WAVLINK WL-NU516U1

WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server

Instruction Manual

Model: WL-NU516U1

Introduction

The WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server allows you to share USB printers with multiple users across a network. It supports wired, wireless, and standalone operation modes, making it versatile for various environments such as homes, offices, warehouses, and shops. The device features a USB 2.0 port, 10/100Mbps LAN/Bridge ports, and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server.

Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components of your WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server:

WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server Product Overview with labeled ports and buttons
Figure 1: Product Overview - This diagram shows the top and side views of the WAVLINK USB2.0 Wireless Printer Server, highlighting its key components. These include the LED Indicators (SYS, BRIDGE, LAN, WLAN), BRIDGE Port (OUT) 10/100Mbps, LAN Port (IN) 10/100Mbps, Micro USB Port (DC 5V IN), WPS Button (Press 6s to pair), USB 2.0 Port, and Reset Button (Press 6s to reset).

LED Indicator Status

Indicator State Description
WLAN Solid Blue The Wi-Fi is activated.
OFF The Wi-Fi isn't activated.
LAN Solid Blue The network port is connected.
OFF The network port is disconnected.
BRIDGE Solid Blue The network port is connected.
OFF The network port is disconnected.
SYS Solid Blue The printer server has connected to the router.
Slow Blinking Blue The printer server hasn't connected to the router.
Fast Blinking Blue The WPS is ON.

Default Parameters

Setup

1. Initial Connection

Before proceeding, ensure your computer has the printer driver installed and the printer functions correctly when connected directly to your computer.

  1. Connect the power adapter to the printer server.
  2. Connect your printer to the printer server's USB 2.0 port using a USB cable.
  3. Connect the printer server to your network using one of the following modes:
Wired Mode

Connect the printer server to your router using an Ethernet cable. This mode provides a stable and fast connection.

Diagram of Wired Mode connection for WAVLINK Printer Server
Figure 2: Wired Mode Connection - Shows a wireless router connected via Ethernet cable to the NU516U1 printer server, which is then connected via USB cable to a printer and powered by a power cable. A laptop/PC is also connected to the router via Ethernet.
Wireless Mode

Connect the printer server to your router via Wi-Fi. This offers flexibility in placement.

Diagram of Wireless Mode connection for WAVLINK Printer Server
Figure 3: Wireless Mode Connection - Illustrates a wireless router broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal to the NU516U1 printer server. The printer server is connected via USB cable to a printer and powered by a power cable. A laptop/PC is connected to the router via Ethernet.
Standalone Mode

The printer server broadcasts its own Wi-Fi signal, allowing devices to connect directly to it for printing.

Diagram of Standalone Mode connection for WAVLINK Printer Server
Figure 4: Standalone Mode Connection - Depicts the NU516U1 printer server broadcasting its own Wi-Fi signal. A laptop/PC connects directly to this Wi-Fi signal. The printer server is connected via USB cable to a printer and powered by a power cable.

2. Wi-Fi Connection to Printer Server

To configure the printer server, you first need to connect your computer to its Wi-Fi network.

  1. Connect the power plug to the printer server.
  2. On your computer, search for the Wi-Fi network named NETUSB_XXXX (where XXXX is a unique identifier).
  3. Enter the default Wi-Fi password: netusb12345.
  4. Connect to this network.

3. Wizard Configuration (Web Interface)

Once connected to the printer server's Wi-Fi, you can access its web management interface to configure settings.

  1. Open a web browser and enter usblogin.link in the address bar.
  2. The default login password is admin.
  3. Navigate to System Settings to set a new login password. Click Next Step to save.
  4. Select a mode from the Mode Selection list:
    • Wireless Repeater Mode: Choose the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to from the list and enter its Wi-Fi password. The password you enter will also become this printer server's Wi-Fi password. Alternatively, you can manually enter the Wi-Fi name and select the encryption type (WPA2-PSK is recommended).
    • Wired Repeater Mode: Select the encryption (WPA2-PSK recommended) and set a new Wi-Fi password for this printer server.
  5. Wait for the configuration to complete.
  6. Navigate back to the login page and enter your new login password.

4. Network Settings

To configure the IP address of the printer server, go to Network Setting -> LAN Settings in the web interface.

  • Wired Setting:
    • If connected to an upper router, the default connection method is DHCP. If you prefer Static IP, ensure you confirm the IP address allocation range in your router.
    • If the printer server operates independently (not connected to an upper router), configure the IP address allocation range to allow it to assign IP addresses to connected devices.
  • Wireless Setting:
    • Go to Network Setting -> Wireless Repeater.
    • When the Wireless Repeater Switch is ON, the printer operates in Wireless Repeater Mode.
    • When the switch is OFF, the printer operates in Wired Repeater Mode.
    • After changing settings, reconnect your computer to the printer server's Wi-Fi and refresh the web screen. Ensure the print server is properly connected, then connect your printer to the server's USB 2.0 port via USB cable.

5. Adding the Printer to Your Computer

For Windows Users
  1. Click the Windows icon, then select Settings.
  2. Go to Devices > Printers & scanners.
  3. Click Add a printer or scanner.
  4. If your printer is not listed, click The printer that I want isn't listed.
  5. Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
  6. Choose TCP/IP Device as the device type.
  7. Enter the Printer Server's IP address (found in Device Status > Network Status in the web management interface) as the Hostname or IP address.
  8. Click Next.
  9. If prompted for additional port information, click Settings.
  10. Get the Port Number from Device Manager > Printer Settings in the Printer Server's web interface and ensure it matches the Port Number in the Windows setup (e.g., 9100).
  11. Install the printer driver by selecting your printer from the list or using Have Disk if you have the driver CD.
  12. Choose whether to share the printer or not.
  13. Click Finish.
For Mac Users

Ensure your computer is connected to the Printer Server wirelessly.

  1. Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
  2. Click the + button to add a printer.
  3. Select your printer (e.g., HP LaserJet Professional M1213nf MFP on MeshLink) from the list.
  4. Ensure Use: Auto Select is chosen or select the appropriate driver.
  5. Click Add.

Note: If you need to install mDNS on your Windows system, please download Bonjour Printer Services from Apple's official website.

Operating

Once the printer server is set up and your printer is added to your computer, you can print as you normally would. The WAVLINK printer server converts your USB printers into network-accessible printers, allowing any connected computer on the local network to print.

  • Shared Printing: All computers connected to the same local network as the printer server can send print jobs to the shared USB printer.
  • USB Storage Sharing (Samba Service): The printer server supports Samba Service, allowing you to share USB storage devices connected to its USB port across your network. This can be managed via the web interface under Device Manager > Storage Management.
  • Web Management: The web-based interface (usblogin.link) allows you to configure, monitor, and reset the printer server conveniently.

Maintenance

1. Printer Settings Management

To modify printer settings, navigate to Device Manager > Printer Settings in the web interface. You can edit or delete printer configurations and also adjust the Port Number for your printer. Click Save after making changes.

2. Storage Management

To enable storage sharing in your LAN, go to Device Manager > Storage Management. Check the password, click Save, and then access the corresponding path in your computer's File Explorer.

3. Firmware Upgrade

To ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features, it is recommended to keep your device's firmware updated.

  1. Download the latest firmware file from the WAVLINK website: www.wavlink.com (navigate to SUPPORT > Firmware).
  2. In the web interface, click System Settings > Backup/Upgrade.
  3. In the Local Firmware section, choose the downloaded firmware file.
  4. Click Upload and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade process.

Troubleshooting

  • Device Not Found: Ensure the printer server is powered on, connected to the network (wired or wireless), and properly configured. Verify the IP address entered during printer setup.
  • Printer Not Printing: Confirm that the printer driver is correctly installed on your computer and that the printer works when connected directly to your computer. Check all cable connections (USB, Ethernet, power).
  • Resetting the Device: If you encounter persistent issues, you can reset the device to factory defaults by pressing and holding the Reset Button for 6 seconds.
  • WPS Pairing Issues: If using Wireless Repeater Mode, press and hold the WPS Button for 6 seconds to pair with your upper router.
  • Compatibility: This printer server works with most USB printers supporting the RAW protocol. A few printers are not supported, such as Canon LBP2900, 2900+, 3000, 7200, HP P1108, HP M403D, and Epson 1390. If unsure about your printer's compatibility, contact WAVLINK technical support.
  • Web Interface Access: If you cannot access usblogin.link, ensure your computer is connected to the printer server's Wi-Fi (NETUSB_XXXX) and try clearing your browser's cache.

Specifications

Feature Detail
Model WL-NU516U1
Color White
Material Type PC+ABS
Item Weight 43g / 1.5oz
Product Dimensions 7.5 x 5.4 x 1.8 cm / 2.95 x 2.13 x 0.70 in
Network Cable Length 1.1m / 3.61ft
Power Adapter Cable Length 1m / 3.28ft
System Requirement Windows 7/8/10/11/XP, Mac OS
Operation Modes Wired Mode, Wireless Mode, Standalone Mode
Interface Type Ethernet (10/100Mbps LAN/Bridge), USB 2.0
Certification CE, RoHS

User Tips

  • For optimal performance, it is recommended that your computer and the print server be on the same local network.
  • You can expand the number of shared printers or storage devices by connecting a USB HUB to the printer server's USB 2.0 port. The device supports sharing up to 4 printers or 4 storage devices this way.
  • The printer server is designed with heat ventilation holes at the bottom to ensure good cooling and prolong its service life. Ensure these vents are not obstructed.
  • Always use the provided power adapter to ensure stable operation.

Support

For further assistance or to download the latest drivers and firmware, please visit:

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