Frequently Asked Questions

USB Printer port questions

  1. What are the limitations of the USB Printer Port ?
  2. Why there are some strange print-out when I try to print my documents through Vigor2104P / 2300's print server ?
  3. How do I access the Print Server functionality ?
  4. How do I configure LPR printing on my Linux boxes ?
  5. How do I configure LPR printing on my Windows98/Me ?
  6. How do I configure LPR printing on my Windows2000/XP ?
  7. What printers are compatible with Vigor router ?

Q. What are the limitations of the USB Printer Port ?

From users remarks there appear to be several limitations of the USB Printer port on the newer Vigor 2600plus/G/V and Vigor 2900 series models. They are:

  • Does not support bi-directional printer interface. If your printer comes with a utility or driver software that detects how full the ink cartridge is, it will not work.
  • Cannot support the other modes of multi-function printer/scanner/fax devices.
  • Cannot print documents larger than the printers buffer memory

I recommend three alternatives:

  1. Connect your USB printer to one of your computers (which is powered on most of the time, such as a server), and use the Windows built-in printer sharing.
  2. Use a dedicated Printer Server device; or dedicate an old PC (a 386 is quite adequate) to being the Printer Server using the Windows built-in printer sharing.
  3. Purchase a network printer (such as the Dell 1700n laser at $419). This has networking functionality built-in, and simply plugs into your LAN using a standard ethernet cable.

Q. How do I access the Print Server functionality ?

The simple answer is that the DrayTek routers do not provide functions typically considered to be part of a Print Server, such as:

  • ability to spool output from a PC, and then print the document.
  • ability to spool output from several PCs concurrently, and print all documents one after another.
  • Management of the queue of spooled documents, including the ability to delete or reprint documents

But is says "LPR Print Server" on the box as a feature.

Yes it does. The DrayTek boxes also list some other features (e.g. QoS, and H.323 VoIP protocols) which DrayTek have committed to supply through firmware updates as they are developed. However, in the case of the USB Print "spooler", NBS support staff believe that the box is an error - probably a combination of poor translation and marketing over-enthusiasm.

Q. Why there are some strange print-out when I try to print my documents through Vigor2104P / 2300's print server ?

This issue has been fixed.

You may resolve this issue by upgrading your Vigor 2104P or Vigor2300 with the latest firmware. You may download the latest firmware from the following link:download.

Q. What printers are compatible with Vigor router?

The most completre list of printers which have been reported to work with the Vigor2600plus, Vigor2600G, Vigor2600V, Vigor2900, Vigor2900G series and are known to work; is here. Many other standard USB printers will also work.

If you've successfully used unlisted printers via Vigor Router's USB printer port, Please kindly share with support@draytek.com.au

 
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