Belkin F1UP0001 Wireless USB Print Server by Belkin Inc.
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Digital camera reviews of Belkin F1UP0001 Wireless USB Print Server
Digital camera Review: WPA incompatibility
Summary: 1 Stars
I have similar problems - I think that the printer server problem is WPA-PSK, TKIP related. I can print from both my Minolta and Epson printers with WPA-PSK disabled and the print server hardwired.
I note with interest that the printer server (F1UP001) setup offers the WPA option but the printer configuration utility does not - the available options are only security disabled, 64 bit WEP and 128 bit WEP (WinXP with SP-2 does not seem to offer WEP option for wireless any longer).
The F1UP001 printer setup programme locates the printer server only when WPA is disabled - even when hardwired. Printing is possible with WPA disabled only (at least for me)! Still waiting for a call back from the Belkin Escalation Engineers (1 week).
Any suggestions?
Digital camera Review: Well worth it!
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me about 30 minutes to get this set up and working, including the time it took to install two printer drivers on one laptop. The instructions are a little sparse so a few key things to keep in mind when you are installing it:
1) Load the printer drivers on every PC you want to tie into the server BEFORE loading the Belkin server software. Hook the PC or laptop directly to the printer(s) via a USB cable FIRST. Test print to make sure it is working properly with a normal USB cable hookup. This can save you problems later.
2) After you ensure each PC or laptop has the respective driver(s) installed and will print to each printer with a cable hook up, disconnnect and connect the printer(s) USB cable into the back of the Belkin server. Then plug in its power cable and watch it light up. (the Belkin installation software will tell you to do this in the first step, after it warns you to ensure the printer drivers are installed first)
You do not run your wireless WIFI or DSL modem connection through the printer server, but you do need WIFI capability (a seperate wireless router) in your home/office for this server to work.
3) Follow the directions on the software and it will walk you through the steps to gain access to the printer(s) you have hooked up to the server. Keep in mind that it has to be via a USB connection as the port; other port connections won't work.
Also, if you get the message "Enable bi-directional support via the printer's Properties dialogue box," you will find this command in the port section under the printer's properties drop down menu under "Printer" when you double click the printer icon. It took me a few minutes to figure this out.
This little gem is a whole lot better than having to buy a printer for each PC or laptop. I have one laptop and two PCs tied into it, including the PC I have sitting right in front of the two printers we use. This initially seemed a little odd to me, but it works just as though it was connected via cable.
I highly recommend this wireless printer server.
Update on this 03/14/08: I changed out my wireless router and, as others have mentioned, be aware that this device will NOT support WPA encryption. I had to set my new router to WEP encryption to get this to continue to work. According to Belkin Customer Support: "We are sorry to say to you that the print server version 1xxx will not support the WPA encryption. Version 2xxx will support." I don't like having to lessen my security, but it is either that (for now) or not use this device. (For those that don't know, security-wise WEP is rated "good" compared to WPA "better" and WPA2 "best".) I have not really seen any other option that has good ratings/good performance, other than this one. Once I do change, I will most likely go to a wireless networking printer rather than a wireless server. Several of those have very high ratings and seem to be about the same price or cheaper as compared to buying one of the lower rated wireless servers.
Digital camera Review: Worked just fine with Multi-function printer
Summary: 4 Stars
I was concerned that with a multi-function printer it would not work at all (as many reviews had said).
The printing works great - the scan / fax don't work, but the printing works fine. The control software that comes with the printer gives a message like it isn't communicating, but the printer starts and everything runs from there.
Digital camera Review: Works Great/Installs Easy
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this on my wish list for a long time. I finally ordered it and I just received it today. The print server has been installed into my Belkin Pre-n network with no problem. It was so fast and easy to install, test, and use that I still can't believe it. No cussing, no beating head against monitor nor knashing of teeth. Belkin does it again! Another great product.Digital camera Review: Works great
Summary: 5 Stars
I spent lots of time with old ethernet/parallel print servers that wouldn't quite work with GDI and other low cost printers.I was skeptical that this would work.
I was impressed that this print server worked with an easy 5 minute guided setup on my Minolta 1250W GDI printer.
The range of the wireless (Im using B, not G) is fine (covers whole floor of large home).
This device is an excellent solution for putting 2 USB printers anywhere you want them without dealing with the 16ft limitation of USB, or having to run any ethernet or parallel wires.
(I don't have to cut and run any wires in my new home). Plus
you get added bonus of having a normal cheap ($100~) printer
become a networked printer for all to share. (and you don't
have to have the original host computer on to print, as you
would with USB.)