Printer wifi setup - how do I limit who can use my printer?

[jgvanides]

We have an HP Envy 5660 wireless printer that is set up on a shared wireless network; it's the same wifi network that we use for internet access. However, we want to limit who can use the printer. Is there a way to grant exclusive access to the 5660?

PS: Wifi Direct would have worked, but it seems like we'd have to disconnect our wifi from the internet in order to connect to the printer's Wifi Direct. Any recommendations for using wifi direct from a computer whose wifi radio is already being used, would be most appreciated!

[RichAnt]

Who is on your network, members of your family?  I assume you wish for them to use the printer.  If not don't load the software on their personal device.   it is a business network - ask your IT folks. 

Anyway, it seems to me that the printer needs the software for the Envy 5660 installed on each computer(s) onto which you initially set up the printer when purchased.  So you allowed those folks.

Now someone else could bring their laptop nearby the printer and - unauthorized - download the printer's software.  Their computer would need to be within the wireless range specs - let's say 25 feet.   If someone used the printer, you would see the output at the printer.  You could tell them to stop.

Someone down the corridor etc. does not have access to your printer (unless like I said in the previous paragraph).  

I don't know what Wi-fi direct is.

[jgvanides]

@RichAnt,

"Who is on your network, members of your family?"

* all sorts of people. It's an apartment with a public wifi system

"I assume you wish for them to use the printer."

* No, I do not want everyone to use it

"If not don't load the software on their personal device"

* Anyone can download printer drivers for free and set up any printer they can find. This is precisely the problem.

"It is a business network - ask your IT folks."

* It's an apartment - there are no "IT folks"; the owners simply make a public wifi available to the residents

So, back to my original question: Is there a way to only allow certain people to use the printer? Some HP printers have this feature - but I can't find it on the Envy 5660. Short of  hard-wiring the printer and sharing that wire among the two permitted users, I'm open to suggestions!

[sabretooth04]

Printers should never be connected to a public WiFi network.   This will allow everyone to find your printer and use it wasting paper and ink.

Connect via USB cable for security.

However this may work in your case.

Connect wireless printer anywhere, convert from wired, bypass failed radio, add WPA2 security.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Networking-and-Wireless/Connect-your-wireless-printer-when-away...

[RichAnt]

Thanks for specifying.  It looks like Sabertooth has some input.  I am not a geek.  Good luck.  Bye

[jgvanides]

@sabretooth04 - Hmmm! A small wireless travel router may be just what we need! Thanks so much for the detailed explaination at https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Inkjet-Printing/Connect-wireless-printer-anywhere-convert-from-wired-b....

🙂