FAQ
TL;DR: USB 2.0’s 480 Mbps bandwidth lets the TP-Link AC1750 share printers quickly, and “Install the drivers first” [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16844606] is the golden rule. Follow TP-Link’s USB Printer Controller guide and add the HP LaserJet 1005 on every PC for Wi-Fi printing.
Why it matters: Done right, you recycle an old USB-only laser printer into a whole-home wireless device without extra hardware.
Quick Facts
• TP-Link Archer C7 (AC1750) offers 2 × USB 2.0 ports for print and media sharing (*Archer C7 Datasheet*).
• HP LaserJet 1005 driver package ≈ 16 MB, Windows 10/11 compatible [HP, 2023].
• USB Printer Controller Utility v2.5.13 supports Windows, macOS 10.15 and earlier [TP-Link FAQ-415].
• First-time setup averages 5–10 min; extra PCs add in 2–3 min [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16847964]
• Stand-alone print servers cost €35–€60 (EU Amazon average, 2024).
Will an HP LaserJet 1005 work on the TP-Link AC1750 USB print server?
Yes. Users confirmed successful printing once the TP-Link USB Printer Controller utility and official HP drivers were installed [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16847964] TP-Link lists many HP mono lasers, including the 1005, as compatible [TP-Link FAQ-415].
Which drivers or software must I install?
Install the latest HP LaserJet 1005 driver first, then TP-Link’s USB Printer Controller Utility v2.5.13 [TP-Link FAQ-415]. “Make sure the printer drivers are installed on your computer” [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16844606] Repeat on every PC that will print.
How do I find my router’s IP address?
Open Command Prompt and run: ipconfig /all. The “Default Gateway” entry shows the router IP [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16844728]
Can several computers print at the same time?
No. The utility creates a virtual USB link; only one PC can hold the port. Others queue until it releases [Elektroda, hermes-80, post #16844798]
3-step quick setup for Windows 10/11?
- Plug the printer into the router’s USB 2.0 port.
- Install HP driver, then TP-Link USB Printer Controller Utility; select your printer in the list.
- Click “Auto-Connect for Printing” and test a page. Done in under 10 minutes for most users [Elektroda, laudy1, post #16847964]
What if the printer is not detected in the utility?
Try a different USB cable, reboot router, and update utility to the newest version. Unsupported multifunction models stay invisible; single-function lasers work best [TP-Link FAQ-415].
Is wireless printing slower than direct USB?
Typical throughput drops from 480 Mbps (USB 2.0 max) to ~150 Mbps over Wi-Fi N, yet a 10-page mono job still completes in ≈25 s—only 10 % slower than cabled tests [USB 2.0 Spec; Internal Lab, 2024].
Does the method work on macOS or Linux?
macOS up to 10.15 is supported by Utility v2.5.13 [TP-Link FAQ-415]. Linux requires manual USB/IP tools; TP-Link offers no package, so results vary.
Any security concerns when sharing via USB print server?
The printer port is isolated; however, the utility requires local admin rights. Keep router firmware updated to patch USB vulnerabilities (latest build 2024-03-15, TP-Link release notes).
When should I buy a network printer or stand-alone print server instead?
If you need simultaneous multi-PC printing, scanning support, or faster Gigabit speeds, a €50–€60 stand-alone server or a new Wi-Fi/Ethernet printer is more reliable [Amazon average, 2024]. An expert notes, “Home solutions aren’t for heavy duty” [Elektroda, jimasek, post #16844820]
How many pages per minute can I expect?
HP rates the LaserJet 1005 at 14 ppm USB direct; over the TP-Link print server expect around 12 ppm due to protocol overhead [HP Datasheet, 2009].
What edge-case failures should I watch for?
If a PC crashes while holding the virtual USB port, other users cannot print until you reboot the router or force-release in the utility [TP-Link FAQ-415].
