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Help setting up a print server

K

kater1

Senior member
I am wanting to put my Canon i960 printer on a wired network print server. At the moment I use a Linksys router to connect the 5 computers in the house. What server should I get? I have looked at the Linksys PPS1UW and the PSUS4 since they both have USB connections for the printer. Which one would be better? And would I loose any of the printer functions if I used either one of them, like ink monitoring and such?

Thansk

Bill
 
would I loose any of the printer functions if I used either one of them, like ink monitoring and such?
Click to expand...

You will most likely loose the monitoring functions. I have 3 Printers, all on print servers in my house. None of the monitoring software works. You just learn to live without it.

The PPS1UW will work assuming your router has wireless capabilities or you have an AP. You didn't say.

The PSUS4 will also work but it is a wired print server with a 4 port switch built in. Over-kill unless you need the switch.

Print servers are pretty easy to set up if you follow the directions. I've been using them for years.

c3p0
:beer:
 
My preferred solution.

A Network capable entry level ?All in One? can be found for $100-$150.

Brothers Barnd offers a line of "All in One" that is Network ready, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de...000667QCS/102-4396029-4439305?v=glance

When you buy Network ready device every thing Printing Scanning, Faxing, etc. works through the Network (and it is a color copy machine too), you just plug it to an available switch port.

Therefore, instead of spending over $50 on printer server and have a partial disabled system get a Network ready printer.

:sun:
 
kater1, research the compatibility between your printer and any network print server before you buy - compatibility problems are common, especially with inkjets. You will also likely lose all two-way functions such as ink level reporting. And most SOHO-grade print servers have lousy performance and quirky at best management. I have not yet found a SOHO-grade network print server that I would recommend to anyone.
 
So the best bet if I want to keep my i960 is to leave it hooked to my computer and just share it like I am right now.
 
As usual, the answer is; it depends.

If you only use the printer for straight printing documents and pictures, the printer would print well.

However if you count on the Printer?s software application to tell you the status of the ink, what paper is used, when you are out of paper, changing feed location, and any other function that need two way traffic support through software, it would not work well with Printer Server Add-On.

:sun:
 
Quote: Another option would be to replace the router with one that includes a built-in USB printer port, such as these 3 listed on Newegg:
End of Quote.

Nah, I do not thing it would help, the issue is not the location of the printer server.

When a Printer is manufactured as Network ready the manufacturer writes a specific Drivers Utility combo that takes into consideration the exact make up of the Printer's Network Interface, and commands. A Hardware add-on Printer server is aware of the standard printing command but can Not be aware of the specific implementation of the hundreds printers models that are sold on today market.

In most cases, these things (the add-on printer server) are sold to use in small offices where so that few people can use the same printer, and do not need ?Jazzy Printing Mode?. Some one is usually assigned to check the printer ink/toner and paper status manually so there is no need for software feed back etc.

:sun:
 
Originally posted by: JackMDS
Quote: Another option would be to replace the router with one that includes a built-in USB printer port, such as these 3 listed on Newegg:
End of Quote.

Nah, I do not thing it would help, the issue is not the location of the printer server.

When a Printer is manufactured as Network ready the manufacturer writes a specific Drivers Utility combo that takes into consideration the exact make up of the Printer's Network Interface, and commands. A Hardware add-on Printer server is aware of the standard printing command but can Not be aware of the specific implementation of the hundreds printers models that are sold on today market.

In most cases, these things (the add-on printer server) are sold to use in small offices where so that few people can use the same printer, and do not need ?Jazzy Printing Mode?. Some one is usually assigned to check the printer ink/toner and paper status manually so there is no need for software feed back etc.

:sun:
Click to expand...

Correct. There'd be no functional difference between these 3 devices vs. a separate router & print server setup.
However, for the comparative prices, these would seem to be better solutions, at least when buying new.
Haven't tried or seen a comparison of these products, so can't comment on their router and/or firewall capabilities, vs. a standard wired router.
Also, don't know why Linksys or Netgear don't offer a similar "wired router with built-in USB print server" product.
 
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