Making a peripheral network-able?
 

Hello!

I have a Xerox Documate 3220 which I really like except for the fact that it is USB-only. I don't like cables running across the desk. So I had a crazy thought... Can I connect this scanner to my local network via a USB to LAN adapter (there's obviously a LAN port conveniently located close to the unit)?

Or is it better to donate it and get a new network scanner?

If the plan is to use a LAN cable as an extension cord, then yes, there are adapters from the USB connection on the computer that will drive the signal over a LAN cable to another adapter at the printer.

Otherwise you might use a print server that the computer can use the LAN directly or use WiFi to work with the printer. However, this is more complicated and may not let the scanner portion of the Documate send scans back. The print server will allow any number of computers to access the printer over the LAN or over WiFi by installing the compatible spooling software on them. Since this means the print server is acting as a LAN router, be aware that you may need the same familiarity to set a more typical router up.

I keep thinking there should be something more simple like a Bluetooth/USB extender that mimics the direct USB connection but I keep not finding any. There are a lot of adapters for the computer to communicate with Bluetooth, but no dumb connection to replace the cable.

Unless you like fiddling with computers I wouldn't bother. Get a new scanner.

Assuming Windows

There are two approaches.

1.
Use a separate computer for the scanner, this need not be dedicated to the task. Share the scanner on this computer and connect to it from your other PC.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...6-dbcd41b3be94

2. USB over IP is possible but it is even more complicated. You will need say a Raspberry Pi at the Scanner and either another Pi or perhaps software on your computer.

Google
[ usb over tcp/ip raspberry pi ]

Would something like this work?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155348488...Bk9SR-bevv-KYg

No. The scanner would not recognise it. It needs to plug into a device running Windows.

So you would need something like these, a mini pc that is wifi enabled and could sit out of sight?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353719038...Cclp%3A2047675

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/114479081...Cclp%3A2047675

Yes, that would do it, and would be 'Option 1' from JimJim's earlier post.

...or even one of these:

But as JimJim said, unless you already have a suitable device and enjoy messing with computers it's not a sensible option compared to buying a new scanner.

Yeah. It's possible and I've done it. It wasted weeks of my time and money.

Unless you like fiddling with computers I wouldn't bother. Get a new scanner.

Mac