Print Server which supports bi-directional communications

[ramian]

My current router already has a print server but it doesn't allow bi-directional communication with the USB printer, which is required for receiving status from my printer and also for the manual duplex and multi-page printing options.

I was shopping yesterday for a print server, but found out there doesn't exist a (stand alone) print server which allows bi-directional communication over USB connection. I'm just wondering if this is true, or do such print servers actually exist?

Thanks!

[GomJabbar]

You know, I didn't think these things (bi-directional) were available, but I Googled the following words and came up with some. I wasn't finding any when I was shopping a couple of years ago.

tcp/ip print server usb bi-directional

[DIGITALgimpus]

In my experience it also depends partially on the printer used.

See the WGPS606

and the notes for your desired printer.

[ramian]

Apparently, my printer (HP PSC 750) doesn't support bi-directional communication. I'm gonna have to consider getting a networkable multi-function then.

Anyway, thanks for your replies.

cheers!

[GomJabbar]

I suppose you may be right. Looking at the product below, it supports MFP bi-directional functions such as scanning, but for my printer, the EPSON CX6400 (which has a built-in scanner) it only supports printing.

http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=482
http://www.dlink.com/products/resource. ... 1848&sec=0

This one says it supports the HP PSC 750. You will have to verify if it supports all features:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductP ... _Id=165825
http://www.belkin.com/support/printserver/list.asp

Here is another possible candidate:
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=prod ... m=GMFPSU01

One thing I will say is: "Do not assume anything." If a feature is not specifically posted, it may not be there. If possible, buy the model you want to try at a brick and mortar store - one will let you return it if it does not work properly.

[DIGITALgimpus]

Most of these adapters use the same chipset... I forget who makes it. That's why they even ship with the same program to "add a port" to your computer to support printing from it.

So I'd imagine most of the devices use the same model of the chipset, and will support/not support the same printers.

In general I've had good luck with these in the past.

[ramian]

Wow! Thanks for the links. I'll see if I can find any of those in any B&M stores here. My HP is beginning to show its age... twain scanning doesn't work anymore, it out-right resfuses to align print heads, printing speeds have dropped considerably over the years.

I don't know if it's better just to wait till it dies and then buy a networkable multi-function (LaserJet 3052 comes to mind), or to just get a good print server, and have the option of getting any of the supported multifunctions.