3.0 out of 5 stars
A stellar three-star product.
Reviewed in the United States on 23 September 2010
Update: I've since found the official software for this print server online (Amazon doesn't allow links; it wasn't Netgear's site, but a simple Google search for "netgear ps121 driver" should produce a page hosted at softpedia dot com, about three sites down). It works so that you won't need to assign the print server a static IP (otherwise basically required), which might be incentive enough for a novice.
Update again: Sometimes when I'd print via the ps121, the printer would spit out garbled text, sometimes blank sheets, and often sheet after sheet of blank paper or one line of scrambled text per sheet, not stopping until I would physically hit cancel on the printer. And sometimes it would print just fine. I thought it was a defective print server, but I had it replaced and the problem persisted. I tried everything I know possible on all three PCs (including about every combination of settings) and nothing helped. I am only left to speculate, however I believe my printer (Brother HL-5140) is not compatible with the ps121 (despite several accounts to the contrary).
I purchased my unit refurbished from a third-party seller. I say this because the item I received came with only the print server, proper cables and a sheet or two about warranty; no CD/drivers nor installation instructions.
It's somewhat finicky to set up. First, plug in the power and then the included Ethernet cable from the ps121 to your router. Access your router's firmware to see what IP the DHCP server assigned the ps121, and use a browser to access the webGUI (just type the ps121's IP address into a browser, e.g. 192.168.1.4). From here (under "LAN IP Setup") you can designate the ps121 as a DHCP client or assign it a static IP, preferably outside your DHCP server's range (the latter method is highly recommended). If you opt to keep the default "DHCP client" option on, the only way I know how it could work, without the Netgear software, would be by assigning it a static IP in your router's firmware (should be an option under "DHCP Server" or something similar).
In my experience, make sure you plug the printer into the ps121 last. I know some others noticed a problem with the printer not registering unless the Ethernet is connected first.
I have it working with Xubuntu Linux, Windows Vista and Windows XP. Here's a rough explanation on how I managed to successfully print from each OS, for anyone interested. Remember: I had no installation CD to work with; if your unit came with a CD or any instructions, I would advise trying that first.
Windows XP Home (with SP3):
1. Click "Add a printer" in the Printers and Faxes page (either from the Control Panel, or Start > Settings > Printers and Faxes)
2. Despite being a network printer, select "Local printer attached to this computer" and uncheck "Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer"
3. Select (near bottom of window) "Create a new port" > "Standard TCP/IP Port"
4. In "Printer Name or IP Address" enter the IP address you assigned the ps121 via webGUI, or have a look at your router's DHCP leases if you don't remember. Port name will fill out automatically.
5. It might take a minute or two, then come up with "Additional Port Information Required." Select "Standard" > "Generic Network Card" (should be default)
6. Again, wait a minute or two, then select your printer's make and model from the list. You may need to provide the drivers for your printer. If you're having trouble with this step, try plugging your printer directly into your computer (via USB) to install the drivers before installing over the network.
From here it should be fairly straightforward. If you want to switch form RAW to LPR, see below.
Windows Vista (with SP2):
Prerequisite: must be logged in with administrative privileges.
1. Click "Add a printer" in the Printers page (either from the Control Panel, or Start > Settings > Printers)
2. Despite being a network printer, click "Add a local printer"
3. Select "Create a new port" > "Standard TCP/IP Port"
4. Select "Device type" > "TCP/IP Device"; in "Hostname or IP address" enter the IP address you assigned the ps121 via webGUI, or have a look at your router's DHCP leases if you don't remember. Port name will fill out automatically. "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use" should be checked.
5. It might take a minute or two, then come up with "Additional Port Information Required." Select "Standard" > "Generic Network Card" (should be default)
6. Again, wait a minute or two, then select your printer's make and model from the list. You may need to provide the drivers for your printer. If you're having trouble with this step, try plugging your printer directly into your computer (via USB) to install the drivers before installing over the network.
From here it should be fairly straightforward. If you want to switch form RAW to LPR, see below.
Xubuntu Linux (10.04):
1. Click the plus sign in Printing (Applications > System > Printing for Xubuntu, or System > Administration > Printing for Ubuntu)
2. Click "Network Printer" to expand, then select "LPD/LPR Host or Printer" and type the ps121's IP in Host, then click Probe
3. It might take a minute or two to, then click Forward when it says "PASSTHRU" in Queue
4. Again, wait a minute or two. An occasional pop-up window is normal ("Searching for drivers" etc.)
5. Select your printer's make and model from the list. Use recommended drivers. If your printer is not listed, you may need to provide PPD drivers.
6. Select a printer name (can't contain spaces) and description, then click Apply
That should do it.
You can change a configured printer from RAW to LPR (in Windows XP and Vista):
From the Printers (and Faxes) page, right-click on desired printer and click Properties. Select the Ports tab, then click "Configure Port..." and change Protocol from RAW to LPR. In Queue Name, type "P1" (without quotes) and check the box "LPR Byte Counting Enabled"
Hit OK, then Close.
Some notes:
* The printer I used was a Brother HL-5140 (which is not listed in Netgear's compatibility list).
* Multifunction printers such as combination printer/scanner only support the printing function via the ps121, as far as I know.
* The printer queue is located on P1 (i.e. \\[ps121's name or IP]\P1; e.g. lpd://192.168.1.2/P1, etc.). You'll need to know this if using OS X.
I hope it works out for you.
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