access points

This is a nice, compact, straightforward accent to our wireless network. Once the simple installation was completed (connect a parallel cable) the product has performed flawlessly for months. It was great to release the PC from it's print server duties.

I REALLY liked the idea of this wireless print server. My kids have a PC running Win 2000, I have one, and there is a laptop floating around, all with Netgear PC cards and a Netgear DG824M ADSL modem/firewall/router.

I ordered the WPS11 AFTER reading the comments here. What struck me is that folks who got it through the installation problem were well pleased with the product. I am too, but installation for non network specialists is probably impossible without direct help from Linksys.

My thoughts are as follows: if you hate computers and dread the idea of being talked through the necessary steps from a help line advisor, avoid this product like the plague. But if you are really determined I suggest this:

1. Go through the installation procedure (with CAT-5 cable connected), but don't go beyond loading the PrintServer driver. As RUSS9999 says, this will give you access to the Bi-admin utility: just use a web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape) to connect to the initialised IP address of the Linksys print server- http://169.254.41.79 in the product I bought, but use method described by other reviewers here for finding the exact IP address by printing it out (reset button etc).

2. In the Linksys menu select TCP/IP and change the IP address of the Printserver to a fixed (internal) IP address suitable for your network (similar but not identical to those of the other machines on your network). Also select 'Fixed IP address' on the same screen, then SAVE. Now open another browser window and try the new fixed IP address.

3. If successful, Linksys menu will appear as before. Click on the 'Wireless' tab and put in the ID of your network (that's the SSID). It's set 'Linksys' by default, so if you've got a Linksys network (I dont), just leave it as Linksys. Then select the channel number your network uses, then SAVE. As stated by others, switch off the Printserver for 30 seconds, remove the CAT-5 cable link and then switch power back on. If everything is OK the amber WLAN will blink intermittently. Also try the Printserver IP address in a new browser window. You should get the Linksys menu window.

4. Phone Linksys technical support & tell them how far you got, but need help with printer installation. They will talk you through various steps which are not very intuitive (like selecting 'local' rather than 'network' printing for starters, LPR printing etc !). They will also email you the steps required to repeat the process on other PC's connected to your network.

I found Linksys technical support was good, but I come from the UK where customer support of any description is usually abysmal, so I may not be best judge. They say their support is 24/7. I only waited two or three minutes before speaking to a technician on the two occasions I phoned.

***** Five stars for the product & its design engineers
----- No stars for the folks who developed/authored the installation
****- Four stars for the Linksys support team

Good luck y'all !

I did not buy the B unit, but I did buy the WP11 and it was just an awful experience. Before buying this unit, check with others users to make sure your not asking for trouble.