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INTRODUCTION
We all love wireless networking - that's a given. The fact that we can
"connect" computers together on a wireless network, and have
that network connect to the internet is one of the great marvels of the
last 3 years in technology. Now that we've all gotten used to the idea
that we can wirelessly connect our computers together, it's time we all
get used to the fact that other shared peripherals will be wirelessly
networked together as well.
Enter in the D-Link DP-311P 802.11b wireless print server, a device that
plugs into your printer's centronics port and will connect the printer
to your 802.11b compliant network. The benefit? You can share the printer
amongst anyone on your wireless LAN.
description of technology
The DP-311P is equipped with one bi-directional parallel
port with centronics connector for direct connection to most printers
available on the market (there are some that only have a USB port, so
be sure to check your equipment first). No additional printer cables will
be required outside of the power supply to the printer itself. The DP-311P
also supports all major network operating systems and protocols (802.11b
compliant as mentioned before).
The DP-311P supports both infrastructure or Adhoc wireless
modes. The unit is configurable via a Web Browser or Windows based setup
wizard. Using Web Browsers on a PC connected to the network, configuration
is simple and straightforward with the familiar D-Link interface (for
those of you with D-Link networking products already).
installation
The performance is really straightforward using the directions
included in the bundle. Connecting the unit to the printer is a job for
a primate, and connecting the printer up to your network should be fairly
simple - just make sure that your wireless access point supports the 802.11b
protocol. If that's the case, installation will not take that long ...
from there you "install" the printer in the control panel, add
the network printer, and you're ready to go from any node on the network.
Performance
Either it works or it doesn't - and the DP-311P works just
fine. It's a fantastic solution if you need to keep a printer in a central
location and have various people on the network print papers. Why bother
spending $150 for a cheap printer for 6 people (which totals $900) when
you can buy a great printer and the DP-311P for a much lower total cost?
It makes plenty of economic and technological sense.
Overall Impressions
This device makes all the sense in the world to own if you
want to only print from one printer but share it amongst all in a network
environment. Obviously you have to keep in mind the 802.11b range is not
the same for the 802.11g products ... but the speed difference is absolutely
no concern because it doesn't matter what speed (really) the unit runs
at (because it won't ever come close to 11mbps!) ... so don't be concerned
with the speed difference, but just be aware of the range (from the B
to G protocols).
This device is a fantastic way to make sure valuable resources
from the computer that is normally hooked up to the printer aren't stolen
from a ton of people trying to get their printing done. The network can
manage the whole thing, eliminating the need for a printer-specific computer
to buying multiple printers to properly ensure that everyone can print
efficiently.
D-Link has made a very handy product for any home office
or small business with the DP-311P print server as it allows the cost
efficiency for your print solution to more than justify its purchase.
Overall, a very innovative product that can make many an IT director's
life a lot easier!
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10 / 10 |
OVERALL SCORE
94%
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10 / 10 |
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8 / 10 |
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10 / 10 |
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9 / 10 |
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9.4 / 10 |
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