D-Link DP-301U 10/100TX 1-USB Port Print Server

1. Product Overview

The D-Link DP-301U is a compact print server designed to connect a USB printer to your Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network. It enables multiple users on the network to access and share a single USB printer, eliminating the need for a dedicated computer to host the printer.

This device supports a high-speed USB 1.1 port for broad compatibility with most USB printers. It is compatible with all major network operating systems and protocols, including TCP/IP, NetBEUI, and AppleTalk. Configuration can be performed easily via a web browser or a Windows-based utility called PS Admin.

Figure 1.1: D-Link DP-301U Print Server and Packaging. This image shows the compact size of the print server and highlights its key features as advertised on the box, including Fast Ethernet connectivity, USB port, and web-based configuration.

Key Features:

• Allows network users to print to a connected USB printer from virtually any location on the network.
• Configurable via a web-browser setup utility or the Windows-based PS Admin program.
• Facilitates printer sharing, reducing the need for multiple printers and associated supplies.
• Eliminates the requirement for a dedicated computer to remain powered on for printer support.
• Supports TCP/IP, NetBEUI, and AppleTalk transport protocols through a 10/100 Fast Ethernet port.

2. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to set up your D-Link DP-301U Print Server.

2.1 Physical Connection

1. Connect the Power Adapter: Plug the provided power adapter into the DP-301U's power input port (5V==2.5A) and then into a standard electrical outlet.
2. Connect the Printer: Connect your USB printer to the USB port on the DP-301U using a standard USB cable. Ensure the printer is powered on.
3. Connect to Network: Connect an Ethernet cable from your network router or switch to the LAN port (RJ-45) on the DP-301U.

Figure 2.1: Rear Ports of the DP-301U. This image illustrates the power input, USB port, and LAN (Ethernet) port on the back of the print server, indicating where to connect the power adapter, USB printer, and network cable.

2.2 Configuration

The DP-301U can be configured using either a web browser or the Windows-based PS Admin utility.

Web-Based Configuration:

For web-based configuration, you will need to determine the IP address assigned to the print server by your network's DHCP server (or its default IP if DHCP is not used). You can often find this by checking your router's connected devices list or by using the PS Admin utility to discover the device.

1. Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
2. Enter the IP address of the DP-301U into the browser's address bar and press Enter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure network settings, printer settings, and other preferences.

Windows PS Admin Utility:

The PS Admin utility provides a graphical interface for discovering and configuring the print server on a Windows PC.

1. Install the PS Admin utility from the provided installation CD or D-Link's support website.
2. Launch the PS Admin application.
3. The utility will scan your network for D-Link print servers. Select your DP-301U from the discovered devices.
4. Use the utility's interface to configure the print server's settings, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and printer-specific options.

3. Operating the Print Server

Once configured, the D-Link DP-301U allows any computer on the network to print to the connected USB printer. The print server acts as a dedicated network device, managing print jobs without requiring a host computer.

3.1 Adding the Network Printer to Client Computers

To print from a computer, you must add the printer as a network printer using its IP address or hostname.

1. Install Printer Driver: Ensure the correct printer driver for your USB printer is installed on each client computer that will use the print server.
2. Add Printer: Go to your operating system's printer settings (e.g., 'Devices and Printers' in Windows, 'Printers & Scanners' in macOS).
3. Select Network Printer: Choose the option to add a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer.
4. Specify Port: Create a new TCP/IP port and enter the IP address of your DP-301U print server.
5. Select Driver: When prompted, select the appropriate driver for your printer that you installed earlier.
6. Complete Setup: Follow any remaining prompts to complete the printer installation.

After successful installation, you can print to the shared USB printer from any application on the client computer as you would with a locally connected printer.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your D-Link DP-301U Print Server.

• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the D-Link support website for firmware updates. Updating the firmware can improve performance, add features, or resolve known issues.
• Physical Cleaning: Keep the device clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Ensure ventilation slots are not blocked to prevent overheating.
• Environmental Conditions: Operate the print server within recommended temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• Cable Connections: Periodically check all cable connections (power, USB, Ethernet) to ensure they are secure and undamaged.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with the DP-301U Print Server.

5.1 General Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Power and Connections: Ensure the print server is powered on and all cables (power, USB to printer, Ethernet to network) are securely connected. Verify the printer is also powered on.
2. Restart Devices: Power cycle the print server, the connected printer, and your network router/switch. Then restart the client computer.
3. Verify IP Address: Confirm that the print server has a valid IP address on your network and that client computers are configured to print to this correct IP address. Use the PS Admin utility to discover the device's IP.
4. Firewall Settings: Ensure that your computer's firewall or network security software is not blocking communication with the print server.

5.2 Specific Issues and Solutions

• Cannot Discover or Connect to Print Server:
  • Ensure the print server is on the same network segment as the computer attempting to configure it.
  • Temporarily disable any VPN connections or complex network configurations that might interfere with device discovery.
  • Try resetting the print server to factory defaults (refer to the device's physical reset button, if available, or the PS Admin utility).
• Printer Not Printing or Printing Slowly:
  • Verify the printer is online and has paper/ink.
  • Ensure the correct printer driver is installed on the client computer. Some printers, particularly GDI-based printers (common with HP), may not be compatible with generic print servers like the DP-301U. Check D-Link's compatibility list for your specific printer model.
  • Check the print queue on the client computer for stalled jobs. Clear the queue and try again.
  • If printing pauses for an extended period at the end of a job, this can sometimes be a driver or compatibility issue. Ensure you have the latest printer driver.
• Compatibility Issues (e.g., with Mac OS or specific printer models):
  • While the DP-301U supports AppleTalk, specific printer drivers or operating system versions might have compatibility limitations. Consult D-Link's support resources for Mac OS compatibility.
  • As noted, some printers (especially GDI printers) are designed to work only with specific print server technologies (e.g., HP's Jetdirect). The DP-301U is generally compatible with PCL/PJL type printers.

6. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the D-Link DP-301U Print Server.

7. Warranty and Support

Please note the following information regarding warranty and support for the D-Link DP-301U Print Server:

7.1 Warranty Information

This product is sold as is. There is no warranty provided with this device.

7.2 Technical Support

For further assistance or technical inquiries, please refer to the official D-Link support website or contact D-Link customer service. Support resources may include FAQs, driver downloads, and additional troubleshooting guides.