Remote Printing

[thosmatthews]

Hi there,

I run a small business with three locations. I want some users to be able to remotely print at one specific location. Every location has an apple extreme/time capsule in bridge mode providing the Wi-Fi network behind a router that just delivers internet connection and local IPs. The printers are either Wi-Fi connected or direct USB into the apple devices.

Originally I had planned to get a static IP for the printing location (which I assume I will probably need whatever option I end up with), with a Mac mini os x server providing a VPN. Now I see the server app basically does nothing.

So my question! What’s the best option to print remotely? Will a ‘cloud’ VPN service work? Can that be applied to the apple extremes etc?

Thanks for your time!

 

[satcomer]

With all security I suggested to researching VPN server in the Remote offices networks! Then you use a client on the trusted server/client support!

 

[DJLC]

I would advise migrating from Apple AirPort Extreme to a solution designed for business. Those will work fine if you just have basic needs, but once you need something interesting like this, you'll find they fall short.

This would be pretty easy to set up with a Ubiquiti UniFi setup. I'd go with a small UniFi Security Gateway (USG) at each site to act as the router with site-to-site VPN set up between the "print location" USG and each other location's USG. Then any client in the remote locations would be able to print to any printer in the "print location" as if it were local, and your employees don't have to deal with connecting the VPN on their own. You are correct that you'd want a static IP at the "print location." I'd even advise a static IP at all locations so you can lock down the VPN to only work between those specific IPs. You could continue using the AirPort and Time Capsule for wireless if you wanted to, or you could migrate to UniFi wireless access points as well.

 

[thosmatthews]

Thanks for that detailed reply, it sounds like a great option! I’ll be looking into it.

 

[hobowankenobi]

+1 for site to site VPN, Ubiquiti would be a great starting point. To clarify, best practice would be a single static IP that would be used for the WAN gateway (router) at all sites one needs to get access to (typically to share files, print, etc).

Once connected to the router, users can see and use everything on the LAN as if they were on-site...so no need for static IPs for individual machines or printers.

If one only needs remote printing (...not file-sharing or other services access) perhaps PaperCut Mobility Print is worth considering too. I have not used this particular feature, but it looks pretty compelling. The cloud print functionality is stiil beta for Macs, but could be sweet.

 

[hobowankenobi]

Also...if tempted to get enterprise-grade router/VPN gear, the Unifi Dream Machine Pro is pretty powerful. Besides being the gateway, it can manage multiple APs, VOIP phones, security cameras, and door access control. If one uses any of these features, the price is compelling.

 

[michalm]

Well, most of the print vendors do offer some sort of "cloud print" feature. For example, most HP printers got it. All it needs is configuring properly, installing print drivers on your macs and thats it, it links. Very simple & works very well. Getting into VPN termination just for printing is somewhat legacy approach I'd say.