[CS-FSLUG] Network printer sharing with Windows

[Frank Bax]

At 09:26 PM 10/7/05, Nathan T. wrote:
>Where do I get information on one of these network printer servers and how 
>much do they tend to go for.
>
>The lats time I saw anything like that, it was some sort of router with a 
>print server built in, do they have usb ports on them and run Windows CE 
>or something?


These devices connect your printer directly to network.  An embedded OS 
(probably not Windows) runs the device and the ones I've used included a 
web based interface for configuration.  Windows and Linux workstations 
communicate with these devices using "lpr" drivers.

I've used D-Link DI-704P and StarTech PM1110P (both parallel) and they both 
work well with both Windows and Linux (install and forget about them).  I 
see that DI-704UP and PM1110U models support USB printers.
         http://www.dlink.com/products/category.asp?cid=10&sec=0
         http://startech.com/ststore/itemlist.cfm?product_desc=print+server
Usually C$80-100, but I've seen them as low as C$50 on sale or with 
rebates.  I have used DI-704P print server with and without router 
funtionality.

Stay away from discontinued D-link DP-300 if you find it available used. 
There is no web interface.  Admin program (windows only) requires IPX 
protocol installed.

I've also used HP JetDirect cards (plugin for laser printers).  The biggest 
complaint I have with *all* of these print servers (Dlink, StarTech, HP) is 
that the Windows drivers will not install unless the manufacturers device 
is on the local network and working during installation of drivers.  I 
sometimes need to setup systems for remote install and it's a pain to 
install drivers when local network config is different than remote.  Once 
the driver is installed, most of them will work with a competitors server 
device, but driver installation requires device by same manufacturer to be 
on local network.

I have a couple of older Startech PM1000IPNDS (parallel, 10Mbit) looking 
for a good home.

Frank