Linksys WPS54GU2 Wireless-G Print Server for USB 2.0

Rating:
Summary: Incompatible
Review: No incompatibility list from the vendor... it just never worked.

It did not work with any of MY printers, multi-function or single-function, ink jet or laser jet per Linksys.

They need a compatibility list. Worst Linksys product I have every attempted use.

Rating:
Summary: Avoid this print server and you'll be happy
Review: if what you have is a desire to print on a wireless network, that is.

I bought this product for a Lexmark single-function printer. It never worked. It never indicated an incompatibility problem; it just never worked.

I bought an HP multi-function printer recently and tried again. Was able to get my GF's W2K PC to print, once, and then she lost her association with the printer. My XP PC never worked.

Called Linksys and spoke with a nice woman who, although she was monolingual Hindi-speaking, did repeatedly and courteously read from her script and was unable to assist me in any way before thanking me for my 45 minutes on the phone and ending the conversation.

This print server is a POS and Linksys never mentioned anything about compatibility issues... apparently my print server is incompatible with printers.

Rating:
Summary: No problems so far - recommended
Review: I feel the pain of the several folks who complained about this not working. But I suffered none of the issues cataloged in those reviews.

I did follow the tips kindly suggested by others, and had only one minor glitch: the Setup Wizard initially did not see the PrintSever. The simple fix was to exit and restart the Setup Wizard. Then everything went very smoothly. I installed the printers beforehand; shutdown my firewall; disabled WEP, etc. No problems, and all my usual configuration is back to normal within an hour. ZoneAlarm did not require any tweaking, and I am printing without having to temporarily disable ZoneAlarm.

I've a DSL connection, and for the setup, I simply detached my access point from the DSL modem and relocated it temporarily while I configured the printserver, for convenience. Lifting the bridge over the moat, as it were, also made me feel better about disabling ZoneAlarm for the installation.

The Linksys documentation isn't explicit about this: Once the PrintServer is configured, you install the PrintServer driver on other network computers using the Setup Wizard's "User Install" option. You can do this wirelessly, using the Setup Wizard CD. Be sure to have installed the printer driver(s) on those other computers, before installing the PrintServer driver.

My Linksys PrintServer has Firmware Version 6032, dated 11/17/2003 - which is what's available on the Linksys web site as of 2/5/2005. I'm using Win XP Pro SP 2 on an old Gateway CPU; Win XP Home SP 2 on a Toshiba laptop; ZoneAlarm Pro version 5.5.062.004, and a Hewlett-Packard Laserjet 2420dn, a nice machine with duplex printing built-in. I leave the Microsoft XP firewall disabled. I have a mix of Linksys and Netgear wireless cards, and a Linksys BEFW11S4 ver. 2 access point/router/switch.

Rating:
Summary: Important Quick tips!
Review: I spent about 8 hours trying to get this device to work. It was all configured correctly and print jobs were going to the queue, but nothing was printing. I tried this on 2 different printers. Including the QMS 1250W and a Dell A960 printer.

Frustrated, I eventually called Linksys support.

The first thing the support agent told me was to hold down the "Reset" button for 3 - 5 seconds. It should print out the configuration details including the IP address. If this does not print, it indicate the device does not support your printer!!!
How easy is that?
Why does Linksys not include this very helpful and simple tip in the quick start???
However, if you are trying to print a test page, you probably have already bought the device.
I would strongly recommend avoiding frustration and call Linksys prior to buying the item. That way you will avoid having to return the item when you find out your device is not supported.

Come on Linksys, you have let me down this time around!!




Rating:
Summary: It is somewhat tricky, but it does work!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Wirlesss Print Server Consistently Unreliable
Review: Twice a month the server lost its programming. There is very little in the manual that could help. Calling for support meant an around the world conversation which was not helpful or the support worker did not know what to do. I finally disconnected the server and gave up. It was a waste of money.

Rating:
Summary: Not stable
Review: I purchased this print server to be used with a Samsung laser printer (via USB). I do not need the wireless capabilities, but I opted for it for future expansion.

I find that the print server is flakey in my setup. Half the time, the printer cannot be found on the network. To fix this, I have to unplug and replug the power cable. This seems to reset everything and I'll be able to print a few things before it happens again.

Note that this is using the simplest of all possible network setups -- static IP address through ethernet, and I still have problems!

I have been hoping that Linksys would fix the quirks and release a new firmware, but since it's been over a year, I suspect any future Linksys support is unlikely.

Rating:
Summary: Works Great
Review: I was able to configure my Canon MP780 with the wireless router with no problems. Eventhough I have seen other reviews that state that this product will not work with multifunction printers I have found this not to be the case.