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Review on πŸ–¨οΈ StarTech.com Ethernet to USB 2.0 Print Server - Windows 10 Compatible - LPR - LAN USB Print Server Adapter (PM1115U2), Black by Larry Sabey

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Nothing is easier than setting up an old PC with a parallel port as a print server.

This is an old StarTech design that still works and works. They provide a software wizard for some older operating systems, but the wizard is completely unnecessary. I plugged mine directly into the back of an old LaserJet 4, a wall outlet into a power source, and an ethernet patch cord into a LAN switch. William R. Johnston reminds us in his review that the device comes with a fixed Ethernet address of 192.168.0.10. To set this to something different (I'm using a static address set by my DHCP server), I had to temporarily connect the print server directly to the PC with an Ethernet crossover cable, and then set my PC's address to something in the 192.168 area 0.1. 0.* area. I then logged in with a web browser, went to the TCP/IP setup and set the IP address to whatever I wanted (using DHCP in my case). my DHCP service what IP address to use for the print server (because I want a static one for that). Finally using a web browser again to set the print server name (using the address I gave the DHCP server). Everything else just happened and it doesn't seem to matter what OS I'm trying to print from. Well, except on newer Windows machines. MS has gone too far on security issues and it is very difficult to get anything working on a LAN other than a connection to the internet. In any case, if it's not MS OS, just search the internet and there is your print server. You need to install the correct driver for your printer locally, but the StarTech print server does not appear to require a driver. Printing just works. Cute! In any case, it's much easier than setting up an old parallel port PC as a print server. Much less power. It's tiny and fits on the back of the printer. And the only cable (other than the wall wart) is Ethernet.

Pros
  • SUITABLE FOR ANY ENVIRONMENT: This USB print server adapter is the perfect printing solution. It is ideal for home, small office, government and educational applications that require general purpose printing.
Cons
  • Style 90