Customer Reviews

Cisco-Linksys WPS54GU2 Wireless-G Print Server for USB 2.0

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(17)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(86)

 

 

After reading the mixed reviews for this, I still decided to try the Linksys Wireless Print Server. Although this is more expensive than the wired print server, I thought that it may be nice to locate my printers (one is USB and the other is parallel/USB) and wireless router in different locations. Neither printer is multi-function. I first tried a "wired" Linksys print server, but was unable to connect (2) USB printers using a hub - plus the price of the print server and the hub was nearly the same as the wireless device.

So far so good, but there are some things that I suggest you do when installing this device. These are based on personal experience, which has been a process of educated trial and error. An IT professional may do things differently, but if you were an IT professional, you probably wouldn't be reading these reviews. My network is almost entirely Linksys components (wireless router, wireless adapter, and print server), although I am using the network cards that were pre-installed with those computers that are hard wired to the router.

First, disable your firewall. This will allow you to test the compatibility of the printers, the network, and the print sever without the extra component to worry about. Once everything is up and running, you can enable your firewall and tweak any networking restrictions at that time.

Secondly, when configuring the router (which is the first step), you will need to have this "wired" to your router. This is part of the instructions, and should not come as a surprise. However, make sure you leave this "wired" until you have installed the print server drivers and software on all your networked computers. The install utility seems to have trouble finding the print server if you have disconnected the hard wire connection, even if the print server lights indicate it is already on the wireless LAN.

Thirdly, if you are using MAC address filtering, temporarily disable this. One you get the print server set up and running, you can find its MAC address using the web utility or the BI-admin utility, and then restore the filtering after adding the print server. However, if you want to use the web based configuration utility (like you use with your router), please follow the instructions in the following paragraph.

Fourth, once you have installed everything per the instructions, I recommend the following: give your print server a fixed IP address on your network (e.g. 192.168.1.171). My experience is this: If your router uses DHCP to assign IP addresses to your networked computers and servers, the print server does not always communicate back to the router, and your print server will sometimes "disappear" from your network after computers have been turned off and on. Something to do with the order the computers and servers are turned on. Setting this to a fixed address has cleared up those problems for me. Also, because the print server's address is fixed, you can access the web based configuration utility by typing in the same IP address each time.

Fifthly, find the MAC address using the web based or BI-admin utility. Now, if you are using these, reinstate your MAC address filtering, adding your print server's address to the allowed list.

Sixth, test and test again. Reboot your computers and unplug and re-plug your print server. Send documents to all your printers from all your computers - not just printer test pages. Print actual documents from a "Wordpad" or similar program.

Seventh, enable your firewall, remembering to enable access to your print server at the fixed IP address used above.

Eighth, test again just to make sure. If it doesn't work now, you know it's the network settings of your firewall.

This has seemed to work for me.

I have been Linksys fan for years. I have more than a dozen Linksys products in my house, from routers to access points to acess devices. Not only have the products been excellent and dead-easy to use, but the customer service has always been AMAZING! So given the option of paying $120 for a Dlink print servr or $170 for a Linksys, going with the Linksys was a no brainer.

First and foremost -- this product does not work with my HP psc 2410 photosmart printer. Moreover, customer support says that linkss is having problems getting there print server working with any USB printer. It supposedly works fine using the parallel port, but many new printers (and almost all new HPs) lack a parallel port. Additionally, Linksys customer support stated that this is a hardware issue, and will likely not be fixable via firmware or driver upgrades. As a result, I'll be buying my first non-Linksys networking product. Caveat emptor.

Yes, it's true, the Linksys documentation is lacking some the important details that many users will need in order to be efficient during product install. Now that I have my mini-home-network up and running, though, I am really quite pleased.

Here's my set-up: Windows XP, HP PSC 2110 USB printer, HP LaserJet 1100 parallel printer, Linksys WRT54GS Wireless Router, and Linksys WPS54GU2 Wireless Print Server.

Let me share some hints for those of you who buy the Linksys Wireless Print Server (WPS54GU2).

(1) Make sure print drivers are already installed on your PC before adding PrintServer. (2) Get your WirelessRouter up and running. (3) Turn off WindowsXP firewall. I left the Router's firewall on. (4) Add your PrintServer to your network as described in Quick Installation Guide. Yes, you need to set it up with it connected to your Router with a network cable. (5) Follow instructions for "Infrastructure" type. (6) Leave Security settings disabled. (7) Follow instructions to install PrintServer's drivers. This creates the ports to which you will print. If you don't have the printer(s) already installed then you cannot match the ports to your printers. (8) NOw, you should be able to print to your printers. (9) THIS IS WHERE LINKSYS SET-UP GUIDE CONGRATULATES YOU FOR COMPLETING THE INSTALLATION. BUT WAIT! YOU'RE PRINTSERVER IS STILL CONNECTED WITH A WIRE! YOU'RE NOT WIRELESS, YET!!! AAARRRGGGHHH!!!

(10) THE MYSTERY STEP: Go over to the PrintServer and disconnect the its network cable AND disconnect the PrintServer's power supply AND wait 1 minute. This resets the PrintServer from wired to wireless. Do not push the "Reset" button. Now, reconnect the PrintServer's power supply. Give the network a minute to see itself. You should be up and running wirelessly.

Note: Once it's all running, go back and add security settings. Also, the HP PSC 2110 is a multifunction printer with a scanner that I do not use, so I do not know whether the scanner works via this PrintServer.

I'd just like to start off saying that I've read all the reviews on this page. I usually base most of my online purchases from online reviews, but this time I'm glad I didn't. Here are the specs:

Me - 3rd Year Computer Engineering Technologist
Print Server - Linksys WPS54GU2
Printer - Lexmark E232 (Laser), USB
Computer 1 - Dell Latitude C600 (Laptop), 750MHz, 384MB RAM, Win XP Pro, Linksys WPC54G (Wireless)
Computer 2 - Compaq Presario (Desktop), 200MHz, 256MB RAM, Win 98SE, DLink 100MB NIC (Wired)
Router - Linksys WRT54G, 128bit WEP, MAC Filtering

All I did was take it out of the box and hook it up. Here is the first thing, YES, this IS a Wireless Print Server, BUT as you see I have a WEP key and MAC filtering. Any person in their right mind will be using some kind of security on their wireless network. If your not, then you've got worse problems. How could you possibly expect a device to connect to your wireless network right out of the box? Is it just going to KNOW your WEP key automatically? I don't think so. So you need some kind of hard wired way to configure it initially. So your options are for Linksys to put a RJ45 connection so you can hardwire it to your LAN OR put a USB connection so you have to install it as a device, configure it, then disconnect it and hope you got it right. PLUS, the wired connection allows you to use it as a wired print server, and allow the wireless to be used in AD-HOC mode for visiting wireless clients. This is not only cool, but it makes sense. So all of you that got upset because you had to hardwire it to your LAN, oh well. How about reading the product specs before buying something next time. Second, this unit is a PRINT server. Not a SCAN server or FAX server. So if you have a Multi-Function Printer, and you want to use the other features other than the printer, DON'T get a PRINT server. This isn't a Linksys, HP, Lexmark, or any other manufacturer defect. If you buy a print server, you want to use it for printing. If you want to scan and what not, hook it up to your PC and share the printer. You just need to understand that a DEDICATED PRINT SERVER is just that. It's not a PC; it's a little box that your printer plugs into. YES, there may be driver issues and stuff like that, but if it's that big of a problem, buy a dedicated printer. That's what I did. We've got our Lexmark X75 Multi-Function hooked right up to a PC, and the Lexmark E232 hooked up to the print server. It's quite easy to comprehend. Well I'm done my rant, here is my set up.

I plugged it all in. Ran the setup CD, entered my Static IP, WEP Key, and other specs into the print server. Tried to save the settings for a few minutes, and couldn't get it to work. Needless to say I wasn't happy. I almost became one of the many reviewers that gave this item a bad review. Then it came to me, I recalled seeing a note mentioning to disable your firewall. I shut down XP's firewall, and BOOM, the settings were saved. I then unplugged the print server and plugged it back in, both the Wired and Wireless lights were lit, and it wouldn't connect. As I soon figured out, if the wired connection is plugged in, it will get the Static IP and the wireless connection grabs a DHCP IP. So I unplugged the wired connection, unplugged and plugged in the print server again, and only the wireless light was lit this time. Still couldn't connect. This time it was my fault. I didn't enter the MAC of the Print Server into my router. Where did I get the MAC you ask? Well it's not on the bottom of the Print Server, it would have been nice, but it does come out on the test page that prints out when you press the reset button. Reset button?? YES, prior to doing anything you should have press the reset button down for a few seconds after your printer was plugged in. If it's compatible it spits out a page with various TCP/IP info and stuff. This should be your first step before trying to configure it or load drivers. After I got the MAC taken care of it was fine. So I already had the printer set up on my Laptop, so I ran the Driver Utility, it finds my printer, assigns it a port, and then you select the printer you already have installed (already has the right driver). Then it was all good. I turned my firewall back on and it printer fine. A test page and some other stuff. Next was off to the Desktop. This computer didn't have the E232 previously installed. So here's the process. Install the Linksys Driver utility, when it comes to the part to select the printer, add a new printer and use the driver for your printer, voila!!!, you get a port and your all set. I was able to print the test page and other stuff as well from this machine.

AND yes, you can print from wired and wireless computers when the print server is in wired or wireless mode. I'm not sure where somebody got this from, but I've tested both and they work fine. So here's the deal. I'm your typical, gotta have the latest technology, computer geek. So this was obviously something I 'needed' *lol*. If you're looking at this product, but are scared about these reviews, then do the following:

1. Buy it local, because if it doesn't work it's a lot easier to return.
2. Try the test page first. If you can't get that then talk to Linksys support.
3. Follow the directions. Don't try and pretend you know it all and mess up the install by skipping steps.
4. Read the reviews carefully. The ones that did get it to work had some very helpful hints that you won't see in the Linksys documents.

Also on another note, Linksys support is FREE. You can't expect them to be perfect. You get what you pay for. Yes they are outsourced to a call centre in India. So I definitely suggest the Link-Chat. I use it all the time and they are normally quite helpful, a little slow responding but helpful.

And this concludes my review. A Great piece of latest technology that make life easy. No dedicated computer for the printer, and no need to have it near a network jack.

John
Computer Engineering Technologist

Ok, first off, i did get this to install and it is working fine.
I am running Windows XP with sp2. My printers are an Epson c80 and a Samsung ML-1740. My wireless router is a US Robotics 8054.

Please look through the other reviews, there are many helpful hints. I will try to summarize them here. A note for those of you using multi-function devices: Print servers may allow you to print to your multi-function device, but they most likely will NOT allow you to operate the other functions. It is a PRINT server, not a scan/copy/fax server. Again these functions may work, but be aware, that the device you are reading about is not designed nor intended to be used in this way due to the nature of communications (bi-directional) required for scan/copy/fax activities.

To the setup:

You MUST physically connect the print server to your network via ethernet cable to initially install it. The print server has no way of knowing what your network setting are, and will NOT even attempt to find them out.

I would advise you to turn off firewalls, to prevent those types of problems.

I went through the setup program on the cd, and followed along in the instruction manual that came with the unit. Take your time, and be patient. It does work.

The utility will look for the print server on the network, if it is connected by ETHERNET CABLE, it should be able to be found.

I suggest assigning a static IP to the print server. This will help with two problems. 1. It makes it less likely that the print server will become "lost" on the network as computers log on and off and IP numbers are released and assigned. 2. It makes it easier to administer the print server as you always know what the ip address is for it.

Set the Print server's password, use something strong. Printer ink/toner is expensive, don't less rogue users waste it.

Wireless settings screen - VERY IMPORTANT (this is what tripped me up for a while). (I am adding this to an infrastructure network.)
1. The SSID is CaSe SeNsItIvE
2. Check the channel on your wireless router, no really check it and make sure they match.
3. Make sure you set the print server to the appropriate network type. Either Infrastructure or AD-Hoc.

Wireless Security screens - also VERY IMPORTANT
First, no this print server is not cabaple of WPA, but 128-bit WEP is better than nothing. I do wish that Linksys/Cisco would have changed that particular feature, but still.
So use 128-bit.
Enter a passphrase or click next to enter the HEXADECIMAL number manually.
NOTE: The key is HEXADECIMAL, if your router is set up using ASCII, you must change it to HEX.
This may go without saying, but all the wireless and security settings MUST BE THE SAME between the print server and the router.

Next you have to install the print server driver. And yes you have to set this up on all of the computers that will print on your network.

On the install CD splash screen it is the "User Install" link.

Install it to the location of your choice. Then run it.



Your ethernet cable should still be hooked up.



Ok, it asks if you are ready to begin, click ok.
Select a port and click "ok". One thing also to note. The first port is the parallel port, the second port is the USB port.
It should add the port succesfully, and tell you so.
If your printer is already installed select it from the list and click "connect". If not, (i deleted all mine from my "Printers and Faxes") then select "Add new printer".

i recommend replacing the print drivers even if they are the same, this makes sure your driver files are uncorrupted. After the printer is added, you should return into the Port setup screen. The port you just setup, should now be yellow and have an "x" next to it. Repeat the procedure for the other printer (if applicable). Make sure you hit "connect" (with the printer highlighted), for BOTH printers.

Install the drivers on all computers on your network. And try printing from all the computers use wordpad or word or notepad in addition to doing test pages.

Once all the computers are set up, then you can switch over to wireless mode. As the other reviews say, unplug the print server's power, then unplug the ethernet cable. Wait 2 or 3 minutes before plugging it back in. You do NOT need to hit reset. If all the wireless settings (most importantly security) are correct, it will log onto the wireless network and you will be all set. ENJOY!

If it still doesn't work, go back though the guide step-by-step and rad through the reviews of people who got it to you. Be patient, and in most cases you should be able to figure it out.

If you are hesitent, buy it locally, and you can take it back if necessary.

Good Luck! and be patient, mine works fine!

Lots of calls to tech support and even have had a warranty exchange - still can not print to two printers. Only working with one printer.

Tech support told me, "that this print server only works with one printer, the USB and Parallel ports are to give you a choice of which printer you want to use." I said that the box says nothing of the sort (it actually says you can use two printers at the same time). Tech support also told me, "your Canon i850 inkjet might not work with this print server." Again, the box says nothing about this possible problem. I asked for a list of "non-supported printers", Tech support won't reveal them and won't post them on the Linksys website. They did say that many multi-function printers won't work, but this Canon is not a multi-function or all-in-one.

All of my other network parts are made by Linksys.

I agree, the documentation of the WPS54GU2 is a too little.
First of all, thanks to everyone on this forum. It helped me to solute my problem.

The technical support of linksys isn't that bad, you can reach them via chat: http://www.linksys.com/support/TechSupport.asp and then click "LinkChat". Now you can contact a support engineer which can be very helpfull.

FIRST OFF ALL: THE SSID, THE WIRELESS CHANNEL AND THE WEP ENCRYTION OF THE PRINTER SERVER MUST BE THE SAME AS YOUR ROUTER!!!!!

Here is my solution (It costs me about 2 hours to find out...):
1) Connect the printer directly to your PC. Install the printer drivers / software. 2) Disable all firewalls (WinXP firewall included) and WEP encryptions in your network. 3) Now follow the Quick Installation Guide (Before running the wizard: Connect printer to WPS54GU2. Then connect ethernet cable, one end in your Printer Server and the other end in your router. After that power on the WPS54GU2. If you are planning to use the device wireless I suggest to set a static IP address for the WPS54GU2 which is out of the range of your routers DHCP server. Example: DHCP range: 192.168.1.2 - 192.168.1.15. Printer Servers IP: 192.168.1.20). 3) Now run the 'User install' to install the Printer Server Driver (You must have installed a printer first!). 4) Try to print out something. You should be able to print now. 5) To switch over to wireless operation: Power off the WPS54GU2. Disconnect the (wired) Ethernet cable. Wait approximately 30 sec - 1 min. 6) After waited about 1 minute, power on the Printer Server (This will set the Printer Server from LAN to WLAN). Don't touch the reset button. 7) Restart your router and PC. 8) You should be able to print wireless now. 9) Use the web-based utility to set all the settings of the WPS54GU2 (In my case: open the internet explorer browser and type 192.168.1.20 -> IP adress of the Printer Server). 10) Reset all you firewall and encryption settings. Also set the encryption for the WPS54GU2 (via web-based interface). WARNING: THIS MUST BE THE SAME ENCRYPTION AS YOUR ROUTER!!!

Good luck!

A satisfied WPS54GU2 user

I purchased this Linksys print server a couple of months ago but I can not recommend it as a buy today. My system was recently compromised in spite of my up-to-date fire wall. Since that time, I learned a lot more about wireless security:

(1) "WPA" security protocol provides superior protection for your wireless network and your data - this Linksys print server does NOT have it.

(2) "WEP" security protocol is far inferior - your home network and private data are at a greater risk; anyone with a little tech savvy can just sniff the air to gain access to your data. WEP can help prevent some casual outsiders from accidentally stumbling onto your network but it cannot stop intentional network snoopers. Linksys has WEP but you don't want it.

(3) Lastly, please know that which ever security option you choose, it is an all or nothing proposition: either all wireless devices on your network must be set to WPA or all to WEP. (If you don't, your network devices...computers, printers, etc...will not be able to communicate with each other.)

Unfortunately, this print server does NOT support WPA - this is a bad thing. Also, unfortunately, Linksys tech support and documentation guide you through setting up your network using the less secure security (WEP) setup. Don't listen to them. WPA is tougher yet easier to setup.

Even at 128 bit encryption, MAC filtering and no SSID broadcasting, WEP still puts your wireless network at risk -- information can be easily sniffed out and compromised.

Special Note: In addition, your software fire wall will have to treat your wireless router as a "trusted" network even though you are connected to the Internet. This is required so that your wireless devices can work together. So you have to strengthen -- not weaken -- your key wireless components (router, print server) with the strongest security available (WPA). Adding this print server to your network will force you to reduce the security level of all your wireless devices.

Pass on this print server in favor of a more secure WPA enabled device instead. Linksys does offer the WPS54G on Amazon. Like most wireless Linksys devices, the setup is a headache but once it is done, you will rest easier. I noticed that Netgear also offers a WPA enabled print server on Amazon as well.

If your network has not gotten hit yet, either you don't know you have been hit or it just may be a matter of time. WEP is false security.

For more info, check out the 'Wi-Fi Alliance' for certified "WPA" products https://certifications.wi-fi.org/wbcs_certified_products.php

For more discussions on WPA and WEP comparisons see the "Security Now!" transcripts of Steve Gibson, security guru, discussions on:

"Bad Wi-Fi Security - WEP and MAC Address Filtering" - [...]
"Unbreakable Wi-Fi Security" - [...]

So while this print server works, why settle for second best security? I hope this information helps...

Linksys WPS54GU2 was the second wireless print server I tried. Previously returned a DLINK (they at least have a list of compatible printers on their website, but their tech support NEVER answered the phone EVER after HOURS of calling and calling).

So I did a live chat session with Linksys tech support to find out what printers ARE compatible with their product. Tried same with Brother and HP. Only Linksys would actually test the printers with their print server and tell me if it worked or not with their equipment. I bought a Brother printer that worked with the Linksys print server. Don't ever call Linksys (I waited on hold for them forever); live chat is worth trying though if you have a compatibility question.

My (Linksys!) wireless router started dropping every 5min once I had the printer/print server up and running. I called a pay-for tech support service called Dial-A-Tech (www.dialatech.com, 877-777-TECH) and they told me to reset my router channel to something higher than the default. I did this. I can now have on the print server AND my router at the same time & not get repeatedly thrown off the internet. I got my answer a LOT easier than trying to deal with the Linksys directly, and wasn't on hold hardly at all. And the guy who helped me had a New England accent. Native speaker of English. :)

But I have to call Dial-A-Tech back and get them to figure this one out: I had to disable firewall to install initially. Fine. Well, I've NEVER been able to use the print server SINCE if the firewall is enabled. That's right. I have to disable the firewall *every* time I want to print, then turn it back on to protect my computer. (Win XP Pro)

It's kind of nice being able to print from any room in the house, but I question the value relative to the aggravation and money I have gone through. I think I'll really like it once it's ever working seamlessly and a few months have passed. I've been really unhappy with all of the "free" technical support from the manufacturers & only seem to get good, fast troubleshooting when I go to a pay-for-tech-support service. I'm not scared of technology, but this is not a product I could set up myself with only the paltry documentation Linksys provides.

Ok so here's the scoop. I have a Dell laptop running XP Pro & a Linksys WRT54g Router & a Canon MP730 Multifunction Printer. I also have a port replicator attached directly to the router via ehternet cable. In order for me to use my printer both wirelessly & through the port replicator I had to also buy a USB switch (About $30). I downloaded the drivers twice and called one "wireless Printer" and the other MP730. I usually use my laptop in another room so I set the "wireless printer" as my default and the USB switch set to the Linksys printserver. It works flawlessly. HERE ARE THE EXCEPTIONS: When going through the printserver the only feature that works is the print feature. All other functions of my printer do not work through the print server. Also be advised that if you lose power to the print server you will have to reinstall the wireless part of it. To eliminate this simply connect an ethernet cable to your router and you can still print wirelessly. Customer service is useless so dont even bother. All & all it works great. The installation is a bit tricky but follow other peoples recomendations from these reviews. Also, if you mess up the easiest way is to uninstall the printserver & start over