Linksys WPS11 Wireless-B Print Server

Average customer rating: 2.5

Here's the CORRECT Install Guide
works great with os/x
Problem is on part of Customer Service rather than product
No problems
Great product, although setup can be a little confusing

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Linksys WPS11 Wireless-B Print Server

Manufacturer: Linksys
Product Group: CE
Binding: Electronics
ASIN: B00005Y7DP

Related Categories:

Wireless

Other Networking Devices

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802.11b Standard

Print Servers

All Wireless

Print Servers

Wireless-B (802.11b)

802.11b Standard

Print Servers

Up to $200

Networking

Product Description

The WPS11 EtherFast Instant Wireless PrintServer makes it easy to add a printer to your wireless network. Preserve system resources and avoid the bottleneck headaches that are almost inevitable when you attach a printer to a network node. Instead, place a printer anywhere in range of your wireless devices using this compact, precision device. Runs with virtually all Parallel port printers Supports multiple simultaneous print jobs Integrates through both Ethernet and Wireless connections 256KB RAM buffer 512KB flash memory Free tech support - 24/7; North America only System Requirements - Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000, Parallel printer, Ethernet connection for configuration 1.18H x 5.91W x 8.66D Includes AC adapter

Customer Reviews:

Here's the CORRECT Install Guide.......2006-05-03

Configuring the WPS11 Wireless Print Server

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Setting Up the Print Server
The easiest way to set up the WPS11 is to use the web interface (Web GUI). This doesn't require the Linksys Bi-Admin software.

In order to access the Web GUI, you need to know what the IP of the PrintServer is. Upon first booting (if configured for DHCP), and booting after a hard reset (10 seconds holding the reset button while plugging in the power), the PrintServer will look on the first connected interface for a DHCP server to get its IP address from.

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How to Determine the IP Address

Holding the reset button while the PrintServer is running will generate a printout of the configuration of the printserver. The IP address will be listed here.

You can look on your router Web GUI to see what IP address has been assigned to the PrintServer.

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If You Can't Plug It into the Router to Configure
Use an Ethernet crossover cable and let it start up. Make sure it's connected to a printer. Hold down the reset button for about 2 seconds, and let it print the diagnostic page. The IP will be somehwhere in 169.x.x.x. Set your computer's IP to that range, then enter the PrintServer's address in a browser. Configure.

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IP Settings
The best way to set up the IP on the print server is to use Static DHCP. This way you centralize network configuration in your router.
You can also use a static IP address. Just make sure the address is on the same subnet as the rest of your machines and that it is out of the DHCP assigment range of your DHCP server.

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Wireless Settings
Set the SSID of your network. It is case-sensitive. SSIDs with spaces should be okay.
Set the channel of your wireless network here. The PrintServer seems to scan all channels, but this option requires a setting, so set it to the best of your knowledge.
If your network uses encryption, enter the WEP key here. The WPS11 doesn't support WPA or other encryption/authentication methods.

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After Configuration
After finishing, go back to the setup page in the Web GUI, and click the RESET button. Unplug the Ethernet cable, and go about Joining the WPS11 to Your Wireless Network.

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Joining the WPS11 to Your Wireless Network
I've found that you need to bring the PrintServer near the wireless AP in order for it to associate at first. There is no way to tell that the device is associated except when the WLAN light on the PrintServer flashes.

Unplug the PrintServer and bring it well within range of the wireless network, and plug it in. Wait a few minutes and the PrintServer should associate. Confirm this by visiting the Web GUI of the router on the IP you assigned to it. If everything's okay, unplug and move the PrintServer to the location you want to use it, and connect the printer. Obviously it still needs to be within range of the wireless AP.

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Setting Up a Windows XP Client
1. Open Printers and Faxes in the Control Panel
2. Click Add a Printer on the left.
3. Click 'Next'
4. Select "Local Printer"
5. Click 'Creat a New Port'
6. In Type of Port, select Standard TCP/IP Port
7. Click 'Next', a new wizard will pop up
8. Type in the IP of the print server as configured above. The port name will automatically be filled in.
9. Select "Custom", click the 'Settings' button
10. Select "LPR"
11. Under LPR Settings, Type a name for the print queue. P1 is a good name.
12. Click 'OK', the window will close
13. Click 'Next'
14. Click 'Finish'. A new driver selection window will pop up.
15. The type of printer connected to the print server should already be detected, otherwise, choose the printer.
16. Follow the wizard to completion.
17. Go to Printers and Faxes in the Control Panel
18. Right click on the new printer and select Properties
19. Go to the "Ports" tab.
20. At the bottom of the window, uncheck "Enable bidirectional support". The print server does not report back to your computer when you print, so there may be delays if this is checked and your computer is waiting for a status report from the printer that will never come.

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Setting Up a Mac OS X Client
Setting up a Mac OS X machine should be pretty easy using IPP instead of AppleTalk. The important things to remember is the IP address and this is an LPR printer.

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Special Considerations
If wireless is connected upon bootup, wireless will be used. Ethernet upon bootup, Ethernet used.
It is necessary to restart the print server when switching from wireless to Ethernet and vice-versa.
You should turn off unnecessary protocols in the Web GUI such as AppleTalk, NetBEUI.

works great with os/x.......2005-09-23

I had it working with OS/X in less than 5 minutes via cups. Windows XP, of course, took much more effort and time. So far it has been working flawlessly except for the usual Windows XP related driver troubles. I would recommend this product, especially for use with OS/X or other Unix based systems that use cups such as Freebsd, Linux, Solaris, etc.

Problem is on part of Customer Service rather than product.......2005-09-22

This is a nice little piece of equipment, with easy to follow set up instructions. The problem seems to lie with Linksys customer service reps(csr), more than the product itself. In an attempt to print on a printer located in another area of my home, csr told me that it was not a matter of configuring my router or access point, but that a print server was needed - so I purchased the one she suggested. I tried to configure it, but had difficulty. Csr tells me it won't work w/multi-funtion printers - which is what I had. I asked if there were specific models that were compatible - 'no...any single-function printer will work.' I needed a new printer anyway, so bought a HP 3845. Called csr again...the print server accepted only a parallel port connection, not a USB which this printer had, and there's no way to work around that. 'Very sorry about that...need to exchange for another model'. I wasn't quite sure I trusted the info I'd gotten, so I called back again & spoke to someone else, inquiring if all info is accurate. I'm assured it is. Now I exchange for the newly-recommended model.....have difficulty installing.....call csr.......seems this model isn't compatible w/the new printer!!!!! Csr actually recommended a few printer models (all HPs) in case I was interested in purchasing yet another new printer -- here's the best part.....I went to the HP website and each of the models he suggested are discontinued!!!! Thank goodness for Amazon's great return policy....I've decided I'm just going to walk the laptop upstairs, connect the USB cable and print directly!!!

No problems.......2005-08-15

I installed on a three computer wireless network using the quick install. All computers print on demand. I use a linksys wireless router, two linksys wireless cards and a third with internal wireless(Compaq laptop).

Great product, although setup can be a little confusing.......2005-06-09

After a few set up difficulties, this product has performed reliably. A word of caution: When you install the driver and add a new printer, make sure you select "local printer attached to this computer." Do NOT select "network printer." Another word of advice: If you choose to set the printserver up wirelessly, make sure that your network is set to the factory default (SSID linksys, no WEP encryption, channel 6) or you will waste hours of time on the setup. If you keep recieving an error message when you try to print, try turning the windows firewall on your computer off. Once the device is set up properly, you should experience no further difficulties.

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