Linksys PPSX1 EtherFast 10/100 1-Port PrintServer

The Linksys EtherFast 10/100 PrintServer is the easiest way to add one printer to your 10BaseT or 100BaseTX network. Whether you're building a Fast Ethernet network now or later, the PrintServer automatically adjusts itself to either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speeds. It's a stand-alone unit, so it doesn't require a dedicated print server PC.

Equipped with Direct Memory Access (DMA) technology, a 128 KB buffer, and automatic collision control, the PrintServer can handle even the most complicated print jobs up to 50 percent faster than regular print servers. Fully compatible with regular laser, Bubble Jet, ink-jet, and dot matrix printers, the PrintServer also supports the latest bidirectional printers from HP, IBM, and other manufacturers, allowing you to keep track of a print job's status from anywhere on the network. With built-in multiprotocol support for 32-bit network operating systems, the PrintServer comes with an easy-to-use software management suite. Give your entire network flexible access to your printers.

Linksys (PPSX1) Linksys PPSX1, EtherFast Print Server, 1- Port 10/100Mbps RJ45 and 1-Port Bi-Directi

1 Overpriced
This item can be purchased at a cheaper price elsewere,if you look around.
Try Outpost and some other sites or go to pricegrabber.com

2 Easy to set up, but very low performer
This unit took nearly no time to set up: the DHCP server on the network gave it an address instantly. It happily supports JetDirect (port 9100/tcp) printing, but performance is lousy. Even on a 100mbit network, it did no better than 58kbytes/second throughput measured during careful tests. Our application included >22 megabyte image files to a color printer.

For low-volume printouts (say, text reports from an accounting system), this looks like a winner, but for anything requiring any real throughput, it's not going to be too useful. The same image that took two and a half minutes using this device took eleven seconds to a real HP LaserJet 4100 printer.

3 No problem with the install
I installed this device simply by accepting all the defaults in the setup. I'm using an Epson 900 Stylus ink printer. It's the default printer for all the computers on my network. It's attached to a 10BaseT hub that is connected to a Linksys 4-port DSL/Cable modem router. DHCP is enabled in the router and the print server uses that for an IP address. It's all working with no problem.

4 I don't think this box is what it was cracked up to be
I wanted to share my Canon Inkjet printer with both my home computers. The manual was quite unhelpful and very poorly organized. According to their website the dip switch settings in the manual are exactly backwards. I bought this box because it says that it supports bi-directional printing but on page 88 (of 91) of the manual, it tells me, "For best results turn off the printer's bi-directional function..." I interpret this as saying that it works with bi-directional printers if they aren't working bi-directionally. I'll call their support line first but I think this item is going back where I bought it.

5 Good Value/Easy Installation
Overall the PPSX1 was a breeze to set up. It took about 10 minutes it up on a NT4 three-machine home network. No problems after the first day.

However, the product photo displayed here on 2/10/00 is wrong. The PPSX1 model that arrived had the parallel port on the back and the 10BaseT and power connections in the front making it impossible to stack or put on a desktop... a silly design... I decided to hide it under a desk. But for 80 bucks it's a good deal.