NETGEAR PS121 - USB Mini Print Server User manual

202-10211-02
April 2007
NETGEAR, Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA
NETGEAR USB
Multifunction Printer
Server PS121v2 User
Manual

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Technical Support
Please refer to the support information card that shipped with your product. By registering your
product at www.netgear.com/register, we can provide you with faster expert technical support and
timely notices of product and software upgrades.
NETGEAR, INC. Support Information
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR, for US & Canada only. For other countries, see your Support
information card.
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: www.netgear.com
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
© 2007 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR, the NETGEAR logo, The Connect with Innovation trademark is a
registered trademark of NETGEAR, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft and Windows
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand
and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is
subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.
April 2007
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT- AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
EN 55 022 Declaration of Conformance
This is to certify that the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server is shielded against the generation of radio
interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a. Conformity is declared by
the application of EN 55 022
Class B (CISPR 22).
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server gemäß der im BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben einiger Geräte (z.B.

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Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die Anmerkungen in der
Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Certificate of the Manufacturer/Importer
It is hereby certified that the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server has been suppressed in accordance with the
conditions set out in the BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 and Vfg 46/1992. The operation of some equipment (for example,
test transmitters) in accordance with the regulations may, however, be subject to certain restrictions. Please refer to the
notes in the operating instructions.
Federal Office for Telecommunications Approvals has been notified of the placing of this equipment on the market and
has been granted the right to test the series for compliance with the regulations.
Compliance with the applicable regulations is dependent upon the use of shielded cables. It is the responsibility of the
user to procure the appropriate cables.

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Contents
NETGEAR USB Multifunction Printer Server PS121v2 User Manual
About This Manual
Conventions, Formats and Scope ....................................................................................vii
How to Use This Manual .................................................................................................viii
How to Print this Manual ..................................................................................................viii
Chapter 1
Getting Started
What Is in the Box ..........................................................................................................1-2
Hardware Description .....................................................................................................1-3
LED Indicators ..........................................................................................................1-3
USB Port ..................................................................................................................1-4
Diagnostic/Reset Push Button .................................................................................1-4
Observe These Precautions ...........................................................................................1-5
Chapter 2
Installation and Setup
Preparing for Installation .................................................................................................2-1
Overview ..................................................................................................................2-2
Multi-Function Printers .............................................................................................2-2
Standard Printing Operations ...................................................................................2-2
Installation ......................................................................................................................2-3
Install the Print Server and Set up One PC ..............................................................2-3
Reserve the Print Server’s IP Address on Your Router ...........................................2-5
Set Up Each Additional PC to Use the PS121v2 .....................................................2-5
Installation for TCP/IP LPR Printing ...............................................................................2-6
Connect the Print Server ..........................................................................................2-6
Adding a Printer with Windows Vista .......................................................................2-8
Adding a Printer with Windows XP or Windows 2000 ............................................2-12
Setting up a Macintosh Computer ..........................................................................2-16

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Chapter 3
Managing the Print Server
Reserving a Multi-Function Printer to Scan, Copy, or Fax ..............................................3-1
Releasing the Print Server ..............................................................................................3-3
Upgrading the Print Server Software ..............................................................................3-3
Viewing the Printer Port Status .......................................................................................3-4
Viewing and Updating Settings with the Smart Wizard ..................................................3-5
Viewing or Updating Settings with Your Web Browser ...................................................3-6
Changing the Password .................................................................................................3-8
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Basic Functioning ...........................................................................................................4-1
The print server has no power .................................................................................4-1
No lights are lit on the print server ...........................................................................4-2
Printing Errors .................................................................................................................4-2
The printer is printing "garbage" characters .............................................................4-2
Windows error message appears when printing ......................................................4-2
The print server is not found ....................................................................................4-2
Nothing is printing ....................................................................................................4-2
Checking the Current Status of the Printer .....................................................................4-3
Appendix A
Default Configuration Settings and Technical Specifications
Default Configuration Settings ....................................................................................... A-1
Technical Specifications ................................................................................................. A-1
Appendix B
Related Documents

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About This Manual
This manual describes how to install, configure and troubleshoot the NETGEAR® PS121v2 USB
Multifunction Print Server. The information in this manual is intended for readers with
intermediate computer and Internet skills.
Conventions, Formats and Scope
The conventions, formats, and scope of this manual are described in the following paragraphs:
•Typographical Conventions. This manual uses the following typographical conventions::
•Formats. This manual uses the following formats to highlight special messages:
•Scope. This manual is written for the USB Multifunction Print Server according to these
specifications:
Italics Emphasis, books, CDs, URL names
Bold User input
Note: This format is used to highlight information of importance or special interest.
Tip: This format is used to highlight a procedure that will save time or resources.
Warning: Ignoring this type of note may result in a malfunction or damage to the
equipment.
Product Version PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server
Manual Publication Date April 2007

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For more information about network, Internet, firewall, and VPN technologies, see the links to the
NETGEAR website in Appendix B, “Related Documents”.
How to Use This Manual
The HTML version of this manual includes the following:
• Buttons, and , for browsing forwards or backwards through the manual one page
at a time
• A button that displays the table of contents and an button. Double-click on a
link in the table of contents or index to navigate directly to where the topic is described in the
manual.
• A button to access the full NETGEAR, Inc. online knowledge base for the product
model.
• Links to PDF versions of the full manual and individual chapters.
How to Print this Manual
To print this manual you can choose one of the following several options, according to your needs.
•Printing a Page in the HTML View.
Each page in the HTML version of the manual is dedicated to a major topic. Use the Print
button on the browser toolbar to print the page contents.
•Printing a Chapter.
Use the PDF of This Chapter link at the top left of any page.
– Click the PDF of This Chapter link at the top right of any page in the chapter you want to
print. The PDF version of the chapter you were viewing opens in a browser window.
– Your computer must have the free Adobe Acrobat reader installed in order to view and
print PDF files. The Acrobat reader is available on the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com.
Note: Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/PS121v2.asp.

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– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
•Printing the Full Manual.
Use the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page.
– Click the Complete PDF Manual link at the top left of any page in the manual. The PDF
version of the complete manual opens in a browser window.
– Click the print icon in the upper left of the window.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.
Tip: If your printer supports printing two pages on a single sheet of paper, you can
save paper and printer ink by selecting this feature.

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Chapter 1
Getting Started
Congratulations on your purchase of the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server. The print
server allows you to share a printer without sharing your PC.
• This chapter describes the package contents, appearance of the PS121v2 USB Multifunction
Print Server, and how to prepare for installation.
• For quick installation and setup, see the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server Installation
Guide, which describes the installation and use of the PS121v2 for operation with a Microsoft
Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE 2nd edition system.
• For information about product features and compatible NETGEAR products, see the
NETGEAR website at http://www.netgear.com.
• Product updates are available on the NETGEAR, Inc. website at
http://kbserver.netgear.com/products/PS121.asp.
• For a list of USB printers that have been tested with NETGEAR print servers, see the Support
section of the NETGEAR website.
Note: Other USB printers may also be compatible, or partially compatible, but
NETGEAR has not tested them.

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What Is in the Box
The product package should contain the following items:
• USB Multifunction Print Server
• Power adapter
• USB cable
•Resource CD, including:
– Driver and System Utility Software
– Documentation including the installation guide and the NETGEAR USB Multifunction
Printer Server PS121v2 User Manual (this document)
•PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server Installation Guide
• Warranty & Registration card
• Support information card
If any of the parts are incorrect, missing, or damaged, contact your NETGEAR dealer. Keep the
carton, including the original packing materials, in case you need to return the product for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill out the registration
information within 30 days of purchase. For priority service, register online on the NETGEAR
Web page at: http://www.NETGEAR.com
You can also fill out and return the Warranty & Registration Card that is included in your product
package.
Figure 1-1
1.
2.
3.
4, 5, 6

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Hardware Description
The PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server LEDs indicate the status of the server and the
Ethernet traffic. It has one 10/100 Mbps network port. The port operates in 10/100 Mbps when
connected to a 10/100Mbps Ethernet network. It has one USB port. It has a power adapter
receptacle that accepts a 12V 1A DC power adapter. It has a diagnostic/reset button.
LED Indicators
As illustrated in the figure below, the USB Multifunction Print Server has 2 LEDs.
See the table below for a description of the LED indicator lights:
Figure 1-2
Table 1-1. LED Descriptions
ACT Status LED
(Green) ERROR LED (Red) Description
Off Off No power
On Off Power on, idle normal operation
Flashing Off Normal operation transmitting or receiving data from the network.
On On No USB printer attached.
Flashing Flashing (LEDs flash in turn) Firmware upgrade in progress

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USB Port
The USB port of the PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server is a standard USB connector.
Diagnostic/Reset Push Button
This button has 2 functions:
• Restore the factory default settings
• Print a test page containing all current settings
The button is recessed. Use a pin or paper clip to press it.
Figure 1-3
Note: The USB Multifunction Print Server does not support printers using parallel
connectors. If your printer uses a parallel connector, you should use one of the
other NETGEAR Print Servers such as the Model PS101 Mini Print Server.
Figure 1-4
PS121 USB 2.0 Port
Recessed Diagnostic/Reset Button

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To Restore the Factory Default Settings
1. Unplug the Print Server from its power source.
2. Press and hold the diagnostic button. While pressing the button, apply power to the Print
Server and continue pressing the button until the ACT and ERROR LEDs flash alternately.
The default factory settings are restored.
To Generate a Diagnostic Printout
1. Ensure that both the Print Server and the attached printer are on.
2. Press the diagnostic button, and hold it in until the ERROR LED flashes slowly.
The test page, containing the current settings, will print.
Observe These Precautions
For your own safety, and to protect your Print Server, please observe the following precautions.
• Use only the correct 12V 1A power adapter. Do not pinch, crimp or otherwise damage the
power cord. If exposed to foot traffic, ensure that the cable is properly shielded and does not
pose a tripping hazard.
• Unplug the print server from its power source before cleaning. Use only a slightly dampened
cloth for cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
• Avoid using this product near water. Exposure to water poses an electric-shock hazard.
Note: The factory default setting for the Print Server IP Address is DHCP enabled
(provided automatically by a router or access point). During installation you must
set a Static IP address in order for the Print Server to perform properly.
Note: PostScript printers are unable to print this page. If you have a PostScript printer, the
test page will not be printed.

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Chapter 2
Installation and Setup
This chapter describes how to install your PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server and set up
basic connectivity on your Local Area Network (LAN). Operation is covered in Chapter 3,
“Managing the Print Server”in this manual.
Preparing for Installation
Assure that the following are available:
• You have a working Ethernet network running TCP/IP with at least one PC running Microsoft
Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000,Windows 98SE, or Windows Me.
• You have one unused port on a router.
• You have a printer with a USB port.
• Gather your existing network settings such as the TCP/IP addresses and networking protocols
in use. You may need to have your printer driver software handy. For most popular printers,
Vista and Windows already have the printer driver software available.
Note: The PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server does not support printers using
parallel connectors. If your printer uses a parallel connector, you should use
one of the other NETGEAR Print Servers such as the Model PS101 Mini Print
Server.
Tip: Directly connect the printer that you will use to a computer and verify it is
working properly before connecting it to the USB Multifunction Print Server

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Overview
When installation is complete, your network configuration will look similar to the following:
Multi-Function Printers
The PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server works with multi-function printers and PCs
running Microsoft Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 2000.
• Before you send a scan, copy, or fax to the printer, you must reserve the printer for exclusive
use by your computer.
• After you have finished using the printer, release it so that it is available to other computers in
your network.
For more information about multi-function printers, see “Reserving a Multi-Function Printer to
Scan, Copy, or Fax” on page 3-1.
The PS121v2 USB Multifunction Print Server also works as a standard print server.
Standard Printing Operations
Print jobs can be sent concurrently from different computers on your network. This option is
available for networks with computers with these operating systems:
• Microsoft Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98 SE, or Windows ME
• Macintosh
• Microsoft Vista, Windows XP and Windows 2000 using LPR or raw printing.
Figure 2-1
Computers
Print Server
PS121
Printer
Router

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Installation
First, install and set up the print server and a single PC. Then set up additional PCs to work with
the print server.
Install the Print Server and Set up One PC
1. Power on your computer, let the operating system boot up completely, and log in as needed.
2. Insert the Resource CD for the PS121v2 into your CD drive. The CD main page opens.
3. Click Install and Set Up the Print Server with This PC to start the installation wizard.
Note: For TCP/IP LPR printer installation, see “Installation for TCP/IP LPR Printing” on
page 2-6
Figure 2-2

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4. Simply follow the installation instructions to connect your PS121v2 print server into your
network.
When you complete the Connect Equipment page, the installation assistant searches your
network for the PS121v2 print server. If it cannot find your print server, check the network
connections and the print server’s status LEDs.
5. Click Next to proceed to the Activate Network page where the IP address settings and device
name are displayed.
The settings recommended by the installation assistant usually work well.
6. Click Next to continue. If you are prompted for a password, type password and then click OK
to continue to the Verify Settings page.
7. When you reach the Finalize Setup page, click Print Test Page to confirm that the installation
of the print server was successful.
8. Click Next and then click Finish to close the installation assistant.
9. Check that the icon for the Smart Wizard is installed in the system tray. If it is not, run the
SmartWizard program in the ps121 program group to place it there.
Figure 2-3
Note: Take a note of the IP address assigned to the print server. You will need to
reserve this address in your router to be permanently assigned to the print
server in order to avoid potential IP address conflicts.