print servers and device servers

It does what it is, a two-port print server. So far there is no print server has two-way communication. It uses the concept, "redirect", each computer needs to install the printer driver then redirect to the port. If the two-way communication is important to you, you need use a dedicated computer as print server. Only a dedicated computer is capable to know who sent the printing job and who should receive the message from printer (such as "out of paper", "ink low", etc). I bought this to avoid a dedicated computer being always on.

About the setup, for sure it is not plug and play; however it is not that hard. First, you have to have NetBUEI protocol at the "Administrative" computer (it is not installed by default; but can be added on easily), then run its setup (FirstGear) with Administrative ability to configure the PS110, then you can assign the IP address for it. I'd like to use a fixed IP and not using the DHCP. For the other computer, ( a Mac or PC), you can just use TCP/IP protocol. For PC, run its setup as client computer (only need "Add Printer Wizard"), it will find and add two ports for the system, then just install your printer driver on the port.

Once the PS110 is set, it remembers its setting. You may turn it off if you want. The netgear also provides firmware update at its web site. I am very happy with this print sever. If this print server provided web-based setup ( by just using browser with a specific IP), I would give it a five-star evaluation. If it also came with a build-in Ethernet switches/hub ( it is not), I would give it a six star.

I bought a new Canon i850 and wanted to use a printserver for it. I originally bought the expensive Linksys PPSX1v2 print server but the performance was slow, no bi-directional support, and no linux support. I returned it and bought the Netgear PS110. What a big difference! Its great! Great performance and I can print with my linux box too!

I found two problems. 1) Doesn't support the bi-directional functionality of the Canon i850. 2) When I first received the PS110, it was set to DHCP disabled. So nothing could connect to it. I found out that in order to MANUALLY set the IP, you have to connect the printserver directly to your NIC with a crossover cable, then set the ip using the "IPSetup" tool.

I have tried numerous other print servers including HP JetDirect and the Linksys network print servers. My experience with NetGear has been the best.