NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server
by Netgear Inc

Our Price: $149.00
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $24.99 (click here)
Category: CE
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Digital Photo Product Details

• Print server lets you share a printer with multiple users on a network
• Built-in parallel port eliminates need for a cable
• 10 Mbps Ethernet port and on-board memory makes for quick printing
• Backed by a 3-year warranty
• Device measures 2.35 x 0.79 x 2.24 inches (WxHxD)

• AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable (50 Feet/15.2 Meters)
• AmazonBasics RJ45 Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable (14 Feet/4.2 Meters)
• Belkin F3U133-06 Pro Series Hi-Speed USB Cable (Six-Feet)

Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server

Customer Review: I've had no problems
Summary: 5 Stars

The PS101 met my expectations.

Our network is one server running Server 2003, nine workstations running windows 2000, two workstations running windows XP, a hardware router/firewall (does the DHCP) and a DSL modem in addition to the printer previously mentioned. I installed the Netgear print server in the HP (It fit nicely), installed the Netgear software only on the server. I reconfigured the IP address on the print server to a fixed IP using the netgear adminstration software(this is what is done with the Hp server as well as being suggested by Netgear, so I didn't think it to be a problem). Straight forward.

On each workstation, I did not use the Netgear software to install the printer on the workstation. (I did not want to clog up the workstations with more proprietary software). I used the standard Windows local TCP/IP printer port installation using windows generic settings for the Netgear print server driver. I used the latest printer drivers for the HP2300 that I found on the HP web site.

No problems. Straight forward, out of the box. First time everything worked. Nothing was a redo. Works fine with server 2003 and 2000 and XP but then we don't use the XP firewall on a network (I really don't understand why one would. I thought that's what the router was for. But if i did I would open the port used for printers - 9100.)

I have dealt with Netgear service with a router. They can't help you. They ARE a waste of time. In all fairness, telephone support is a difficult job. But what do you want for a $80, $70, $65? Much better help is available on forums on the web where my router problem was quickly identified and resolved by someone who already solved my identical problem. (An unusual problem related to our common DSL provider though we were 2000 miles apart)

I have read of Netgear hardware problems for several years but have never personally experienced any on the three Netgear routers and netgear print server i have used on the four networks I maintain.

My suggestion is that one should either have access to a web forum or have some understanding of TCP/IP protocol before taking on these projects. My impression is that disappointed people appear to have neither.

Added 5/19/04
I still haven't had any problems. Even with large files.

Apparently, the method I used for software installation as I described above (i.e. use the standard windows stuff rather than Netgear's printer installer) is the suggested method by Netgear (See Netgear website, support, 1st item under trouble shooting) when one has problems with large files OR one has HP equipment (or several other problems). I had done this with the HP2200DN so it just seemed like the obvious thing to do at the time of PS101 installation particularly when one does not want to load up on proprietary software. Others having problems have not stated whether they tried using a standard Windows installation.

I do not work for Netgear. I just have not yet had any problems with routers or print servers that could not be handled, even without any help from Netgear. I would still suggest access to a web forum for those having problems.

I'm buying another one for home.

Description of NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server

The NETGEAR PS101 Mini Print Server offers: An easy way to share a printer with multiple users on a network. A built-in parallel port eliminates the need for a cable. 10 Mbps Ethernet connection for fast data transfer. A 3-year warranty.

The PS101 attaches directly to your printer to save space and eliminate the need for a cable. View larger.

Built-in Parallel Port Connection for Easy Setup
The PS101 interfaces directly with a printer's parallel port; no cable is required. It works with most parallel port printers from HP, Epson, Canon, Lexmark, and others.

Simply plug in the PS101 to the parallel port of your printer on one side and connect it to your network via an Ethernet cord on the other. The print server features a 10 Mbps Ethernet connection for quick data transfer and an easy-to-use web-based remote management tool.

Save Time, Energy and Money Using the print server eliminates the need to have a dedicated PC always-on acting as a print server, thus conserving energy and saving money. The print server supports simultaneous print jobs and an on-board memory buffer keeps prints coming out quickly.

The NETGEAR PS101 is upgradeable for future enhancements and is backed by a 3-year warranty.

What's in the Box
PS101 Mini Print Server, CD with installation software, administration programs and reference manual, power adapter, installation guide, resource CD, and warranty/support information card.