Linksys Wireless-G PrintServer WPS54G user reviews (print server)

4.5 stars

"Linksys WPS54G Wireless-G Print Server" on January 3, 2007 by TechnoMommy

Pros: Great Wireless Printer Server for Non-BiDirectional Printers (ie Multifunctional Printers)

Cons: Difficult setting up if you do not use the setup disc.

Summary: I have been working with my home networking for about 3 years now and thought I new it all. So I tried to setup this printer server my own way. Which took me a couple hours to realize my way was not working. So I used the setup disc and followed it step by step.
Made sure the WEP matched the WEP on the router. Then "BAM" it works like a dream.

This is not a Multifunctional Printer Server. Printer/Fax/Scanners needs bi-directional communication with computers to scan documents and read ink levels.

(Bi-Directional means 2 way communication)

This is a great printer server for the average color inkjet or small monochrome laser printer.

I use this printer server with a Minolta QMS 1250W Monochrome printer.

Linksys has come out with a new Multifunctional Printer Server (WPSM54G). Which supposed have Bi-Directional Capability. It came out December 2006 and there is no reviews yet for it or information on Linksys Website. But you can buy it at Walmart.com for $110.

3.5 stars

"Works great after working to set it up" on January 23, 2005

Pros: Error-free, fast printing once set up. Physically smaller size and lower price than others on market.

Cons: Installations instructions flat out wrong. Knowledge base not yet populated. Must call tech support. Disappointed that claimed WPA support is not provided. Print spooling must be disabled, so application sending job remains tied up until near end of print

3.5 stars

"Sorry, no multifunction support" on August 20, 2005 by scoamarks

Pros: Cisco backed reliability, easy setup.

Cons: Does not support multifunction printers.

Summary: I am a Network Engineer by profession and decided to test the Linksys WPS54G at home because there were so many conflicting reviews. The setup was fairly easy, but for the average home user I believe it could present some challenges. Follow some of these tips to make the setup easier. If your wireless network is setup with MAC filters or encryption, disable both of these prior to setup. You can reactivate them later after you have added it to your network. Configure the device from a machine that is hard wired to the network. Do not attempt to configure the device from a computer connected via wireless connection or it could cause problems. Make sure that whatever printer you want to use with the device is setup on your computer prior to installing the print server. Later in the setup, the printer configuration looks for the printer driver to be already installed on your computer. The printer configuration automatically installs a new TCP/IP printer port, so there is no need to manually configure one. There were also some questions in other reviews whether this device will work with multifunction machines. It will work fine if you only want to print. But the other functions will not work, i.e. scanning. It says right on the box that it is not recommended with multifunction devices. I have an Epson CX5400 and the scanning function would not work with it. Epson recommends using their wireless print server with their multifunction machines (part number: C12C824221 $179.99). Ouch! There were also some comments that the print server gets hot. The specifications say it will operate up to 104 degrees F under normal conditions. So I don’t really see this as a concern. Overall this is a good wireless print server, but not for multifunction printers.

4.0 stars

"Great Investment - I bought Two!!" on September 20, 2005 by ajtrek

Pros: Does What It's Suppose to Do - Will Send Print To MFP's

Cons: Geared toward a Linksys Router - Setup Wizard Has Limited Capability - Effective Tech Support Depends Upon Who Answers The Call

Summary: This is an excellent print server. It prefers to interface with a Linksys router; but with extra effort it will work with others. The provided CD setup wizard is adequate up to a point. If you are using WEP security (with a Manual Key) it will not allow you proceed without entering a "passphrase". To continue beyond this point you must logon to the setup website usng the print servers IP address which should have been displayed during the initial setup using the CD. You may have to change the last number of the print server's IP address if you have other components using that same number. Once you make the change that is the IP address you will use to access the print server on-line. Contrary to popular belief the print server WILL work with MFP's. You will not be able to use the scan, copy or fax functions (wirelessly); but you can PRINT wirelessly. All you have to do is setup a standard TCP/IP port for the printer using the same IP address as the print server's. I did so with a Canon MP730 MFP. Dependable Tech Support depends upon who answers your call (language and sometimes knowledge base problems exist).