That's usually not done anymore as the printers have WiFi printing. So much better.
Also at 100 bucks you are in the bargain area so to hit the speeds it may not get there.
Renting isn't such a bad deal as how long till you make back enough to cover your own gear. Besides the ISP gear is covered against failures like a lightning strike, etc.
I am replacing my Comcast modem/router combo with equipment that I am purchasing. I haven’t decided yet whether I want to go with separate components or a router/modem combo. My internet plan is rated at 250mbps download. I have an older desktop system that is being used only as networked storage and a place to plug in a printer, that I cannot connect wirelessly, to make it available wirelessly to two laptops. I don’t do any gaming but do a lot of entertainment streaming.
Aside from not paying a rental fee, I have two requirements so that I can decommission the desktop system:
* get rid of the desktop storage by plugging a usb external hard drive into the router to make it available on the network.
* plug the printer into the router so that it is available on the network.
So far the routers I have looked at (~ $100, Netgear and Arris) only have 1 USB port. Some of them specify that port as a printer port. I need two ports. I have a USB extender cable that has three inputs. If I plugged that cable into the one USB port on the router, and then plugged the drive and printer into the cable, would the router recognize the devices? If so, could they used simultaneously?
Thanks for help on that and any other things I should consider.
George

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