Linksys represents one of the best consumer-end network devices producer in the history of modern PCs. Cisco's subsidiary has produced some very good revenues, mostly due to the fact that it offers rock solid, yet inexpensive products.



The Linksys Wireless-G PrintServer lets you connect an USB printer directly to your network, eliminating the need to dedicate a PC to print sharing chores. Using a PrintServer is a good idea especially if you don't want to use a dedicated printing-PC, because if you do use one system for that job, you will have to leave it on all the time. Such a product also removes the printing bottleneck, and sets your PC free to do more useful work.



As far as connectivity is concerned, you can connect the PrintServer directly to your network by 10/100 Ethernet cable, or wirelessly over 54Mbps Wireless-G (802.11g). The wireless option lets you put your printer wherever you want to, without having to run cables through your workplace. Evidently, if you use the wireless option, you will also need additional APs and at least one Wireless-G board.



The USB port is compatible with USB 1.1 printers, as well as printers that support the new high-speed USB 2.0 specification for even faster throughput. Your data is protected by up to 128-bit WEP encryption, or pre-shared-key WPA. The encryption is especially useful if lots of wireless APs are around you since in this case one could try to connect to your wireless line without your approval.



The print server function adds a lot of functionality to an already pretty potent device. Unfortunately, the $95 device does away with a proper switch function and that limits its use to an AP only device in wireless model. In wired mode, the product will only be able to function as a print server.