USB to Ethernet cable for printer

2. Standalone print server
Standalone print servers are a good way to get more mileage out of a printer you already own. They can cost as little as $40 and allow you to use your printer's USB connection. You just plug your printer into the print server, then plug an Ethernet cable between the print server and your network router. Depending on your OS, you may need to install some software too. Many standalone print servers support multiple OSes as well. The only problem with using print servers is that they don't usually support multifunction (all-in-one) printers. We also recommend that you check your printer model with the print server's compatibility list, just in case your printer isn't supported.

3. Integrated print server on network routers
If you have a network router, you may want to check the router's feature list to see if it has a built-in print server. Some routers have a USB port where you can plug in your USB printer and share your printer through the router. Every router's print server implementation is different, so check the manual for help on setting it up. As with the standalone print server, multifunction printers may not be supported on your router's print server.

4. Windows printer sharing (HomeGroup)
Windows printer sharing, or HomeGroup, as it's called in Windows 7, is probably the least convenient option on this list. Why? Because you have to leave a computer on with your printer plugged in for sharing to work. Essentially, you're turning your computer into a print server. However, this might work for households that don't print that often or if you leave your computer on most of the time anyways. For more on how to use HomeGroup, check out Microsoft's guide on using HomeGroup.