D-Link Wireless Print Server 802.11g 4-USB 2.0 Ports

Decent WPS (Wireless Print Server)

Strengths: Cheap, easy to configure, share upto 4 printers

Weaknesses: Multi function capability limited to very few AIOs, poor DLink customer support

Summary: 2007-12-01 13:17:04 Got this MF WPS from officedepot.com for a good price of about $60+taxes. Took me about 90mins to setup and configure it with my Canon MF 4150 and wireless laptop + wired desktop. Initially was frustrating as the quick setup guide isnt really great, but then as I figured out by trial and error things became clear. Overall a decent WPS but just for printing.

MF 4150 scanner not compatible with WPS and technical support is horrible, after waiting for 2 months they say it wouldnt work. Maybe they just wanted to see to it that my return time expires and that I am stuck with the product. If you have multi-function printer, DLINK shldnt be your choice.

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Gets the job done

Strengths: Easy to set up, WPA2, able to print and scan from all computers on the network

Weaknesses: DHCP not enabled by default, must use built-in program for scanning, feels "cheap"

Summary: I got this device up and running in about 20-30 minutes. It probably could have been done much faster had I known some of the information that I'm going to give in this review.

For starters, go to DLink.com and download the most recent firmware update. The first thing you should do is update the firmware because if you do it later, then you have to re-do your settings over again.

DHCP is disabled when the unit is first taken out of then box. It's default IP address is 192.168.0.10. My network runs on a 10.10.10.* range. I thought this might give me problems but it was not as bad as I expected. The Quick Guide walks you through how to change your IP address

if you're not running on the 192.168.0.* range (which most routers use by default). The unit must be initially set up via a wired connection (a LAN cable is included). I plugged the DPR-1260 in to my DLink DIR-655 router, not sure if the difference in IP addresses would matter. I also changed my desktop's IP address to 192.168.0.20, 255.255.255.0 for

subnet and left the gateway blank per the Quick Guide's instruction. (I'd like to add that my desktop is connected via a wireless connection.) I started my web browser and pointed it to 192.168.0.10 and I received the DPR-1260's "homepage".

The first thing I went to was Setup > Administration > Firmware and uploaded the newest firmware. The unit asks for a password which by default is blank. At this point, I stopped using the Quick Guide figuring I could finish it by myself. This is where the long installation time kicked in. I changed the unit's IP address to reflect my network and

changed my desktop back to DHCP (it has a reserved IP address that gets issued based on MAC address). For some reason, the setting did not get saved even though I clicked save. The unit asked to reboot but said you can continue making changes and then reboot when ready. I recommend

rebooting with each major change. I had to change my desktop back to 192.168.0.20 and ensure the static IP address was set and then change back to DHCP...

Another delay I ran in to was with the wireless encryption. I thought I remembered the encryption key but I was wrong. A look at my router's log showed that it had banned the DPR-1260 because of too many incorrect attempts. I simply changed my encryption key to the one that I

usually use and also changed to WPA/WPA2 split setting since I was just using WPA before. Once I change the encryption key for the desktop, I was able to log in to the DPR-1260 and change the wireless settings which was still wired. TIP: When you attempt to connect to the network, the unit will ask to reboot. When you click the reboot button, remove the LAN cable. Give it a few seconds to reboot and you should still be in business. Once I logged in to the device while it was connected to my router via wireless, I unplugged it from the wall and took it upstairs where my

printer and other computer are located.

I plugged the DPR-1260 in to the wall, unplugged my HP OfficeJet 6210 from the computer and plugged it in to the print server's USB port. After changing the wireless encryption key on this desktop, I logged in to the DPR-1260 and looked at the status which showed that the HP 6210 was

connected. I clicked Setup > Print Wizard > Next from the

"homepage". I was asked which printer port to install which was the only printer attached. Click Next twice. Then you're instructed to download a file called Printer_Setup.exe. I double clicked on the file when it was done, clicked Next a couple time, and said Yes to make it my default printer. It asked if I wanted to print a test page which I figured "Sure. Why not?" and out came my test page. Now since this computer all ready had the drivers for the printer loaded and was direct connected, I went down stairs and did the same thing to the computer downstairs which had the drivers loaded via the Add Network Printer Wizard. Again, no problems. It might be beneficial to load

the drivers prior to completely this step because otherwise the Printer_Setup.exe might ask for a CD which I only use the most recent stuff off HP's website; might cause a little bit of problems. I'm not for certain.

The only real bad thing I have with the device is you have to log in to the unit in order to do a scan. You cannot use Windows Scanner Wizard or any kind of import from scanner options. In its defense, the unit does a pretty good job and has several options to include scanning from the automatic feeder and defining paper size. You can also crop within the built-in scanner interface. Scans can be saved as JPGs but only individually even if using the ADF but it can save multiple pages to a PDF file. I can't complain there. It gives me incentive to start saving my documents in PDF format instead of JPG...

Overall I'm happy with the device on imagine it should do me pretty well. I recommend it even though I've had it less than two hours. "

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Great print server; check scanning compatibility

Strengths: Supports 4 printers, some scanning, WPA TKIP & AES support, and a wireless ethernet bridge.

Weaknesses: Not much knowledge base from customer support

Summary: I set up one of these with a DLink DI-634M for an HP PSC-2210. This printer wasn't on the supported list, but both the printing and scanning worked flawlessly. The wireless scanning is via a DLink web interface that has limited options, but does a good job.

I set up another one with a DLink DI-524 for a Brother 8860 Laser MFC. The basic printer setup went very smoothly. It did not recognize the scanner on my Brother MFC, which is not on the supported list. However, there are four other Brother printers on the supported list.

The DLink support website and phone support are not very knowledgable with this product due to its recent release. When I started asking about IPP and internet printing for it and a DP-G321 server, they acknowledged the DPR-1260 supported IPP, but did not think the DP-G321 supported IPP until I commented on a page from their knowledge base and showed them a status page that indicated an IPP protocol was operating. If the DPR-1260 supports IPP, I haven't seen any type of configuration page for it. I have yet to call advanced tech support folks I received a number for.

Contrary to other reports I saw, the ethernet bridge worked flawlessly. I plugged a Dell desktop into the ethernet port on the DPR 1260 and immediately had internet access through my DI-524.

My only use of the documentation was to obtain the initial IP address for the DPR 1260 (192.168.0.10). I plugged my laptop into the DPR-1260, configured my ethernet connection onto the same subnet as the 1260 (rt click the connection, properties, look for TCP/IP, select properties and I used 192.168.0.20 for my IP address and 255.255.255.0 for my subnet mask). After receiving a LAN connection, I used the IP address (192.168.0.10) in explorer to access the setup page. After plugging in my WPA passphrase, a manual IP address to match my network's subnet, and the wireless connection, it picked up my DI-524 right away. I highly recommend using either a static IP address or configuring your router's DHCP to assign a static IP for the DPR-1260's MAC address. The static IP on the DPR-1260 is probably the easier and more direct route.

At last check, firmware 1.12 was out. Some folks reported problems with 1.00 that this firmware fixed. I updated the firmware before configuring it on my network. The DPR-1260 hooked up to the DI-634M is running fine on firmware 1.00.

I haven't setup multiple printers with this router. However, see Webmonger's and my review on the DP-G321 that gives a very good description for how to setup multiple printers on a DP-G321. There is also some good info on newegg's reviews of the DP-G321. The same concepts would apply for multiple printers on the DPR-1260. The main problem has to do with port names and queue names.

My experience with DLink tech support (24/7) is hit or miss. Usually the tech can either help you right away, or he tries to give you a "fix" that may or may not address your issue. If you don't feel you are getting the help you need, then simply ask for the tech on duty who is most familiar with your product. Usually I get someone who is a little more knowledgable about their products when I do that. Great product!!

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DPR-1260 on MAC&LINUX Setup

Strengths: 4 USB ports, 1 ethernet which can be used as a wireless bridge. Uses standard LPD/LPR system which means it will work with almost ANYTHING that prints.

Weaknesses: Setup instruction is sparse and relys on wizards that work only for windoze

Summary: I needed 2 thing from this product

1) a way to connect my 2 printers Epson R300 (supported) and my HP1200 (not supported)

2 a bridge to connect my web cam to use as a baby monitor.

In both respects it worked FLAWLESSLY!

As stated above the HP1200 technically is not supported but you will find even if you google it that many other report that it happily works with printers not on the list. This is because of the old LPD/LPR system that simply passes the info to the printer without interpreting it.

I have included here a mini How To for non windows CUPS based systems.

1) Set up your print server and when its properly on the network goto its homepage.

2) You will see all printers and their corresponding queues. Take note of the queues to copy&paste later.

On your MAC or Linux system the following process is the same.

3) open a browser to the CUPs administration tool at localhost:631...

(NOTE you will need the root password)

4) Depending on cups version (older) navigate to printers dialog and click add printer (newer) navigate to Administration then to add printer.

5) Fill in the Name, Location and Description Click continue.

6) In the Device section drop down and Choose the LPD/LPR Host or Printer

7) Enter lpd://(ip of print server goes here)/(Queue name)

EG if your print server IP is 192.168.1.3 and the printer queue name is HPlaserjet1200 then enter lpd://192.168.1.3/HPlaserjet1200. I like to copy & paste the queue right out of the print servers home page.

8) Select proper driver and Voila! You're Finished! ITs that easy and ALL through the web interface. Which is identical across all platforms that use CUPs.

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Does not work as a wired Access point

Strengths: NA

Weaknesses: NA

Summary: So far the product works good, but there is a confusing issue concerning it's "bridging" capability.

It has one RJ-45 Ethernet port labeled "LAN" which can be used to attach a NAS device or even a computer, which allows you to see the NAS or attached computer thru Windows browsing.

It has limited usage as an AP and it cannot access the internet in the following way:

1) Hook up a straight ethernet cable from your non-wired router to the DPR-1260 LAN port (ensuring both devices are on the same IP subnet using the DPR-1260 web configuration pages).

2) Setup a wireless laptop to access the DPR-1260 using only the wireless signal.

3) Ping all the computers on your network. They all respond, don't they? (yes)

4 Now try to access the internet or even ping an internet address. What do you get?

Nothing. (sadly)

Regardless how the DPR-1260 device parameters are set up, it does not allow/accept return packets from the internet at large.

If you know how to use a packet sniffer, you will see that the DPR-1260 "sends" IP "SYN" packets but does not accept any "ACK" in return.

It does, however, accept Netbios packets, allowing local Network neighborhood (old term) browsing.

Bottom line, despite it's bridging function, it does not allow a wireless laptop to bridge thru itself and out the LAN port to your router which is connected to the internet.

It does work only if the DPR-1260 is wirelessly connected to an existing router or AP, but not hardwired (as stated above).

Hope this is not too confusing.

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Very limited list of compatible printers!

Strengths: Works great as a print server; easy to setup; nice gui

Weaknesses: Limited list of compatible printers; supports print-only, but not scanning & faxing; expensive

Summary: First off, the positives. I have both a Canon i9100 printer and MP780 All-In-One (scan/fax/print). The print feature worked effortlessly with this device. Easy setup and nice gui. I am only using the wired setup for right now. It's really fast, which is a big improvement on the other print server that I had before. This was the only print-server that worked w/ my Canon MP780. Most of these devices won't work with All-In-One (AIO) printers. But this one does.

Now, for the bevy of downsides! Its main advertising feature is that it is a Multi-Function Print Server, meaning that it is supposed to work with AIO devices. Baloney! Downright lies! They have a tiny list of supported devices, and they only support the printer mode of the AIO, and *not* scanning & faxing! There is a list of HPs that work, but nothing more. And no firmware updates appear to be forthcoming. And the help at the tech support line is worthless! As expected, my Canon 8400F scanner is also not identified.

Bottom line is I paid $90 for a 4-port USB device (w/out good ethernet bridging capabilites...only one extra port), in hopes that I could use it for my three devices: scanner, printer & AIO. It prints just fine, but won't scan and fax. Disappointing, indeed, and D-Link should update their marketing propaganda and stop publishing lies and misleading information!

I will give it two stars since it works great as a print server.

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• This "multifunction" looks very useful at first glance but it DOE...

DPR-1260 Drop and Run -- Stay away from this.

Strengths: Cheap & Available, looks nice. The tech support is 24/7

Weaknesses: Tough to configure on LinkSys backbone.. Inconsistent behaviour once configured. Would not recommend

Summary: I had high hopes for this a ready available reaplacement for

a crapped out LinkSys for a few dollars less.

Spend more for the Linksys if you have them already.

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does not work for Mac / Leopard

Strengths: has 4 ports

Weaknesses: doesn't work for many printers, doesn't support my mfc's, doesn't work for Leopard, there is no installation utility, no installation guide for Mac or for Vista. Poor quality.

Summary: This is a poorly designed product. Maybe some of the positive reviews were for XP, but for Vista or Mac, the product quality is one of the worst ever.

1. Make sure you check the compatibility list for your printer. My Brother MFC-8640D and Epson multi-function machines can only SOME TIMES work, and for printing only. Printing is also slow. Scanning is out of question. don't even dream about the faxing function.

2. Installation guide for Vista is a joke. Nothing works as the installation guide says. The setup process requires you to guess everything from scratch every step of the way, and have intimate knowledge with wifi routers. I switched to a Netgear 2 port print server, the process was much more friendly and logical, and the Netgear worked as advertised for Windows.

3. For MacBook Pro with Max OSX / Leopard, you are out of luck. I struggled for hours, tried every posting on the web: used the LPD, set the correct IP address, and found the driver, or use the Generic Postscript driver, the best I could get to is: 80% spooling. To be fair, the Netgear does not work for Mac either.

4. Tech support is out of India somewhere. They are patient and friendly, but it was hard to communicate. Because there is no installation CD, everything has to be figured out on your own. This is not a product for the faint hearted. I am reasonably familiar with all the wireless setup technical issues, but I was still challenged by it until the tech support guys were on the phone.

I am returning it. One of the worst products I ever experienced. The only other product I bought and left in the garage to collect dust is also a D-Link, an 802.11n router.

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I would not wish this product or this company on my worst enemy

Strengths: None. Too lightweight to make a good anchor or doorstop. Plastic casing cracked when hit with hammer, thrown at brick wall.

Weaknesses: Difficult to configure encryption to work with wireless network. Many printers incompatible. Access of printer over wireless network difficult/impossible to get working.

Summary: I spent a total of 13 hours on the phone with D-Link customer support trying to resolve technical issues and get this device working with my basic home wireless network. I have worked in the computer field for more than 15 years and have never encountered a product as buggy nor a customer support line as bad as what I encountered working with this D-Link product. Device would get on the network when connected via cable. After 9 hours on phone with tech support finally transferred to one competent/experienced person who explained that documentation about encryption settings is incorrect. Additional 4 hours spent w/ customer support with 'resolution' being that my printer was not supported and their final policy is that I am stuck with their product which will not work with my recent-vintage Canon printer. Never even tried connecting a scanner since basic print server function never worked properly.

Only giving this item one star because I can't give it a lower rating.

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D-LINK WIRELESS PRINT SEVER

Strengths: Supports up to four printers, good range,

Weaknesses: No dedicated scanning capabilities, No serial ports.

Summary: This device works as advertised. You can hook up up to four USB printers (no serial) and have them print wired (via ethernet port) or wirelesly. It takes very little time to set up, but it has to be done on each computer hooked to the network. There is a newer firmware for this device making it compatible with Network Magic software. It will not support stand alone scanners only some multi-function printers. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase

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