raspberry Pi Zero W into a Wi-Fi print server using CUPS (Common Unix Printing System).

The Obsolete Printer Problem and the Innovative Solution

My trusted printer continued to do an excellent job, despite lacking the ability to connect directly to Wi-Fi. This made it difficult to print from mobile devices or anywhere other than the printer location.

The solution was a true digital transformation: I opted for a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a cheap and versatile device, and installed CUPS. This open-source printing system made it possible to transform the Raspberry Pi into a Wi-Fi accessible print server.

Setting Up the Raspberry Pi Zero W as a Wi-Fi Print Server

Installing CUPS on the Raspberry Pi Zero W was relatively straightforward. After connecting the Raspberry Pi to Wi-Fi and configuring it, I installed the CUPS software. This enabled the Raspberry Pi to become a network-accessible print server.

Next, I connected the “old” printer to the Raspberry Pi via a USB port. CUPS automatically recognized the printer, allowing the Raspberry Pi to communicate with it and handle incoming print jobs from the Wi-Fi network.

Access and Use from Different Devices

Once configured, the Raspberry Pi Zero W allowed access to the printer from any device connected to the same Wi-Fi network. From laptops, tablets, or smartphones, documents to be printed could be sent directly to the Raspberry Pi print server via CUPS.

Advantages and Versatility

Transforming the Raspberry Pi Zero W into a Wi-Fi print server has made it possible to extend the use of the “obsolete” printer in a practical and efficient way. This economical solution has opened up new possibilities, allowing for convenient and compatible printing from any device connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

In conclusion, using a Raspberry Pi Zero W as a Wi-Fi print server via CUPS was an innovative and accessible alternative to enable printing from modern devices to older printers, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of this technological solution.

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