TP-LINK TL-WPS510U Installation
annod3
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Hello,
Can someone knowledgeable about networks assist me with the installation of a WPS (Wireless Print Server) and specifically the TP-LINK TL-WPS510U with a LINKSYS WRT54G WiFi router and an HP DESKJET F4280 printer (which is compatible with the server)? I just researched the TP-LINK website:
http://www.tp-link.com/products/productDetails.asp?pmodel=TL-WPS510U
to install this TP-LINK WiFi print server, which is inexpensive but apparently not easy to set up!
Thank you in advance.
Can someone knowledgeable about networks assist me with the installation of a WPS (Wireless Print Server) and specifically the TP-LINK TL-WPS510U with a LINKSYS WRT54G WiFi router and an HP DESKJET F4280 printer (which is compatible with the server)? I just researched the TP-LINK website:
http://www.tp-link.com/products/productDetails.asp?pmodel=TL-WPS510U
to install this TP-LINK WiFi print server, which is inexpensive but apparently not easy to set up!
Thank you in advance.
7 answers
Good evening,
I just skimmed through the documentation quickly, there’s nothing too complicated. All the steps are explained quite well. You need to know your network settings well:
SSID of your Wi-Fi network
encryption key used
IP addressing in place
...
These are pieces of information that you should know and be able to find if you have set up your own network.
I just skimmed through the documentation quickly, there’s nothing too complicated. All the steps are explained quite well. You need to know your network settings well:
SSID of your Wi-Fi network
encryption key used
IP addressing in place
...
These are pieces of information that you should know and be able to find if you have set up your own network.
Thank you Géca for going through the documentation. Before we start and waste time empirically, I would like to know if you understand it as I do. To begin, I will work under Windows XP. I saw 3 steps to take:
1- Set the WPS to Infrastructure mode (it's by default in Ad-Hoc mode),
2- Create "a link" between the WPS and the WiFi router (this is the most unclear part for me...) How, in two words if you understood?
3- Install a Standard TCP/IP port for the WPS. I can do that. I did it on my previous WiFi router that also acted as a print server.
PS: regarding the restrictions, I see this:
<<
http://bpelforum.com/332/new-tp-link-tl-wps510u-mini-usb-2-0-802-11g-2-4-ghz-wi-fi-wireless-network-lan-print-server/
1. Gabriel Reindl says:
April 30, 2010 at 5:16 pm
This is a compact pocket size wireless printer for home or small office use. Works very fast once installed and set up. I have it working with Windows XP PCs as well as Linux (eeePC). Still struggling with Macbook setup though, the connectivity is OK, but the printer queue settings might not be right. I use a Canon PIXMA IP4000.
The provided documentation does not explicitly covers the fact how to set up the WPS with an existing wireless network. One important thing that is not mentioned in the user documentation is the fact that due to the factory settings you HAVE TO use the 192.168.0.0/255.255.255.0 network for the initial installation. Once you connect with the WPS e.g. with your windows laptop temporarily setup with the address space as above via ad-hoc connection, you can change the settings to your own wireless access point (SSID, address space, encryption).
Although the WPS supports USB2.0, the bidirectional communication with the printer does not work the same way as a directly connected printer via USB port. So you won't be able to see the printer status e.g. color levels in cartridges, etc.
The included USB extension cord is very short, the idea is to attach the WPS to the body of the printer. I would recommend to use a Velcro tape for this purpose, not included with the product.
I would recommend this product for somebody with wireless/IP experience for integration into a pre-existing wireless network. Once set up works reliably.
Rating: 4 / 5
>>
1- Set the WPS to Infrastructure mode (it's by default in Ad-Hoc mode),
2- Create "a link" between the WPS and the WiFi router (this is the most unclear part for me...) How, in two words if you understood?
3- Install a Standard TCP/IP port for the WPS. I can do that. I did it on my previous WiFi router that also acted as a print server.
PS: regarding the restrictions, I see this:
<<
http://bpelforum.com/332/new-tp-link-tl-wps510u-mini-usb-2-0-802-11g-2-4-ghz-wi-fi-wireless-network-lan-print-server/
1. Gabriel Reindl says:
April 30, 2010 at 5:16 pm
This is a compact pocket size wireless printer for home or small office use. Works very fast once installed and set up. I have it working with Windows XP PCs as well as Linux (eeePC). Still struggling with Macbook setup though, the connectivity is OK, but the printer queue settings might not be right. I use a Canon PIXMA IP4000.
The provided documentation does not explicitly covers the fact how to set up the WPS with an existing wireless network. One important thing that is not mentioned in the user documentation is the fact that due to the factory settings you HAVE TO use the 192.168.0.0/255.255.255.0 network for the initial installation. Once you connect with the WPS e.g. with your windows laptop temporarily setup with the address space as above via ad-hoc connection, you can change the settings to your own wireless access point (SSID, address space, encryption).
Although the WPS supports USB2.0, the bidirectional communication with the printer does not work the same way as a directly connected printer via USB port. So you won't be able to see the printer status e.g. color levels in cartridges, etc.
The included USB extension cord is very short, the idea is to attach the WPS to the body of the printer. I would recommend to use a Velcro tape for this purpose, not included with the product.
I would recommend this product for somebody with wireless/IP experience for integration into a pre-existing wireless network. Once set up works reliably.
Rating: 4 / 5
>>
Hello,
Downloadable installation guide here: http://www.tp-link.com/support/download.asp?a=1&m=TL-WPS510U
For the installation, you need to configure the Wi-Fi network card to a fixed IP (just IP and subnet mask) with 192.168.0.101/24. Make sure to note your current configuration before modifying it.
Search for available Wi-Fi networks and connect to the network broadcast by the device: WLAN-PS
Then you need to launch the PrintServer_Setup_Wizard application for configuring the device, which is located on the CD-ROM provided with the TL-WPS510U or download it beforehand here: http://www.tplink.com/support/download.asp
Once the configuration is complete, you must restore the Wi-Fi network card settings on the PC to their original state.
--
Downloadable installation guide here: http://www.tp-link.com/support/download.asp?a=1&m=TL-WPS510U
For the installation, you need to configure the Wi-Fi network card to a fixed IP (just IP and subnet mask) with 192.168.0.101/24. Make sure to note your current configuration before modifying it.
Search for available Wi-Fi networks and connect to the network broadcast by the device: WLAN-PS
Then you need to launch the PrintServer_Setup_Wizard application for configuring the device, which is located on the CD-ROM provided with the TL-WPS510U or download it beforehand here: http://www.tplink.com/support/download.asp
Once the configuration is complete, you must restore the Wi-Fi network card settings on the PC to their original state.
--
Thank you Géca, I spent the whole afternoon this Sunday doing (I think?) exactly what you just wrote and which corresponds to the documentation... and my printer is not printing anything. I also referred to the book: "Home Networks (Covers WiFi Wireless Networks)" from Micro Application which explains well, especially the basic TCP/IP concepts! I suppose the problem comes from the "link" between my own network and the one created by the WPS: WLAN-PS?
Actually, my basic configuration is as follows:
WiFi Router Linksys WRT54G Settings
Internet Setup / Internet connection type
IP: Static IP
Internet IP address: X.Y Z.74
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: X.Y.Z.254
Static DNS1: 212.27.53.252
Static DNS2: 212.27.54.252
Network setup / Router IP
Local IP address: 192.168.0.254
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
DHCP server: Disable
Wireless Network
Wireless Network name (SSID): linksys
Wireless MAC filter: allowed Mac addresses (no encryption key used - "unsecured network"...)
Settings for my laptop connected via WiFi to the router
Connected to the network: linksys
Internet Protocol TCP/IP
- Use the following IP address:
IP address: 192.168.0.n (n from 1 to 12 for my 12 PCs connected via WiFi)
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.0.254
- Use the following DNS server addresses:
Preferred DNS server: 212.27.53.252
Alternate DNS server: 212.27.54.252
I will provide the rest of my settings tomorrow because it's late!!!
Thank you for your collaboration and those of other people who know a bit about networks!!!
Actually, my basic configuration is as follows:
WiFi Router Linksys WRT54G Settings
Internet Setup / Internet connection type
IP: Static IP
Internet IP address: X.Y Z.74
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: X.Y.Z.254
Static DNS1: 212.27.53.252
Static DNS2: 212.27.54.252
Network setup / Router IP
Local IP address: 192.168.0.254
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
DHCP server: Disable
Wireless Network
Wireless Network name (SSID): linksys
Wireless MAC filter: allowed Mac addresses (no encryption key used - "unsecured network"...)
Settings for my laptop connected via WiFi to the router
Connected to the network: linksys
Internet Protocol TCP/IP
- Use the following IP address:
IP address: 192.168.0.n (n from 1 to 12 for my 12 PCs connected via WiFi)
Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
Default gateway: 192.168.0.254
- Use the following DNS server addresses:
Preferred DNS server: 212.27.53.252
Alternate DNS server: 212.27.54.252
I will provide the rest of my settings tomorrow because it's late!!!
Thank you for your collaboration and those of other people who know a bit about networks!!!
Hello,
A note regarding security: you left your Linksys access point accessible without encryption key, which is not prudent. Your WRT54G performs MAC address filtering, but a MAC address can be spoofed. Moreover, since the transmissions on your network are not encrypted, an attacker can quickly identify the authorized MAC addresses.
The checks you can perform:
At the end of the configuration, the WPS should no longer be the Wi-Fi access point WLAN-PS.
Is the Wi-Fi network WLAN-PS still being broadcast?
Did you add the MAC address of the WPS to the list of authorized MAC addresses on your WRT54G?
Can you ping the IP address you configured for the WPS?
--
A note regarding security: you left your Linksys access point accessible without encryption key, which is not prudent. Your WRT54G performs MAC address filtering, but a MAC address can be spoofed. Moreover, since the transmissions on your network are not encrypted, an attacker can quickly identify the authorized MAC addresses.
The checks you can perform:
At the end of the configuration, the WPS should no longer be the Wi-Fi access point WLAN-PS.
Is the Wi-Fi network WLAN-PS still being broadcast?
Did you add the MAC address of the WPS to the list of authorized MAC addresses on your WRT54G?
Can you ping the IP address you configured for the WPS?
--
Good evening Géca,
I made a little progress today despite the heat...
Regarding security, the keys are also easily crackable...
No, the WLAN-PS network is no longer broadcasting. The MAC address of the WPS is in my list of filtered MAC addresses. Yes, I can ping the IP address of the WPS!
The problem is with the printer: I can't find "HP Deskjet 4200 series" in the list of available printers. Moreover, when I want to install a Standard TCP/IP port for the WPS on the other PCs, XP asks me for the driver (*.inf), and I don't have a driver: it's not a simple printer. It's a multifunction printer! I downloaded and ran the driver from the HP site: at one point it asks me to connect the printer with the USB cable... or to continue (whether I do one or the other, it doesn't work)!!!
Maybe the night will bring me advice. If you have any idea on how I can find "HP Deskjet 4200 series" in the list of printers, I am interested... or a simple print driver (driver) only!!!
Thank you for your collaboration. Luckily I have all my time... but these are still not "Plug and Play" systems... technology still has progress to make in this area.
I made a little progress today despite the heat...
Regarding security, the keys are also easily crackable...
No, the WLAN-PS network is no longer broadcasting. The MAC address of the WPS is in my list of filtered MAC addresses. Yes, I can ping the IP address of the WPS!
The problem is with the printer: I can't find "HP Deskjet 4200 series" in the list of available printers. Moreover, when I want to install a Standard TCP/IP port for the WPS on the other PCs, XP asks me for the driver (*.inf), and I don't have a driver: it's not a simple printer. It's a multifunction printer! I downloaded and ran the driver from the HP site: at one point it asks me to connect the printer with the USB cable... or to continue (whether I do one or the other, it doesn't work)!!!
Maybe the night will bring me advice. If you have any idea on how I can find "HP Deskjet 4200 series" in the list of printers, I am interested... or a simple print driver (driver) only!!!
Thank you for your collaboration. Luckily I have all my time... but these are still not "Plug and Play" systems... technology still has progress to make in this area.
Good evening,
>>Regarding security...
Connecting to a wireless network and watching even a single packet pass is within reach of anyone who installs a packet analyzer. To my knowledge, the only vulnerability of WPA2 is to be hacked by someone already authenticated on the access point (which means knowing the encryption key).
>>but they are still not "Plug and Play" systems... the technology has still made progress in this area.
You might have poorly "plugged" the Wi-Fi cable ;)
Why didn't you use the CD provided with the WPS to install the printer?
It would have created the standard TCP/IP port with the appropriate settings. If you look carefully, the .inf file related to your printer should be in the unzipped driver files (check in %tmp%).
You can also install the printer locally with the USB port, that way you'll have the driver recognized by Windows' services, and then you can install it via the network.
--
>>Regarding security...
Connecting to a wireless network and watching even a single packet pass is within reach of anyone who installs a packet analyzer. To my knowledge, the only vulnerability of WPA2 is to be hacked by someone already authenticated on the access point (which means knowing the encryption key).
>>but they are still not "Plug and Play" systems... the technology has still made progress in this area.
You might have poorly "plugged" the Wi-Fi cable ;)
Why didn't you use the CD provided with the WPS to install the printer?
It would have created the standard TCP/IP port with the appropriate settings. If you look carefully, the .inf file related to your printer should be in the unzipped driver files (check in %tmp%).
You can also install the printer locally with the USB port, that way you'll have the driver recognized by Windows' services, and then you can install it via the network.
--
Hello,
I installed one for my MP270 printer. It's not plug & play, but with some persistence, it works very well. The only issue raised by Gabriel Reindl, which I can confirm, is that the bidirectional mode doesn't work, so it's impossible to get the printer status, such as the ink levels in the cartridges, etc. too bad.
Good luck to the installers.
I installed one for my MP270 printer. It's not plug & play, but with some persistence, it works very well. The only issue raised by Gabriel Reindl, which I can confirm, is that the bidirectional mode doesn't work, so it's impossible to get the printer status, such as the ink levels in the cartridges, etc. too bad.
Good luck to the installers.