Setting up a Print Server

studentdave

I have a Linksys WGKPC354G 54G MODEM ROUTER, and which connects 3PCs (wired) and 1 laptop (wireless).

I have brother hl2030 laser printer.

Using a Netgear PS121 USB ethernet network print server, how do I share one printer to any computer even if the host PC is switched off?

I plug the USB printer into the server and the RJ45 into the router, what next? Do I change any settings?

All computers have ZoneAlarm basic firewall

Chippy_Minton

studentdave wrote:

Using a Netgear PS121 USB ethernet network print server, how do I share one printer to any computer even if the host PC is switched off?

You can't do it with the PS121 because it doesn't have an RJ-45 Ethernet connection. In your configuration the host computer must be switched on to allow the other computers to print because all printing has to go through the host computer.

Either fit the optional NC-2100p network interface, or (more flexible) buy a USB/Ethernet print server, e.g. this one. Then the printer can be connected directly to the router and will be independent of any computers.

studentdave

I've just bought this one from ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Netgear-PS121-USB-ethernet-network-print-server_W0QQitemZ5874436003QQcategoryZ108998QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Are you saying this would not be compatible?

According to this http://www.netgear.com/products/details/PS121.php
there is an RJ-45 socket on the netgear ps121, look under system requirements

Chippy_Minton

Sorry, you are correct. I didn't check carefully enough :rolleyes:

In that case connect the print server's USB port to the printer and its Ethernet port to the router via straight-through Ethernet cable.

And for sharing the printer, see the User Manual on the PS121 Support Page.

plonky_2

I note your printer is not on the list of verified compatible units.
http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101216.asp

Mine is not on the list either but I did manage to somehow get it printing over the network for a couple of days. Haven't had a chance to investigate the problem yet so I reverted to reattaching the printer to one of the PCs

Little_John

Configuration wise is simple. (usually) this is more a general guide and not specific to the netgear one but should give you enough to get it running if you read the pages properly.

The print server will have a default IP address normally 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 the manual wil tell you this.It may be set to DHCP which will issue the print server automatically with an IP address once it locates theDHCPserver on your network (normally your router) if the IP address is set to a different range to your network set the pc to the same address range just add 1 to the final number and away you go.

Connect the rj45 cable to the eithernet port and the other end to your router/switch.

once you know the IP address open internet explorer and enter the IP address in the address bar of the pc, yo should get the print server config page. set the IP address to a free IP address for your network.

once the printserver has an IP address for your network then reset the pc's IP address to what it was before. test the connection to it by entering the ip address in internet explorer it should open the config page again.

the bit to make the printer work
open printers and faxes or printer in windows 2000
right click the printer and click properties
click the ports tab then add new port
select tcp/ip port, click next then enter the IP address of the print server and next to the end.

click apply, general tab and and print a test page, some printers wont work on a print server and if any wont I would expect a brother to be problemattic