Check out the Dell Store on CNETNetGear WGPS606 54 Mbps Wireless Print Server w/4 Port Switch
Manufacturer: NetGear Inc. Part number: WGPS606NA
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Though it works with only a smattering of printers and can be a chore to configure, this Wi-Fi print server gets the job done.
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CNET editors' review
NetGear WGPS606 54 Mbps Wireless Print Server w/4 Port Switch price range: $64.99 - $69.99
- Reviewed by: Rick Broida
- Edited by: Felisa Yang
- Reviewed on: 07/21/2005
- Released on: 04/11/2005
The good: Inexpensive; supports up to two printers; doubles as a four-port Ethernet switch; also serves as a Wi-Fi range extender.
The bad: Not compatible with all printers; setup process is occasionally confusing; lacks extensive printed manual.
The bottom line: Though it works with only a smattering of printers and can be a chore to configure, this Wi-Fi print server gets the job done.
These days, running a Wi-Fi network is cheap and easy. So why is it still such a hassle to share a printer? Unless you connect it to a dedicated print server (or a router with a print server) so that it can operate independently, you have no choice but to leave your printer tethered to a PC that's always on. Enter Netgear's WGPS606 wireless print server with a four-port switch, which enables you to share up to two USB printers (and four PCs) across your existing 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network. While the device isn't intended to take the place of your existing Wi-Fi router, you could easily mistake it for one. Rather, it's a wireless print server that doubles as a four-port Ethernet switch and a Wi-Fi bridge. It's a great idea, and the WGPS606 costs less than some standalone print servers that support only one printer. However, two fairly important issues threaten to spoil the party: configuration and compatibility.
Before you even consider buying the product, make sure the WGPS606 wireless print server supports your printers. According to information on Netgear's Web site (found only in the support section, not the main product page), only about a dozen laser printers and 40 inkjets will work with it. While many popular models made the cut, many others didn't, so it's essential that you check first. We performed our tests with an Epson Stylus Photo 1280 inkjet and an HP LaserJet 1022. The latter doesn't appear on the list of compatible printers, but the nearly identical LaserJet 1012 does, so we decided to try our luck. According to Netgear's site, "Other printers may be compatible."
Configuration promised to be easy enough, thanks to the included software CD, which offers a pair of wizards: one to set up printers, the other to set up PCs for printing. Alas, we immediately encountered a host of minor obstacles, not the least of which was incomplete documentation. For starters, the primary wizard initially failed to detect the print server, suggesting that we double-check the connections and turn off any installed firewalls. After disabling Windows XP's firewall (good thing we knew how), it detected the print server immediately. Later, a screen appeared telling us to "reserve the selected IP address" in our router's settings, with no further explanation.
The process of setting up a PC to access a shared printer can be vexing as well. The WGPS606's wizard instructs you to install the printer's drivers on each computer, but that's not always possible. In the case of the LaserJet 1022, for instance, the driver needs to detect the printer before it can complete its installation. In most printer-sharing configurations, a remote computer can pull the necessary drivers from the host PC. Why not here?
Alas, it turned out to be a moot issue, at least with the HP LaserJet. The printer simply wouldn't work with the WGPS606. Thankfully, the Stylus Photo 1280 ran like a charm, though we couldn't just run the Epson software CD on each computer--again because the installer needs to detect the printer. Instead, we downloaded the driver from Epson, extracted it to a local folder, and accessed it as necessary from within the WGPS606 setup wizard.
The good news is that once your PCs and printers are configured, the WGPS606 performs splendidly. It also makes for a fine Wi-Fi range extender, and we found wireless throughput to be nearly as speedy as from our own router. The device supports both WEP and WPA-PSK encryption, and its onboard settings are easy to adjust, thanks to Netgear's simple (and familiar) browser-based interface.
Netgear supports the WGPS606 wireless print server with a one-year warranty. Toll-free, 24/7 phone support is available for the first 90 days. Premium phone support is available for an additional charge. Netgear's Web site offers e-mail support, a user forum, and a knowledge base that includes software updates, drivers, and manuals.
User reviews
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Extremely Disappointed
by iriomote on January 15, 2007
Pros: Apparently fine piece of hardware, nice functional niche
Cons: Mac-unfriendly, UNIX-unfriendly, no WPA2
Summary: Although any network-savvy person can configure this to work using "any damn browser" on "any damn platform" with information that's liberally available online - the package says it requires ...
Summary: Although any network-savvy person can configure this to work using "any damn browser" on "any damn platform" with information that's liberally available online - the package says it requires Microsoft. The only documented setup is with a Microsoft-only setup wizard. How lame, IMHO. Networks are multi-vendor places, and it's offensive me to to see products positioned this way. That's just a gripe. Lack of WPA2 is why I took mine back to the store. Oops. My bad. WPA PSK is not WPA2. Another reviewer wrote that the vendor will not commit to future WPA2 support. Sigh.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Setup was a breeze
by mmonacel on March 9, 2007
Pros: Setup was very simple and fast
Cons: Instructions could be more thorough and setup security bug exists
Summary: Having read reviews *after* already purchasing this product, I was somewhat concerned. My printer (Lexmark E238) is not on the supported printers list, but the E232 which looks exactly the ...
Summary: Having read reviews *after* already purchasing this product, I was somewhat concerned. My printer (Lexmark E238) is not on the supported printers list, but the E232 which looks exactly the same is.
The first step is to connect it to your modem/router, however they never tell you that. There is a picture in the "Overview" section, but it's not clear that's the first thing to do which I found odd. Either way, the rest of the process was fairly straight forward.
I have a Netgear WGT624 v3 router and other users should note that the print server *changed the password on the router* to the default password and set the channel to 11. That certainly is not very user friendly or good security practice by any means, however if you know this ahead of time, it's not that big a deal to fix.
Besides the password/channel change, I simply can't complain about the product. Works great and is simple enough. I hope others have similar experiences.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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All in all this is a good product
by peacockjones94 on February 9, 2007
Pros: Works good once you get it set up.
Cons: Documentation is terrible. If you get snagged it is hard to get back on track.
Summary: Although the documentation is extremely poor, setup is not that difficult. If you run into problems setting it up wirelessly make sure your encryption code is correct. I was missing ...
Summary: Although the documentation is extremely poor, setup is not that difficult. If you run into problems setting it up wirelessly make sure your encryption code is correct. I was missing one character and therefore it would not connect, although it indicated it was connected. Once set up it works without a hitch. I am even using an HP 1100 which only has a parallel connection. I had to purchase a mini-centronics to centronics adapter as well as a parallel - USB adapter.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works in mixed Linux/Windows wired nets.
by zkdabek on January 18, 2006
Pros: Works well . Easy but messy to set up. Trial & Error in Linux.
Cons: Needs a cleaner interface
Summary: >>>>>> Used For Wired Networks Only <<<<<<
Under Windows XP the method decribed in the manual works but becomes a ...Summary: >>>>>> Used For Wired Networks Only <<<<<<
Under Windows XP the method decribed in the manual works but becomes a bit tiresome in carting the printer from PC to PC to install first under USB. Instead I used the printer driver disk to set up the specific printer straight onto the wired net. Under SuSE Linux 9.x Yast can be used to setup a network printer under LPD. The expert option in Mandrake 10.1 is needed to allow network printer configuration, again using LPD style. Did not yet find out what to do with Debian 3.1? Slackware 10.1? Fedora 4?...Still trying using collective web experience.
Unfortunately I have no experience with this box as a wireless device since I use only wired networks. No laptops!1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works great
by i3700 on April 20, 2009
Pros: You can share two printers great
Easy to set up Increases your wireless network coverage got rid of Wi-fi dead spotsCons: I'm not one to complain technological items sometimes take a little brain work to make them work
Summary: good investment for your wireless network to be able to print to two printers wirelessly and expand your wireless network for under $40 with shipping Tigerdirect.com Great Product glad ...
Summary: good investment for your wireless network to be able to print to two printers wirelessly and expand your wireless network for under $40 with shipping Tigerdirect.com Great Product glad i bought it!
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Poor Product
by buwish on December 12, 2008
Pros: Solid build quality
Cons: Does not work well.
Summary: I originally purchased this product to tie my HP printers together on a wireless network. The trouble is that the print server needs to be within about 2 feet of ...
Summary: I originally purchased this product to tie my HP printers together on a wireless network. The trouble is that the print server needs to be within about 2 feet of your wireless router to work. This not a very practical device.
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WGPS606 range
by harrymnm on November 10, 2008
Pros: Works when close to router
Cons: Works great as long as it and all your printers are next to your router. Don't try locating printers and server evan across the room.
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Easy to set up and covers many models
by johnni37 on March 17, 2008
Pros: Easy to set up and the price was great
Cons: none.........yet
Summary: Can't see why people complain about the setup of this print server. My guess is they don't know much about computers and networks and really should stick to ...
Summary: Can't see why people complain about the setup of this print server. My guess is they don't know much about computers and networks and really should stick to simply e-mail and web browsing. The setup took 6 minutes and two of those were 'cause I had my LAN connection shut down. After reading some reviews I was scared that I may be in for an hour long setup....not the case. I just don't get some of these complaints. Anyhow, I am using an Epson Stylus 825 (which wasn't on the compatibility list but it is supported), as well as a multi-function HP5510 with a Linksys WRT54GS wireless router. So far everything is smooth though I will be interested to see under real world conditions how this fares.
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Works like a champ...once you can finally get it connected.
by svanpelt0901 on May 13, 2007
Pros: Able to share two printers, and boost my wireless signal throughout my entire house.
Cons: Lack of adequate info to set up. Took awhile to set security correctly through my Linksys WiFi Router to the Netgear.
Summary: Overall, a great wireless print server. Works great for our home office, the main problem is the lack of multifunction and bidirectional communication with my Canon All in One.
Summary: Overall, a great wireless print server. Works great for our home office, the main problem is the lack of multifunction and bidirectional communication with my Canon All in One.
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My answer to my laserjet printer being wirelessly networked.
by jgvillan on March 8, 2007
Pros: Even if its a USB connection to printers, works well with Centronic/USB adapters. Also, it comes wth wireless bridge functionality to add 4 ethernet devices.
Cons: Non-detachable antenna, poorly written instruction booklet and no 'traditional' ip assignment for printer.
Summary: I wanted to make my LaserJet printer independent from the wireless computer it's attached to. Turning that computer on, for simple task of access and print off that printer ...
Summary: I wanted to make my LaserJet printer independent from the wireless computer it's attached to. Turning that computer on, for simple task of access and print off that printer was annoying. This is my answer that that issue. I was worried that it only had USB ports, but to my surprise, it works very well with a Centronic/USB printer adapter. This Print Server recognized my printer by name.
I originally didn?t want to purchase this product, simply because Netgear form factors of this type do not have removable antennas. The other was because of the USB port thing, which is a mute point now.
As many people have already said, the included instruction booklet is something to be desired. However, if you go over it first, it does give you an idea of what to expect. Just be a little patient with it when first setting it up, and don?t be afraid that if it fails....hit the reset button on the back and start over.
It hit my network (WEP enabled) pretty easily, and yes...I had to disable my firewall to setup the print server. But after it was all said and done, was able to re-enable it with no issues afterward.
Now I have a wireless network printer, with an added bonus of a wireless bridge, thanks to its 4-port Ethernet switch. Could also add another printer to it if I wanted to.
Only thing that got me a little disappointed is that you need to use its proprietary software in order to install and use the network printers that are attached to it. It doesn't assign 'traditional' IP addresses to the printer. Not that the software is anyway invasive, or clogs up your computer with Netgear junk, but it needs that 'special' printer port installed so that your computer/laptop would recognize any printers attached to the box. I even took the liberty of removing my computer's wireless card and using the WGPS606's bridge functions...just to see if it works...and it does.
I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a print server, but would recommend a little patients in setting it up.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: NetGear Inc.
- Part number: WGPS606NA
- Description: Would you and the other users in your network like the freedom to print wirelessly? And, to connect to more than one printer, without having to add print servers, wireless adapters, or unsightly Ethernet cables? With NETGEAR's 54 Mbps Wireless Print Server with 4-Port Switch, now you can! In seconds, you can connect two printers and four PCs to your wireless network - all with one simple device. NETGEAR's 54 Mbps Wireless Print Server has two USB ports, as well as a wireless Ethernet bridge mode with a 4-port switch. That means you can connect your computer to your high-end color printer for your business use, and send the kids' documents to your older Inkjet printer - all without wires! Best of all, more than four users can use the printer, without adding any additional wireless adapters.
General
- Device Type Bridge
- Form Factor External
- Width 6.9 in
- Depth 4.7 in
- Height 1.1 in
- Weight 0.7 lbs
- Localization North America
Networking
- Connectivity Technology Wired, Wireless
- Integrated Switch 4-port switch
- Data Transfer Rate 54 Mbps
- Frequency Band 2.4 GHz
- Line Coding Format CCK, BPSK, OFDM, QPSK, DBPSK, DQPSK, 16 QAM, 64 QAM
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet
- Switching Protocol Ethernet
- Network / Transport Protocol TCP/IP, NetBEUI/NetBIOS
- Remote Management Protocol HTTP
- Features DHCP support, Print server, Auto-sensing per device
- Compliant Standards IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g
Communications
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Slots Total (Free) None
- Interfaces 4 x Network - Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX - RJ-45, 2 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Encryption Algorithm WPA-PSK, 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP
- Compliant Standards FCC Part 15 B, FCC Part 15 C
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
Software / System Requirements
- OS Required Microsoft Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP
- System Requirements Details Windows 98SE/2000/ME/XP - Pentium
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 32 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 104 °F
Manufacturer info
- NetGear Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse NetGear Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.netgear.com/
- Address:
4500 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara, CA 95054 - Phone: 408-907-8000
- Email: support@netgear.com
- Fax: 408-907-8097
