Share your USB printer and expand your network with one compact box! The Linksys PrintServer for USB with 4-Port Switch is a double upgrade for your network. First, it lets you connect a USB printer directly to your network, eliminating the need to dedicate a PC to print serving chores. Using a PrintServer frees up your "print share PC" so you don't have to leave it on all the time. It also removes the printing bottleneck, and sets your PC free to do more useful work.
In addition, the PrintServer includes a 4-port 10/100 switch, so you can easily add more devices to your network. All four ports are auto speed negotiating, and have automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover detection, so you don't have to worry about the cable type. Each port independently negotiates the best speed and half- or full-duplex mode, for up to 200Mbps of bandwidth per port. Fast store-and-forward switching prevents damaged packets from being passed on into the network.
A user-friendly Setup Wizard makes installation easy, the compact case fits anywhere, and the one megabyte print buffer size handles even large graphics-intensive print jobs. Let the Linksys PrintServer for USB with 4-Port Switch bring efficiency to your printing tasks and expand your network, in one cost-effective device.
- Share a printer with everyone on your network -- works with most USB printers
- Connect your printer directly to the network, with no need to dedicate a PC to print server chores
- Also expands your network with a built-in 4-port 10/100 Ethernet switch
- Remotely administered through your web browser or the included utility
1 Good Luck Getting This to Work
I have spent hours trying to get this thing to work. The printer is a basic HP LaserJet 1300, nothing fancy and NOT an all-in-one/multifunction. Yet it's one thing after another with the installation and configuration and still, it doesn't work.
I buy LinkSys gear almost exclusively and have installed and used a ton of it - but this device is WAY OFF their usual standard of usability. I think they should recall this device and replace it with something that actually works.
The reviews of the D-Link are a lot better. I actually NEVER use D-Link but I may have to start because at this point I am giving up on the LinkSys.
2 NO PROBLEM BUT...
If you are not very addicted to computers or technology this product may fet on your nerves. I bought three of these devices for my office and do not regret it.
First I had trouble as My printer would go "offline". After many months working with them I can tell you thet the real problem with these devices is that you must try to never turn them off. If you do it. You may have to take a look at the order in which you turn on the devices. First turn off everything, apply power, then turn on the print server and at last the printer ( I have used them with HP 1200 laserjet and Samsung Laser 1210, 1430 and 1450 ) Then you will see that the USB port is green and everything will work.
Another consideration is (not only with this Linksys print servers) try to use LPR printing as it is less "complex" and your printer will always be available.
I never turn them off so maybe that's why I do not have much trouble. Finally I would advice to use it with a recent printer. The ones I have used have worked but you never know really with this continuously evolving technology.
3 Inferior product
I am far from a novice, but the unit was hard to set up because the wizard wouldn't find it at first. I then managed not to use the wizard and set it up manually.
I then found out that it does not work with my new Konica Minolta 2400W laser printer. The USB led doesn't light at all after I insert the USB cable. I tried different cables and different computers to no avail. It does work with my retired Epson C40UX, though.
The firmware in my unit is the latest one (6033) as of April 2005.
Linksys should either make a better product or, if not possible for technical reasons, warn costumers about incompatibilities. Interestingly, Konica Minolta does recommend a print server for my printer, the "SEH IC103 USB Pocket Print Server". It is not impossible, then.
I am now stuck with a US$60 4-port switch that I don't need. I would return the lemon but since I bought it in the US and live overseas, this is not an option.
I've had only good experiences with Linksys hardware before, including routers, access points and WiFi PCMCIA cards. This inferior product was a nasty surprise. Maybe now that Linksys is the "poor cousin" to Cisco, one should look for another brand that really wants to do their best for their costumers.
4 No Problem Here
Not sure what the deal is with all the negative reviews. Maybe I just got real lucky, but I have had zero issues getting this print server to function. All my computers, both hard wired and wireless print without issue. I also made use of the expansion featuers by adding the switch to my network, which I also needed. For a few bucks more you get a switch and a print server. Not sure I like the power cord coming in from the side, but that is a minor issue.
5 4+ hours with tech support, and it still isn't working...
I bought this only because I happened to have a Linsys wireless router. First, I spent a couple hours on the phone with tech support trying to get the server working (thru the router) with an all-in-one printer/copier/fax/scanner/etc. I was told that the Linksys print servers don't really support the all-in-one type machines. Eventually, I gave up, returned the all-in-one, which wasn't that great anyway and purchased a very basic HP Deskjet 6540 USB printer. I've now spent at least 2-3 hours on the phone with tech support trying to get this printer working with the print server thru the router (btw, they told me that Linksys doesn't support this printer model either, even though it's only a printer and has no other special features). I'm pretty close to giving up, as I can't afford to continue wasting all of this time running through the same steps with one tech support person after another. I don't recommend this unit at all. I think I need to go back to Apple Computers, despite the expense...
6 Best decision I made today
After spending four hours last night and another three this morning trying to blow life into an aging HP JetDirect print server, I made the decision to upgrade to a Linksys. Having read the reviews on this page, I was worried that I would be spending the rest of the day praying to NetBeui, the old god of networks, to see me through the Linksys server installation. My trepidation was misplaced, the Linksys server was easy to install, works perfectly, and allows me to eliminate my old hub which speeds up my network.
7 Defective out of the box
I can't say I wasn't warned, as I had to dig behind 11 returned PSUS4's at my local Fry's to find the one that was factory fresh. After installation, the setup software was able to find the print server on wireless networked computers, but not on wired, even when configured and plugged directly into the PSUS4. I was able to configure the PSUS4 wireless, but was not able to print. It turns out the PSUS4 is not compatible with my HP G85xi. Before throwing it out, I gave it to my IT guy, who had the same problems, and couldn't get it to work on any of his 3 printers. I purchased a Linksys EPSX3 (Parallel print server), setup was a breeze, and within an hour I had 3 computers printing on 2 printers.
My recommendation is to throw a dart and pick any other print server than this.
8 Never could get it to work...
I got this a couple of weeks ago and started plugging everything up according to the instructions. Put in the setup disc and start configuring it. Got everything configured correctly (according to the instructions) and tried to print something... nothing happened though. Spent hours on the telephone with Linksys tech support and they ended up telling me to exchange this one for another, but that one ended up doing the same thing as the first. I do not recommend this product at all to anyone!
9 Reviewer from Phoenix
First things first. Verify with Linksys that your printer is compatible with this device. They are not known to be upfront about this but press the point. I found out after many hours of trouble shooting that my HP "All In One" was not. Having said that, I am very satisfied with this device now that I have it working with an HP 960c. Not only is it a print server but it gives you an additional 3 ports to connect to your network. Did I mention it's fast? It's just like having a printer connected to your pc. Over all, I am very satisfied - I just wish Linksys would publish which printers are known to work well with it (and don't work at all) as Netgear does.
10 No issues out of the box...
I have a wireless router and thought, at first, that I wanted to have a wireless print server. After several failed attempts to configure two different wireless servers (one by Linksys, one by D-Link), I resorted to this 4-port ether/USB printer print server. As it turns out, I think it's the best option. I have a spot now to network an external hard drive, a desktop, etc.
I had none of the printer recognition/compatability issues that others mention. I have an HP 840C InkJet printer that works fine with it. Did Linksys upgrade the device? I don't know. Maybe someone else knows...
It's cheaper than wireless, gives good flexibility, and it's small.
11 make sure your printer is compatible before buying
I purchased the PSUS4 when it first came out thinking a USB PrintServer should be able to handle most (if not all USB printers). I was grossly mistaken!!! You should definitely double check with LinkSys for printer compatibility before purchasing this product because they certain don't openly advertise what printers it's compatible with! I have tried 3 printers without any real success. The best results I had were with the Epson Stylus Color 880. And even then the text printed out was not straight. I also tried the Lexmark X6135, no luck! From what I was told by the LinkSys tech support, multi-function printers may have issues. Finally, I tried it on a Minolta QMS 1250E, no luck at all. I've waited a couple of months to see if they would have new firmware that would support USB printers, nope. Even with the new firmware I have the same results. I don't really understand how you can advertise a USB PrintServer that doesn't support a whole mess of USB printers. Fortunately, it has a 4 port switch, that's about all it's good for to me... When I originally purchased this item the Live support didn't exist. I've been waiting a good hour for a representative to be with me shortly. If I could give this product a negative star I surely would. I really like LinkSys's routers and switches and am really disappointed with this PrintServer. I'm glad to see that it actually does work with a USB printer, so make certain your printer is fully compatible before buying this PrintServer! Works great as an overpriced switch...
Some Updates:
I got through to tech support and it was absolutely useless. I asked for a list of working printers and they would not give it to me. I first asked them if my printer was compatible (Minolta QMS 1250E) and the representative said that it was compatible. I explained to him how I set everything up and how the status light was orange and it was not working. He told me to install the PrintServer driver. I told him I already did that and eventually after I kept on emphasizing I get an orange light on the print server he said it was not compatible. After prying a little more, he said that the 1350W was compatible. Long story short, the conversation was useless and he was basically saying that I should buy a new printer. FYI, netgear actually has a list of working printers for its printserver.
12 Be wary!!! - Major incompatibility issues
This print server is not compatible with my Cannon i860 printer. The Linksys supoort group was pretty much non-supportive after they revealed that my printer is not compatible. In general this print server won't work with multi-functional printers. SO MUCH FOR A PRINT SERVER THAT JUST WON'T SERVE A PRINTER - ironical! No do you really want to buy Linksys?
13 Linksys PSUS4 does not work with Lexmark 3150
Spent 60 minutes with the Linksys support group, to have them finally say, nicely, "sir, this printer is not on the list of printers that work - nor is it on the list of printers that don't work. i suggest you return the print server and try another brand." Very frustrating and it appeared like the support person was not that good to boot, so at this point I don't know if it won't work with the Lexmark 3150 or if the support person is just not capable. In any case, I'll take it back.
14 Supports a few USB printers!
It took calling Linksys and diag with tech support to figure out that the print server doesn't support a Brother HL-1440 which uses standard PCL communication. Then reading the site and other reviews I see they only claim it works with most USB printers. Well I would suggest they change that to a few USB printers. I have used this HL-1440 on my SMC router with built-in print server with ease. I found that this Linksys is more complex to setup and wouldn't recommend Linksys.
15 PSUS4 with RedHat Linux 9.0
I found conflicting opinions about how easy the PSUS4 would be to set up with Linux. My environment has RedHat Linux 9.0, HP PSC2110 w hpijs and I wanted a fixed IP address for the PSUS4.
I found that there is no need to use the provided set-up programs or documentation by doing the following:
The default IP address is 169.254.25.233 netmask 255.255.0.0
You may need to change your host network settings to the same sub-net.
Use ping to see whether you can see the PSUS4.
Browse http://169.254.25.233.
The default user name and password are admin admin.
In setup optionally disable Appletalk and NetBEUI.
In protocol set the IP address and netmask you would like to use.
Save and switch the router off and on to reboot.
On workstations select system settings/printing.
Set up a new queue with any name and description you like.
Select Networked UNIX (LPD)
Specify server as the IP address, queue lpd.
Select the printer from the pull down on the "Generic" box.
Apply the changes and print a test page.
It is possible to telnet into the PSUS4, but commands seem to be limited to help, monitor and exit!
16 Nice Tiny Print server and works great with my Lexmark Z32
bought this , brought it home , hooked up my Lexmark Z32 printer to it, installed software , and it works.. firmware is 6030 , i couldnt get Bi-Admin to upgrade the firmware to the latest (6032) , and Livechat is worthless ..
overall its a good device , nice and Tiny , comes with a CAT 5 cable and USB cable and Tiny ac adapter that doesnt use the next outlet next to it.
if you need support , you got problems .. or to upgrade firmware your in trouble .
17 Works - confusing setup
It's operation is flawless, once it's set up properly. I use this to add ports to my existing router, it's just plug and forget for that.
Setting up a printer wasn't so easy, but, after two attempts, it finally installed the network printer driver properly. It might be the way the software automatically loads from the CD - but I was getting errors, until I reinstalled it manually from the disk.
But now that it's installed, it handles an HP Officejet v40xi. Since I have a new scanner, the loss of scanning capabilities isn't missed, so bear in mind you won't be able to scan.
The print queuing is a little strange. You will get messages if another print job is being fed to the printer, but it does handle the jobs in order.
18 You can check out compatability before purchasing this item.
Linksys has a live support system called linkchat. After reading the reviews about the PSUS4 printserver I went to the linkchat system, and asked if this item was compatable with my HP G85 multifunction printer, in ten seconds I had my answer which was no. I also received two model numbers that are compatable with my printer. This will save you a lot of time and the frustration of returning a printserver. Go to the Linksys website, click on support, and then click on linkchat. And you will know in advance about your compatability issues.
19 Kinda works with a Lexmark Z53
I bought this thing to share a Lexmark Z53 on my network. As long as I don't turn of the printer it works fine. If I do, I have to power cycle the PSUS4 to use the printer. Kinda dorky, but better having to turn on two computers to print. I'm sure it's a setting problem, and I just dive into it I'll fix it.
20 Horrible support, subpar product
I really wanted to like this little thing, but it just plain doesn't work. Sure, you hook up a, say Deskjet 990C and it works. Then you try a Photosmart 7960 and it doesn't even register. Point is, very few 'new' printers are working (not to mention the bidirectional status support, or lack of). Linksys is well aware of this and has their secret littlet list of what's supported. Of course, their support is (and always has been) abysmal. If you hoped Cisco would change things at Linksys, you were mistaken. Not worth the time or effort. Frustrating.
21 good buy.
This little Print Server is worth the $$. Works fine with my new HP LJ 1012 printer. The 4-port switch is an added bonus and is auto sensing so you won't need a cross-over.
22 Dont Buy It
Does not work with HP7350 Inkjets. Tech support will tell you to return it. From other posts seems to have problems with USB printers.
23 Good Start - more documentation required for Mac
I bought thisdevice hoping i would be able to share my Samsung 1710 printer between a Mac (OSX) and pc. The installation was straightforward for Windows XP and I was able to print from the pc in minutes. However there is very very little in the way of Mac support on the cd, or on Linksys's website.
I beleive that i will be able to get the print server to talk on Appletalk eventually, but the process is not clear. For the moment it is working with the pc only.
24 Not compatible with Dell Inkjet A9XX series
I bought this router since it is one of the few USB capable print servers and since it is Linksys, which I've generally had decent experiences with.
I hooked it up, which was pretty easy. At first the computer setup program couldn't see it on the network. I realized that the Windows XP firewall was turned on. I turned it off and was able to see the print server.
The problem comes from the Dell printer drivers. They insist on printing to a local USB port ONLY. You can setup the network port, etc... but it WILL NOT print. You'll get a communication error.
Lastly, through all this, I discovered that Dell printers are made by lexmark. The are actually EXACTLY the same printers with a Dell logo on it. You can actually d/l a Lexmark printer driver for the equivalent Dell printer and not only will it work perfectly, but you'll notice the setup screens and wording is EXACTLY the same. That being said, I'm sure this is the same problem with Lexmark printers.
I would have given this unit a 4, but the fact that there seem to be many incompatible printer models and Linksys tells you NOTHING about this possibility is rediculous. Time to wrap it back up and ship it back.
25 Linksys PSUS4 works with Canon S800 printers
I installed the Linksys PrintServer PSUS4 with a Canon S800 ink jet printer with both a Windows XP Home and Windows 98 systems. The install was very smooth. The printserver was immediately recognized, as was the Canon printer (the printer had previously been installed).
The printer's maintenance functions (print head and nozzle cleaning, allignment, etc.) all work fine, but the the "Printer Status Monitor" (which lets the user know when ink cartridges are running low) no longer functions. Linksys support responded quickly to an email, and stated that the printserver is just designed to print, and most of the difficulties encountered are on multi-function printers. I suspect this relates situations where the communications needs to go from the printer back to the PC (which would also affect printers with various camera memory cards communicating back to the PC). They also commented that the printer (support) list that they have is just a list that tallied from their clients that have been able to make it work with their printservers - this is not an extensive support list based on their own testing.
If you just want to print through your home network, this works just fine.
26 Not Compatible with Brother HL 1440
After spending over an hour with Linksys tech support, I was told that this Print Server was not compatible with my printer (Brother HL 1440). I give it 2 stars only because I have enjoyed success with other Linksys products. Good luck with yours!
27 HP PhotoSmart Printers - Not Compatible
I purchased and returned the HP PhotoSmart 7660 and 7350 pinters, both were incompatible. The 7660 was not even recognized and although the 7350 was achknowledged, the the printer never recieved the print job. LexMark Z53 works great, just trying to upgrade to a new printer.
28 WARNING: Incompatable with HP Photosmart 7550
I buy a lot of Linksys products and have been very happy with them, so I did not hesitate to pick up one of these for my HP Photosmart 7550. However, after a couple days of not being able to print, I called tech support at Linksys and was informed that the PSUS4 is NOT compatable with my printer. Interesting, Linksys knows this, but does not provide this information on their website (the tech support technician said it was an "internal-only document").
29 Works fine
I payed about $56 here at Amazon. Watch those price variations. It's tiny, blue, warm, and has been working with no trouble for two months. It comes with a power supply, cat 5 cable, and a usb a-b cable, and an install CD.
I really wanted a print server for my home network. It's a perfect fit. Install was easy. With all the complexity of modern networking it only had one hitch - my HP Laserjet 1200 wouldn't print after the install. I went into control panel/printers and deleted the printer. Got my HP cd and did a fresh install. When the HP install got to "Where is the printer connected" I noticed a new option "Lblahblah" so I picked that and it worked perfectly.
I don't notice an printing speed differences. There has been no odd behaviour.
Really I'd give it about 4.5 stars. I recommend it for home networks that need a print server.
