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Question

Replacing Modem/Router Combo

Apr 6, 2018 2:05PM PDT

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

Discussion is locked

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Answer
USB Printer port?
Apr 6, 2018 2:22PM PDT

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.

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Need to connect usb devices
Apr 6, 2018 3:16PM PDT

My printer is an older printer that doesn't have wi-fi. It works perfectly fine so I can't see replacing it. The problem with Comcast's equipment is that they do not enable the USB ports so I cannot use them to connect anything to the network.. I really want to get rid of the desktop, hence the need for the external usb drive. Yes, i know about the cloud but why pay for storage when I have it here.
That is $100 just for the router, not the modem. For both items or a combo unit I'm looking at about $175.

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Be forewarned.
Apr 6, 2018 3:37PM PDT

USB printing is like the worst street with potholes you'll ever drive.

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Get a
Apr 6, 2018 3:39PM PDT

USB wifi dongle for now

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Although ,
Apr 6, 2018 3:52PM PDT

I do have two desktops without wifi and are plugged into a Powered USB hub and work just fine

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Hi Dig...
Apr 6, 2018 3:53PM PDT

printer isn't wifi capable. Are you thinking of an external USB adaptor?
Dafydd.

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I have a Powered USB hub
Apr 6, 2018 4:11PM PDT

and have both desktops and the USB cable from hub to printer . They both print ...

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Sorry Dafydd
Apr 6, 2018 4:37PM PDT

Yes ! they make USB wifi dongles

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Answer
Modem/router
Apr 6, 2018 11:51PM PDT

Visit the comcast web page and look for a modem/router support list.

Shop for those units and see what features they have.

Have you talked to comcast about enabling this router usb port?

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Comcast information
Apr 7, 2018 8:52AM PDT

Comcast has previously told md that the ports are disabled. I talked to support yesterday and they now say that the ports are enabled and anything pluggd in will appear on the network. So far that is not the case. I'll work with them later today on it.

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What USB devices are supported?
Apr 7, 2018 9:03AM PDT

I have yet to see a printer work on those.

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Printer and HD
Apr 7, 2018 10:05AM PDT

I told them it was a printer and a hard drive.

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I don't see the exact models
Apr 7, 2018 10:19AM PDT

So I can't get into what's up.

Anyhow, network attached HDDs are usually OK but slow and printers are just a lost cause to me. We won't send out a tech to get USB printers working on routers. Too many issues there so let other companies take the hit on reputation.

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Usb
Apr 7, 2018 12:49PM PDT

If you can get the usb port to function then ask your isp about buying the unit.

I did that with my modem years ago.

They sold it to me at 1/2 price and it took less than 6 months of no rental to break even.