Dlink DP-301P Print Server Review

The DP-301P is a aging yet small Parallel Port Print server with an RJ-45 10/100Mbps Network Port that does the standard 10 - 100Mbps network autosensing so it should be compatible with your existing home or office category 5 network cabling. As always If you don't know what network cabling you use get help and find out before you make that print server purchase. Dlink have had a low key presence in the print server market for a while now and the DP301 is a stable reliable print server that performs as expected.

D-Link No Longer Make
The DP 301 Print Server

The DP301P has a small foot print at 3.5" * 2.5". Amazing what some print server manufacturers are packing into print servers these days but we've seen devices like the Linksys PSUS4 that ships with a USB Port and Four network ports for the same size. The Dlink has the standard lights - A Power, Link and Printer Activity. The link light indicates a network connection and is your first checklist for diagnosing any print server network connectivity problems.

Then there's the price. At $90 the Dlink is too expensive. Dlink have stopped making the DP-301P. Print Server Driver support has been frozen and Dlink are pushing the 3 Parallel Port Print Server now which is also overpriced for what it offers.

The Print Server Market has grown and prices have dropped and Dlink need to realise this and ensure their print servers are priced more competitively. There are 3 or 4 quality print server manufacturers with reliable print servers for up to $50 cheaper so when you're done with this review, read on and you'll see what the DP-301P is up against.

The Print Server was relatively easy to configure but the documentation could have done with clearer instructions. DLink's print server management utility is called PS Admin and is easy to use but lacks some of the features in the HP and Linksys management tools. If you're stuck or prefer administering your print servers from the command line - FTP TELNET and SNMP is also supported. Take the time to read the Print Server Security Guide or your print server will be wide open via these protocols and factory default passwords.

DLink DP 301P Specifications

Dlink print servers offer support for a wide variety of operating systems - some requiring more technical know how than others. We only tested them on a fairly standard Windows XP and Windows 2000/2003 TCP/IP Ethernet Network. Other Linux and unix print server experts have configured DLink DP-301P's to run under linux sucessfully and Novell Networks with IP printer Support should be able to use this print server. For further help for Macintosh and Linux Print Server Users check the Linux and Macintosh Print Server Guide.

The parallel port is Bi-Directional so modern printer alert functions and printer feedback features will work. When the printer's out of paper you'll know and you can send your print job to another printer or stop being lazy and load a paper tray or two for a change. Now... does that letterhead go face up or face down?

While we couldn't fault the DLink DP-301's performance it is an old model that is overpriced. Spend the same amount of cash on another manufacturers wireless print server.