The Linksys EtherFast wireless-ready USB print server provides an easy solution for adding a printer to your wireless (when used with the Linksys Instant Wireless Network PC Card) or wired network. Don't waste valuable system and network resources or create printing bottlenecks by attaching a printer to one of the nodes on the network. Instead, place a printer anywhere in your 10/100 network or in the range of your wireless devices (when used with the Instant Wireless Network PC Card). You will save space and time, and increase your network performance as well.
Hook up a printer to the wireless-ready USB print server from anywhere in your workplace and you'll save processing time by freeing your dedicated print server PC and controlling print jobs with its remote-management utility. A 256 KB RAM buffer memory handles your graphics jobs effortlessly, while an easy installation gets you printing in just minutes.
Compatible with virtually all USB, network-ready printers and major operating systems, your data-intensive print jobs will breeze through with maximized speed and reliability. Let the hybrid functionality of the wireless-ready USB print server from Linksys customize your network's capabilities to meet your printing needs time and again.
The EtherFast wireless-ready USB print server is compatible with Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, Me, and XP. USB-connected devices are not compatible with Windows 95 and Windows NT. Linksys does not recommend or support the patches available that attempt to make USB-connected devices work with Windows 95.
The EtherFast Wireless-Ready USB PrintServer provides an easy solution for placing a printer on your wireless (when used with the Instant Wireless Network PC Card) or wired network. Don't waste valuable system and network resources or create printing bottlenecks by attaching a printer to one of the nodes on the network. Instead, place a printer anywhere in your 10/100 network or in the range of your wireless devices (when used with the Instant Wireless Network PC Card). You will save space and time, and increase your network performance as well.Hook up a printer to the Wireless-Ready USB PrintServer from anywhere in your workplace and you'll save processing time by freeing your dedicated PrintServer PC and controlling print jobs with its remote management utility. A 256KB Ram buffer memory handles your graphics jobs effortlessly, while an easy installation gets you printing in just minutes. Your data-intensive print jobs will breeze through with maximized speed and reliability.
1 Not Compatible with Canon MP730
I like Linksys products, but trying to find a printer that works with this print sever is hard. I have to buy a second printer for this problem.
2 Don't buy this product
Many of the reviews here are accurate and valuable. The most important piece of advice is to contact Linksys and see if your printer is supported. Having set the environment up with my HP OfficeJet K60 everything seems fine. When I go to print however, the application recognizes the printer and even knows what port it is connected on. Unfortunately, everything I print goes into a black hole. After calling Linksys support, they tell me that looking through their internal list it shows a number of poor people like myself who have tried and failed to get the K60 working, so they "assume" its not supported.
When I asked if I could get a copy of the list indicating what is supported, I was told its an internal only document. So its trial and error if you have this product.
Like other reviews, they recommended that I upgrade to the WPS11 server. Although I've been happy with Linksys, I think I'll look elsewhere first.
3 Works with kinks
There are a number of posts indicating that this does not work. Just wanted to say that it worked on two of my printers. Epson 870 and Samsung 1710 laser. But it is not flawless getting it going. I seem to have a power on sequence problem. I used to turn the printer/server on at the same time. It won't initialize properly when its powered up at the same time. I've haven't figure the power on sequence but seems like the printer has to be powered on and initialized first. (But it may be the otherway around.) But when they are initialized properly, they work flawless if I don't loose power to the house. Now I leave them both on all the time. BTW, Epson's print monitor does not work with the print server.
Another thing, DON'T loose the installation disk, you can't get a replacement driver from their web site.
4 False advertising
Linksys says this is a USB print server. Maybe it is. But neither their literature nor anything on their website tells you that it doesn't work with some printers. And not some strange brand. Canon printers. I have a Canon F80 which works just fine by direct USB connection. But after 30 min with technical support, the tech decides to ask what my printer is. He then says that according to their documents the USB print server doesn't work with my printer. He then tells me I can BUY the other WPS11 print server and it will work with the Canon F80. But they won't take back the PPS1UW print server ("That's not our policy.") Now I could probably get sued for calling this what I think it really is, so I'll just settle for "false and misleading advertising". Save your money and try another company who doesn't hide their product's deficiencies and who stands behind their products. If I hadn't already invested money in a Linksys router (and signal booster since the signal is terrible), I'd toss them also. As it is, I'm out $90.
5 Some problems, but got it working...
I got it working with a HP DeskJet 5550 within 1 hour... the primary problem I ran into was when trying to install the print driver using the linksys software. When I went so far as to get a port installed onto the system, then ran the HP driver install using the port that was created for the printer, it worked.
6 Won't work with HP Photosmart
Despite claim in specs, after an hour on the phone with (very competent, by the way) Linksys tech support, they determined it is NOT compatible with HP Photosmart 7350 inkjet printer (from Win 2000 or XP). They had it on an "alert" list, and wish they just would have told me up front. Unfortunately, I can't find any compatible USB printer server for Ethernet, except for one from HP that is as expensive as the printer itself! For now, can use an XP set up to share printing on the network (altho it is typical unstable Windows environment--often needs fixing, and the XP must always active of course).
7 Not that many problems...
I know some people got into problems installing this print server but in my case it was hassle free. So I decided to give you some tips:
1. Before buy the print server, call linksys and ask if your printer is compatible with their product. In my case, my brand new Epson Stylus C82 was (lucky me!).
2. Install the printer drive and its utility in all the computers before you try to install the printer server.
3. Follow the instructions provided by linksys. Sometimes I have a problem of not reading directions. This time, I took my time and follow the procedure step-by-step.
The only problem I found so far is that the status monitor of the printer does not show the ink level. I guess I will have to connect my computer straight to the printer after awhile to see how my ink is going. One last thing, I did not install the wireless card so I don't know if it works well with a wireless card. I would give this product a 5 if it wasn't by the problem with ink level. Good buy, I recommend.
8 Product is great, newer printers are not.
When you buy a "multifunction" printer, you are locking yourself into connecting it directly to a (Windows) PC. I bought a PPS1UW and an HP 7550 Color printer on the same day. I ran into the exact same problems that others have commented on, but I know who to blame. HP. HP. HP. How can you create a printer that requires "special drivers" to print? What's wrong with good old PostScript? What's wrong with standards? Yes, I ended up talking to both HP and Linksys tech support and ran into the nightmare of "we are sorry, but that is not supported" from BOTH vendors. I ended up using an existing JetDirect to run the 7550 and the linksys to run my other (HP 1220 laserjet) printer.
The linksys runs great with standard printers. HP stinks (as do the other printer vendors) for creating non-standard printers that consumers expect to actually work correctly.
Support Linksys and throw away all of those stupid printers that do things that we don't need through incompatible interfaces.
AlanC
9 Works with Canon I850 and Windows XP
This product works with a Canon I850 and Windows XP in Ethernet mode. The wireless option was not tested.
The documentation for setup and configuration is inadequate. If you are using this product with a Canon I850 and Windows XP I have the following suggestions for installation:
1. Throw out the Linksys quick start guide.
2. Attach the I850 directly to your computer and install the Canon print driver.
3. Install the Linksys "Bi-Admin" utility from the Linksys startup CD using the autorun installation.
4. Attach printer to print server, attach print server to network, power up print server, turn printer off and then on again.
5. You should have a DHCP server on your network to assign an address to the print server. Otherwise, the print server will use the default failed dhcp address.
6. Using the "Bi-Admin" configuration utility, configure the printserver with a fixed IP address from your local network. Save the configuration.
7. Recycle power on the print server.
8. Recycle power on the printer.
5. Install an "IPP" client from the Linksys install CD. (E:\DRIVER\IPP\IPPCLIENT).
6. Complete installation instructions from pages 35 to 39 of the Linksys user guide.
7. The printer can now be accessed remotely.
Notes:
This USB print server works with the Canon I850 but it slows down the performance of the printer. This has little impact on plain text printing but it is very noticeable on photo printing. The extra flexibility of a network print server was worth the speed tradeoff. There are few choices for USB print servers with a wireless option. This is the best one available.
10 Works with Canon I850 and Windows XP
... This product works with a Canon I850 and Windows XP in Ethernet mode. The wireless option was not tested.
The documentation for setup and configuration is inadequate. If you are using this product with a Canon I850 and Windows XP I have the following suggestions for installation:
1. Throw out the Linksys quick start guide.
2. Attach the I850 directly to your computer and install the Canon print driver.
3. Install the Linksys "Bi-Admin" utility from the Linksys startup CD using the autorun installation.
4. Attach printer to print server, attach print server to network, power up print server, turn printer off and then on again.
5. You should have a DHCP server on your network to assign an address to the print server. Otherwise, the print server will use the default failed dhcp address.
6. Using the "Bi-Admin" configuration utility, configure the printserver with a fixed IP address from your local network. Save the configuration.
7. Recycle power on the print server.
8. Recycle power on the printer.
5. Install an "IPP" client from the Linksys install CD. (E:\DRIVER\IPP\IPPCLIENT).
6. Complete installation instructions from pages 35 to 39 of the Linksys user guide.
7. The printer can now be accessed remotely.
Notes:
This USB print server works with the Canon I850 but it slows down the performance of the printer. This has little impact on plain text printing but it is very noticeable on photo printing. The extra flexibility of a network print server was worth the speed tradeoff. There are few choices for USB print servers with a wireless option. This is the best one available.
11 Compatibility issues
I purchased this wireless-ready printserver for use with my HP 2210 printer and Linksys 2.4 GHz wireless router. I also purchased the wireless PC card adapter so that I could take advantantage of the wireless capability of the router. In the past I have always been pleased with Linksys products, but I am disappointed in this printserver.
As other reviewers have noted, although the package claims that this is compatible with "virtually every USB printer," this does not seem to be the case. Other reviewers have pointed out that their printers are not compatible; let me add one to this list: HP 2210. After 2 attempts to get the printserver to work I called Linksys support. I asked if my printer was compatible and they told me it was not. In fact, anything "in the 2210 series"--that is, the HP 2210, HP 1210, and other similar multifunction printers-- are not compatible with this printserver. The Linksys support person I spoke with said that few multi-function printers are because they are a "new and different type of printer." I asked if Linksys can provide me with a list of supported, compatible printers, and he said that they could not because this is "internal only." Hm, that's interesting... I never knew that the guess and check method was how Linksys expected their customers to handle compatibility issues.
To the support persons credit, I provided several printer names and he told me whether they were compatible or not (the HP D135 and D145, along with the LaserJet 1200, 2200, and 4L as well as the Brother MFC-9700 are printers I was told would work). He also informed me that I could call the RMA department and return my product because it is under warranty. I am currently considering what is more important to me: using my current Linksys wireless-ready printserver or using my current printer. Unfortunately, it seems that most of the printers that work well with the printserver are a) significantly more expensive than the HP 2210, b) not multifunction printers, or c) both. The Linksys support person did tell me that if I called back with a specific printer model number they would tell me if it is compatible; however, reviewers on other sites have suggested that Linksys considers printers which have not been tested to be "compatible".
I'm sure this product has great potential for a compatible printer, but it seems that Linksys hasn't made an effort to test this product and make a large knowledge base available to consumers. I encourage consumers to research their printserver compatibility carefully before buying. If you are the owner of other, more common Linksys products, do not expect the same level of support and the scope in knowledge base.
12 Didn't work for me
I purchased this Print Server which stated "works with virtually all printers" on the box. As other reviewers have noted, this print server is not compatible with a number of printers. I went through the set up procedure to connect it via ethernet cable to my Netgear Wireless Router/Access Point and the network would never recognize the Print Server. After about 30 minutes on hold I reached a customer service rep who seemed to know barely more about their product then I did. Since the print server wouldn't even trigger a test page on the printer, he concluded that it was either a defective Print Server or that it was not compatible with my inkjet printer (manufactured by the rare and exotic printer manufacturer, HP). Between the frustration of trying to set it up, coupled with the so so customer service, I returned the unit and gave up on Linksys. I may be in the minority, but my experience with Netgear has been great thus far. I currently use two notebooks wireless and a desktop wired, and the entire set up took about 30 minutes. It has worked like a charm for about 9 months. I going to try the Netgear wirless print server and will report back on that experience.
13 Works with virtually all USB, network-ready printers, NOT!
After several successful experiences with Linksys products, they finally stung me. This product is advertised as compatible with virtually all USB, network ready printers. Well, not so the HP 7350. It would be very helpful if a printer compatibility list were available. BUYER BEWARE!
14 Problems with the EPSON 925
I too wished to use this with the Epson photo925. Could not get it to work. Received a message during install stating not to use the epson spool manager. I was using windows 2000 and there is no epson spool manager program for 2000. Still waiting on both Epson and Linksys to return my email as both of there phone queuqes are a wast of time. If I can make it work I will repost so that others do not feel my pain.
15 I should have listened to the other comments!
As many have said, this product is not your standard plug 'n' play and Linksys support sucks. You would think they could answer a simple question like "Is this print server compatible with an Epson CX5200?", but obviously not. I spent many hours and much frustration trying to get this to work but to no avail. I guess the krux of the matter is, don't try using a print server on a combo printer. I'm returning mine and I guess I'll stick to a standard printer connection.
In fairness to Linksys, I will say that all other Linksys products I've bought have been easy to configure and worked great.
16 Great Support.......
Does it work? No.
But the reason why is what bugs me. I connected wirelessly with my router, no problem. The print server even reocognized that it was connected to an Epson printer. But in the end, it turns out that my Epson 925 is NOT compatible, something to do with the "spooling". I'm going to try Epson's tech support. Linksys' support was very good. It seems that configuring printservers is a bit more on the technical side than other wireless setups.
17 5 stars with a caveat
OK, now that it is set up and working, I LOVE it. I work by laptop from all over the house and I LOVE not being tied to a cable anymore when I need to do a big print job (like 100-400 pages.) I can set the printer on highest quality (I have an HP Inkjet 932, by the way), and who cares how long it takes, because I'm not standing there worrying about my battery anymore.
But like everyone else has warned, it is not an easy set up. Consider this:
1. if you want wireless, buy the other linksys printserver that is Instant Wireless, if possible. The difference between the two is that the other has the wireless card built in. With this one, you need to buy it for [more money], hence the price difference. And, the documentation for this one is not dedicated to the set up of a wireless system, so you have to wade through to find what applies to you and what doesn't.
2. It doesn't work with the Version 4 of the WPC11 wireless card! It tells you to buy the WPC11, but only on a slip of paper inside the WPC11 v-4 box do you learn that they meant to say version 3 or earlier! Luckily I had a WPC11 v-3 card in my laptop. I was able to swap with the card we bought for the printserver and save a 40 mile round trip back to Best Buy.
3. The documentation was all greek to me. I'm not a moron, but there was so much network jargon there that I had no idea what they were talking about.
4. Tinkering did the trick. Install everything everywhere. In the end, it came down to one small trick we almost overlooked. The HP 932 is a USB or regular (old-fashion whateveritscalled type) printer. I'd set it to LPT1 port a few days ago when I needed the USB cable for the lexmark (don't get me started on those!) and the HP was still set to LPT1 after we'd run the whole linksys setup shebang. So, it didn't work. You, yourself, may need to set it (from the control panel printer place) to read from the printserver device.
Now that all that is over, I'm in love with the thing. Just keep in mind that it isn't as simple as plugging it in and popping in the CD to let it install itself.
18 Poor Documentation
I attempted to install the print server per the provided instructions. When I attempted to add the PCMCIA card, I did not get the indications stated. I called Linksys customer service. After wading through their call screening process twice, I finally reached a support technician. This process took about 20 minutes. I then had to repeat the entire process a third time because I could not understand the technician due to a heavy accent. I could understand the second technician that I talked to. I was given instructions by that technician that did not agree with the printed version. Those directions worked and the unit began functioning. Actually it was linked before that. I just was not aware of it. The instructions stated the WLAN light should be on. It is never on steady, it only flashes periodically. The last step of the instructions for the PCMCIA card was to unplug the eithernet plug. This has to be done before the WLAN light will begin blinking.
Bottom line, the unit has worked fine for me once it was installed. The printed instructions and customer support leave a lot to be desired. In the case of the PCMCIA card they are flatly incorrect.
19 Supposed to work with 'virtually all' USB printers...
... At least that's what the box says. However my Brother 1440 laser printer must not be in this elite group.
I am extremely frustrated and have wasted countless hours trying to get this thing to work, all to no avail.
And Linksys's tech support was poor: They blindly recommended I reinstall all my networking protocols. Obviously this is not the problem because everything else on my network works just fine.
20 HP Deskjet 832c - Works great!
I hooked this up as a wired print server and had no problems. Setup 2 laptops, 1 XP and 1 98, and 2 desktop computers, 1 XP and 1 98. The only slight issue I had was installing the printer on the laptop. I just had to figure out how to manually install the printer on XP without actually hooking the printer to it, which of course is not even a Linksys issue. Make sure you have installed the printers before starting the setup; it will make for a much smoother process.
So you have the full picture, I also have Linksys router & wireless access point. Any time I've had an issue, Linksys customer service has always been there, even late at night.
Way to go Linksys, another great product!!!
21 Does not work with Lexmark z65p!
I use Linksys for everything and was excited to see this type of product. I emailed Linksys before purchasing this item to confirm capability with my printer. The response was the printer was supported. After receiving the product and wasting a couple of hours trying to get it to work, I contacted Linksys. Their response was this printer hadn't been tested with this product so they didn't know if it would work. I'm very disappointed with the product and Linksys support. I'm sending this print server back.
22 Does not work with Multi-Function HP Printers
I researched this product on the web and didn't see anything wrong with it. Besides it's just about the only wireless USB PrintServer I could find. Come to find it's not compatible with my printer. I called support and they already knew it wasn't compatible. I asked why it wasn't listed on their website or in any other literature. They told me I should have called them first. Talk about "buyer beware". I have other Linksys products and they work great. This is just one of their bad apples.
23 Actually rates lower than 1 star
I have had this PPS1UW for several months now and have yet to get it working. I tried to install it when I first got it but it was so frustrating I got fed-up with it, put it in a drawer and tried to forget about it. Today I thought I'd give it another try at installation. Now, after all afternoon of trying to install this thing it is going back in the drawer (or maybe into the trash). I installed it as per the instructions (many, many times) and everything went as it was suppose to until the end where I found I could not print ANYTHING. I can't use Linksys' other server because my printer in USB only. If anyone knows of a USB wireless server that works I would like to know about it. Maybe I'll have someone from Comp USA or somewhere come out and try to set it up for me (which will be good only till I get the blue screen of death on my computer and I lose everything). Maybe I'll just junk this Windows based stuff and buy a MAC!!!!
24 Don't believe everything you read.
This server works flawlessly with a Samsung ML1430 laser printer on a mixed-vendor wired/wireless network, even with a Netgear (not Linksys) wireless card. Setup is simple, and the installation utilities are fine. My take is that many of the so-called "problems" and "product defects" people gripe about simply stem from a lack of experience.
25 This product works well and is robust.
Installation was a bit involved but worked the first time.
I got this product because our new printer (HP D135 multifunction officejet) has a USB port.
We now print from Windows 2000 or
from Linux. Setting up Linux on my laptop was the most involved;
downloaded the hpijs server software from the HP web site
and compiled it. Had to upgrade ghostscript to version 7.05
as well as upgrade the kernel and futz with the printcap file.
The printserver itself is robust to disconnections and power
recyclings (of which there were many as we remodeled our home office).
26 Manual is not very clearly written
I struggled quite a few hour to get it to work,
I followed every steps in the manual.
The manual forgot to tell user that the cable/DSL router
need to issue an IP address for the print servr via DHCP.
The way I accomplish it is to power off/on the cable/DSL
router. Also pay attention that is is an USB port so the
printer driver need to be re-installed if you use parallel
port before.
27 BEWARE - NOT COMPATIBLE WITH CANON F80
Just purchased Canon MultiPASS F80 and attempted to connect to my network with the LINKSYS PPS1UW. Could not attach Canon F80 to LINKSYS Print Server. Contacted LINKSYS tech. support and the Rep. said it was not on the list of supported printers but, suggested we try to attach it anyway if I was willing to spend the time. After 90 minutes and I can't recall how many attempts the LINKSYS Rep. said "return the print server - it just isn't compatible with your Canon printer."
28 It was tooooo easy.
Somehow I managed to set it up without even following the instructions. As they say in one of those airline commercials "you're free to roam about the cabin!"
29 Compatibility Issues
I'm not going to knock Linksys products, I own several of them and have been pleased with what I've been able to keep. However, in this case, I was unable to get the print server to work with my Lexmark X73 Color Printer/Scanner. The system just wouldn't recognize it. I called tech support and they were very quick to say that they guessed it was just not a supported printer. I said in their writeup they said it was compatible with virtually every printer. The answer I received was that it obviously means it's not compatible with literally every printer. I still haven't found any other USB wireless print server. Very frustrating.
30 Reliable Linksys
I have all Linksys equipment and I have never had it go bad or get a 'defective' unit. As long as you meet the requirements and have the other required equipment, I have never had a Linksys unit fail. I currently own 5 Linksys networking products and would recomend them to anybody.
31 Waste of money and time
I'm a huge Linksys fan, and my whole home network is pure Linksys, so I never thought I'd complain about any Linksys product. But, the time has come...
The admin utility that comes with the Print Server is a joke. Design is hideous, and zero functionality. Every time I tried changing settings, it'd freeze up for a few minutes, and then come back with OLD settings. So don't waste your time trying to get it to work. Find out what your Print Server's IP Address is (I'd recommend setting it to static IP rather than using DHCP), enter it in your Web browser, and use their "web-based" utility instead. A lot faster, easier to use (the same interface as other Linksys products) and does it's job.
Still, even when everything is set up and "ready to go", there are problems with communication between PS and printer. I could ping my PS, it was on-line and available, responded to status changes, etc. But nothing would print. I thought it was my printer at fault... Plug it directly into my PC - worked like a charm. Plug it back to PS - dead again.
But, what struck me the most was my call to Linksys Tech Support.
After 30 minutes or so on hold (as always), they finally pick up and ask me which product I'm having problems with. I tell them "It's PPS1UW Print Server". Ok, they say, hold on a minute. After a minute they come back and say that they DO NOT HAVE PPS1UW Print Server. WTF? I email them the link to it on their own website... OK, they found it... But, they don't know a thing about it. "It's new just released product, and we've never had to deal with it" was their response. So, they start running me around telling me to restart my PC, and then reset Print Server, then my router, then PC again. Ping my router, ping my print server, switch from static IP to dynamic, then back. After 15-20 minutes of that I realized we weren't getting anywhere, and they had no clue about what they were doing. I hung up. I spent next few days trying to get it to work myself (I'm an IT Consultant, so I know a thing or two about networking), but did not succeed. I'll keep looking on the net, maybe I'll figure something out eventually, but as of today, it's money wasted.
32 DOES NOT WORK
I purchased this product, tried to install it and have ended up frustrated with a non-working product. First, there were problems with the CD-ROM installation. The menu has items that appear grayed out but are actually enabled. Rather confusing. Once all the software was installed, it couldn't locate my printer. I called their technical support and they weren't very familiar with the product. Can you imagine that? In addition, they had me try printing a test page to my USB printer. It didn't work so they said I had a defective unit. Well, I replaced it with another new unit and it still doesn't work. Their tech support has "passed the buck" and the product just doesn't work. I like the small compact design but it's useless if it doesn't work.
