Hi:

I just installed an HP 9800 printer through the USB print server connection on the z100g. The HP utility won't show the ink levels, saying it doesn't have two way communication with the printer (though it prints fine). It communicates fine (showing ink levels) with a direct USB connection on my computer, so I assume it's some sort of firewall rule on the router. I've got it on port 9101. How do I set up a rule so my computer allows com to and from the printer? I've tried several variations, but none work so far.

Thanks,

George

The tab next to the server setting, you may want to try the security section, rules tab. Try a new rule, either allow, or maybe allow and forward (allowing the communication and forwarding it to the computer you want). Make the source the gateway. Try the destination as the computer you want the computer to communicate with. If that doesn;t work, try the destination as the gateway (or try any) and forward the communication to the computer you want to communicate with.

Also check the computer firewall settings. You could even try the sniffer to find out where the communication is being stopped. It could be that your computer is cutting off that port. Check your local firewall settings on the computer as well.

To do some troubleshooting, try shutting down firewalls, one at a time, and retrying the communication, to find out exactly which firewall is causing the issue. Using a print server brings the computer's firewall into play. When the printer was hooked up to a local computer, it was behind the firewall.

hope this helps.

Unfortunately, the appliance does not support printer features that require bidirectional communications.

The SofaWare Team

A nitpicking point. The Z100 will support bi-directional communication with a printer if it is a network capable printer. In fact networking was a make-or-break feature when I recently bought a printer for home use. The HP D7260 works just fine through the network.

It is getting harder to understand why any printers are built without networking given that so many homes and virtually all offices have networks now.

All:

Thanks for the assorted details and attempt to solve. Looks like the easiest plan is to just have an extra USB to occasionally plug directly into my computer to check ink levels or do maintenance.

You'd think bi-directional com. would be an important feature for the z100 printer server function.. .

Thanks again!

George

I think there are two issues going on.

Using the USB interface on the Z100 router and using a network printer.

Using the USB interface on the z100 is like using the USB on ANOTHER computer and sharing the printer. You cannot check ink status etc from PC-A to the Printer connected to PC-B. (Even though PC-B can check the ink status easily.)

The other scenario is to use a printer designed for network use. The drivers are designed to be used by multiple computers and could check the ink status.

I have the same situation. I have an ALL in ONE printer with a fax / scanner / printer. Hooking it into the USB port of the Z100 only allows me to print from the pc. To scan I have to plug the printer into the PC. I may end up just buying my daughter her own $50 printer so I can get my scanner to work full time again.

Stan:

Good explanation. Thanks. Not that I'd get one, but would an Ethernet Print Server gizmo solve the problem? Or is it strictly a driver limitation?

Thanks,

George

I got to looking on the web and it looks like a PRINT server will not work. But a USB server will. Looks like a USB server will work with not only with multifunction printers/scanners but USB memory cards and other USB devices.

They look like they run about $100 but I'd hate to try a $100 experiment.

I found a couple on Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001NA3L2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QSN3O6/ref=pd_cp_e...1GJJ7VV6ZM8PS9EM6DCJ

Actually I will recommend products from another maker for bidirectional USB support

Silex

The model I have experience with...
SX2000u2

The one thing very cool about this manufacturer is you can EMAIL them what your device is and they will try to find out if its supported or can fix it to support it (before you go buying it and not having it work)
(in fact some vendors repoint to their device for compatibility.. they make a nice Wifi/Wired to USB converter box as well)

Im wondering if Checkpoint could license their virtual port technology for use in the Sofa firewalls... but thats just a fantasy at this point.. I dunno, i think id pay a 20$ or so upgrade fee for the software to convert my firewall USB ports to full bidirectional support

Someone previously recommended the USB servers from Keyspan... I hesitate to recommend their solution due to the problems in the past iv had with their USB to serial dongle implementation on windows computers.. (some USB<>Serial converter skus were less functional than others)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bugeek,