Planex Mini300Plus Operation & User’s Manual

Contents subject to change without prior notice. Pci is a registered trademark of PLANEX COMMUNICATIONS INC. All other trademarks belong to their respective proprietors. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative such as translation, transformation, or adaptation without permission from PLANEX COMUNICATIONS INC. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this user's guide, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

terminology of the Mini300plus. Please be sure to read this chapter before installing the product. This user’s manual provides product overview as well as operating instructions of the Mini300plus. The manual is organized in the following manner: Hardware Installation Describes the steps required to install the print server hardware. This chapter also explains how to attach the print server to a network.. Software Installation Describes how to install the utilities supplied with the product. Using the Print Server Utilities Describes the configuration parameters available in the supplied utilities. OS-Specific Installation Requirements Describes the protocol installation procedure and printer configuration steps required to enable the product under each OS. New Features Supported in the Mini300plus Describes several new features added to this version of the print server. Troubleshooting Provides solutions to some of the typical difficulties our users may encounter with. Upgrading the Print Server Describes how to upgrade the firmware of the Mini300plus. Specifications Provides technical specifications of the Mini300plus print server.

Features ........................................................... Packing List ..................................................... Parts Terminology .......................................... Connecting the Print Server to Your Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Connecting the Print Server to Your Network ................................................. Connecting the AC Adapter to the Print Server...................................................... Installing the Print Server Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . Uninstalling the Print Server Software . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 7 9 8 11 15

Web Browser .................................................... Telnet ................................................................. Additional Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows 95/98/ME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windows NT/2000 ........................................... NetWare ............................................................ MacOS .............................................................. UNIX ................................................................. 17 21 35 37 55 103 107 109 113

Specifications ................................................... * The company names and product names indicated in this document are trademarks of respective companies. 121 125 127

fully supports IEEE802.3 10BASE-T and IEEE802.3u standards 100BASE- TX. The print server is equipped with 1) three D-Sub 25pin parallel ports which connect to printers and 2)one RJ-45 STP port for 10BASE- T/100BASE-TX network connection. The Mini300plus supports TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI and AppltTalk protocols. Equipped with these features, the Mini300plus print server allows multiple computers to share up to three printers. Supported platforms/ networks include NetWare, Macintosh (OS 8.0 or later), Microsoft WindowsNT/2000 and Wi n d o w s 9 5 / 9 8 / M E . Furthermore, the supplied setup utility for Windows eases all the configuration tasks. Note: Some printers with bi-directional print support may not function properly when used with the print server. If this is the case, please refer to the user's manual of your printer to disable the bi-directional communication feature. Also note that printers with PostScript (PS) support are required to print from Macintosh computers. Printers without PS support do not work properly when used with the print server.

standards Equipped with one 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX RJ-45 STP port Supports up to three printers via its Centronics parallel ports Supports TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI and AppleTalk protocols LED Indicators display the working condition of the print server real time The on-board Flash ROM allows firmware update Supports SNMP DHCP (client) supported Its high-performance CPU improved throughput Supports IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) Supports the binary mode of AppleTalk Supports with a configuration utility for Windows “SMART PRINT MANAGER3” Configurable through a Web browser and Telnet Supports HP Web Jet Admin/ Jet Admin Open the shipping carton of the Print Server and carefully unpack its contents. The product package should contain the following items: Mini300plus Setup Diskette x 2 AC Adapter x 1 Short cord x 1 This User's Manual t overcurrent protection If any item is found missing or damaged, please contact your local PCI reseller for replacement.

product is printing to a printer or 2)the product receives or transmits data over a network.

Power LED The LED illuminates when the print server is turned on. Link LED The LED is turned on when there is a link on the RJ-45 port. RJ-45 Port Provides an interface to a network via a twisted-pair cable. Power Jack Connects to the supplied AC power adapter.

Serial Number Displays the serial number of the product. The same number can be found on the product package. This number is required to register user information and to use any of the technical support services offered by PLANEX. MAC Address A product ID (MAC address) unique to each Mini300plus unit is printed.

described in the Safety Instructions above and the following additional precautions. Before proceeding, please take a minute to review the safety guidelines described in the Safety Instructions above and the following additional precautions. Do not place the product in a damp or wet location. Always avoid dust and dirt. Do not install the product in an area exposed to direct sunlight. Allow some space between the product and the surroundings to facilitate dissipation of heat generated inside the hub.

print server to the parallel port of your printer. Note: A special parallel cable is required to perform bi-directional printing. If you wish to use this feature, be sure to obtain a parallel cable with bi-directional print support.

print server. 2.Connect the other end of the cable to an RJ-45 port on your 10BaseT/ 100BASE-TX hub. Note: When connecting the print server to your hub, be sure to attach it to one of the normal RJ-45 ports via a straight cable. DO NOT attach the print server to the Uplink or Cascade port of the hub - your network cannot detect the print server in this configuration.

the print server. 2. Connect the AC adapter to an AC 100V outlet. 3. Verify that the Power LED on the side of the print server illuminates. 4. When powered, the print server automatically performs a series of self- diagnostics tests. If no error is found during these tests, the Status LED illuminates for a brief moment and then blinks five times. If the LED does not blink five times, there is a chance that the print server is not working properly. Should you face the latter situation, please contact our technical support for further assistance. Note: Always use the supplied AC power adapter. Any attempt to substitute the power adapter with other AC power adapters may result in malfunctioning and/or permanent breakdown of the print server. The product warranty does not cover damages caused by the use of other AC power adapters.

to the floppy drive of your PC. 2. From the Start button on the desktop, select [Run]. 3. Enter "A:ÄSETUP" (if your floppy drive is Drive A) in the field provided. Click on the OK button. The Mini300plus comes with two utilities for Windows95/98ME and WindowsNT/2000. One of the two programs, Smart Print Manager, allows the user to configure and manage the print server.

5. In the next screen, you can change the target directory. Click on the OK button if you do not wish to change the default pat

to install. Smart Print Manager 3 This utility is used to configure various parameters of the Mini300plus. The utility is not required if there is only one user (and thus a PC client). On the other hand, network administrators are encouraged to install this component on their PCs to effectively manage print jobs on their networks and the print server itself. Planex PS Port This component refers to the drivers for the print server. PS Port must be installed on all computers from which you wish to print. After you have selected the component (or components) to install, click on the Next button to initiate software installation.

Remove the diskette from the floppy drive, and insert the other FD (labeled with “Disk 2”) into the drive. Click on the OK button to resume the installation. 8. The following dialog will be displayed when the selected components of the print server software have been installed. Click on the Finish button to complete the installation.

automatically deletes the print server utilities. Follow the steps below to uninstall the programs. 1. Click on the Start button and select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon. 3. Select an item labeled "Planex Print Server” and then click on the "Add / Remove " button. The Mini300plus utility (utilities) will be uninstalled from the system. 4. When the uninstallation is complete, click on the OK button. Mini300plus

configure the print server. Most of the configuration tasks can be performed via a standard Web browser and even Telnet. The following sections also discuss configuration parameters that are accessible through these programs. Start Smart Print Manager 3. The utility automatically searches for print servers that are currently connected to your network, and will display the print servers in the following dialog.

MAC Address The Ethernet address of the print server Print Server Name The name of the print server to which the device above is attached Version The firmware version of the print server. Status Displays the current status of the printer. Properties Button Allows the user to configure the print server manually. This button should be used only by network administrators or users with knowledge in NetWare. Wizard Button The wizard allows the user to configure TCP/IP and NetWare settings quickly. Clicking this button invokes the following screen: Mini300plus

configure NetWare settings, double-click the NetWare Wizard icon. Reset Button Upgrade Button To upgrade the firmware of the print server, click this button and follow the steps below.

2. Select “General Upgrade”. Next, verify that the target directory is C:ÄProgram FilesÄPlanex Print Server (default). 3. Verify that the name of the file is “mps11.bin”. 4. After you have verified the target folder (directory) and the file name, click on the Next button to upgrade the firmware. Refresh Button Updates the information on the print server which is currently connected to the network. Mini300plus

later) or Netscape 4.0 (or later) to configure the print server. Before using your browser to configure the Mini300plus, check whether an IP address has been assigned to the print server. If no address has been assigned yet, start Smart Print Manager 3 to assign an IP address to the product. Note: Be sure to assign an IP address to the Mini300plus before proceeding. After an IP address has been assigned to the print server, start your web browser and enter the same IP address in the address field on the browser. The configuration screen of the print server will appear.

System Status In the menu on the left, click “Status” and then “System”. The status of the system will be displayed. Device Name Displays the device name of the print server. Contact Indicates the name of the administrator in charge of the print server. Location Indicates where the print serve has been installed. Up Time Indicates the how long the print server has been running since it was started last time. Version Displays the firmware version of the print server. Node ID Displays the MAC address of this particular print server.

the printer will be displayed. Manufacture Indicates the manufacturer of the printer in use. Model Displays the model number of the printer to which the Mini300plus is attached. Command Set Displays the command set of the printer. Status Indicates the working status of the printer.

the NetWare-components of the print server will be displayed. Print Server Name Displays the name of the print server that you have specified via Smart Print Manager 3. Polling Time Indicates the polling time that has been configured on the print server. NDS Mode Displays the NDS mode status. Bindery Mode Indicates the bindery mode status.

status of the print server will be displayed. DHCP/BOOTP Displays the DHCP/BOOTP status of the print server. IP Address Indicates the IP address that has been assigned to the print server. Subnet Mask Displays the subnet mask that has been configured on the print server. Gateway Indicates the gateway address that has been assigned to the print server.

status of the print server will be displayed. SNMP Communities Displays all the SNMP communities that have been configured on the print server. There are two communities for which messages from the print server can be controlled. SNMP Traps Displays all the SNMP traps that have been enabled on the print server. Mini300plus

AppleTalk status of the print server will be displayed. Zone Name Display the name of the zone to which the print server belongs. An asterisk (*) is displayed if there is no zone on the network. Chooser Name Displays “ -xxxxxx-1” where “xxxxxx” indicates the six- digit ID number of the print server. Printer Type Displays the model number of the printer which is attached to the print server. Data Format Indicates the data format which is assigned to the print server. If you are using a PostScript printer, you can choose one from among three formats: ASCII, TBCP or BCP.

parameters of the print server including those related to the system, printer, NetWare, TCP/IP, SNMP and AppleTalk. System Setup In the menu on the left, click “Setup” and then “System”. The system configuration screen will appear. Device Name Displays the device name of the print server. Contact Indicates the administrator in charge of the print server. Location Indicates the installation site of the print server. Setup Password Allows the user to configure a password for the print server.

Once “Setup Password” and “Confirm Password” are configured, the system prompts for a valid user name and password whenever you attempt to access menu options other than the Status Menu (see below). User Name Use “admin” as user name to log on. Password No password is configured at first. After you have configured “Setup Password”, enter that password here.

configuration screen will appear. Port1-3 Bi-directional You can enable or disable bi-directional communication support on each of the three ports on the Mini300plus. This option can be set to either “Disable” or “Auto”, the latter being equivalent to “automatically enable the bi-directional mode whenever the Mini300plus detects a printer with bi- directional support”. Mini300plus

configuration screen will appear. Print Server Name Displays the print server name defined in Smart Print Manager 3. Polling Time Configures the polling time. Encrypted Password You can specify a password to be encrypted. NDS Mode Enable this option if you with to set up an NDS environment. Bindery Mode Enable this option if you wish to set up a bindery environment.

configuration screen will appear. Using DHCP/BOOTP Obtain IP Select this option if you have a DHCP server on the network and wish the device to use an IP assigned by the DHCP server. Specify IP Select this option to manually assign an IP to the device. IP Address Enter the IP address of the print server if necessary. Subnet Mask Enter the subnet mask of the print server if necessary. Gateway Enter the gateway address of the print server if necessary.

configuration screen will appear. SNMP Communities The print server supports two communities, and the default configuration of these communities is “public / read-only”. There are two communities for which the print server can control its messages. SNMP Traps Enables or disables the SNMP trap settings of the print server.

AppleTalk configuration screen will appear. Zone Name If the print server belongs to a certain group, enter its zone name. If there is no zone on the network, an asterisk (*) will appear in the “Zone Name” section of the AppleTalk option in the Status Menu. Port Name You can specify a name for the port. Printer Type Allows the user to enter the model number of the printer to which the print server is attached. The default printer type is “LaserWriter”. Data Format If you are using a PostScript printer, you may choose a data format among three formats, namely ASCII, TBCP or BCP.

product’s configuration, check whether an IP address has been assigned to the print server. If no address is assigned yet, start the Smart Print Manager 3 utility and assign an IP address to the product first. For configuration parameters accessible through Telnet, see Section 4-2 of this chapter, (All of these options are supported under Telnet.) Note: Be sure to assign an IP address to the Mini300plus BEFORE configuring the print server via Telnet.

supported by the print server, and client computers running Windows95/98ME, WindowsNT/2000, NetWare, AppleTa l k or UNIX can print to the print server. This chapter describes additional installation steps which are required to enable the print server under each OS/network protocol. The print server supports the TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and NetBEUI protocols. To use the Mini300plus, you need to install at least one of these three protocols. Contact your network administrator to verify which protocol needs to be installed. Installing the TCP/IP Protocol 1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. Double-click the Network icon.

found, click on the Add button. 4. The following screen will be displayed. Now, select "Protocol" and then click on the Add button.

6. From the protocol list, select "TCP/IP" and click on the OK button.

"TCP/IP" should be visible now (see below). 8. Click on the OK button, and restart the computer to enable the TCP/IP protocol on your system.

1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. In the Control Panel folder, double-click the Network icon. 3. Check whether an item labeled “IPX/SPX compatible protocol” is visible. If this item is not found, click on the Add button.

5. From the manufacturer list, select "Microsoft". 6. From the network protocol list, select "IPX/SPX Compatible Protocol" and click on the OK button.

"IPX/SPX compatible protocol" should be visible now (see below). Now restart your computer to enable the IPX/SPX protocol on your system.

1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. In the Control Panel folder, double-click the Network icon. 3. Check whether an item labeled “NetBEUI” is visible. If you do not see this item, Click on the Add button.

5. From the Manufacturer list, select "Microsoft". 6. From the network protocol list, select "NetBEUI" and click on the OK button.

"NetBEUI" should be visible now (see below). Restart your computer to enable the NetBEUI protocol on your system.

The print server supports printing from Windows 95/98/ME, and it can be used in various networking environments. The following section assumes that at least one network protocol has been already installed on the computer. Follow the steps below to enable your printer on the system. 1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Printers]. 2. Double-click the Add Printer icon. 3. Click on the Next button to continue.

5. In the following screen, specify the printer you wish to use. Select the appropriate manufacturer and the model name of your printer. Refer to the user’s manual of your printer if necessary.

button. 7. If you wish to change the default printer name, enter a new name in the provided field. Click on the Next button.

"No" and click on the Finish button. 9. Now, the name of your printer should be visible in the "Printers" folder. Double-click the printer name (icon) now.

11. Click on the Advanced tab and then click the Add Port button.

field (see below). Click on the OK button to continue.

corresponds to the network protocol already installed to your system (IPX,TCP/IP or NetBEUI). After a while, the utility detects and lists all the print servers which are currently available on your network. The numbers displayed in the “PID” column correspond to the port numbers on the print server(s). (For instance, PID 1 indicates that Port 1 of that particular print server is currently in use). Select the number of the port to which your printer is attached, and click on the OK button. * TCP/IP is used in the example above.

Advanced tab, and verify that the Port field now displays the port number you have selected. Click on the Apply button to save the new configuration.

The print server supports the TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and NetBEUI protocols. Before using the print server, be sure to install at least one of the protocols above. Consult your network administrator if you are not certain which protocol is required. Adding the TCP/IP Protocol 1. Click the Start button, and double-click [Control Panel]. 2. Double-click the Network icon. 3. Click on the "Protocol" tab.

button if this item is not found. 5. In the next screen, select "TCP/IP Protocol" and click on the OK button. 6. The Windows NT Setup screen will appear. Click on the “Continue” button. When the Setup Message dialog is displayed, set your WindowsNT CD-ROM to the CD-ROM drive and click on the OK button.

8. You also need to install a service called "TCP/IP Printing". Click on the Services tab. 9. Check whether an item labeled "Microsoft TCP/IP Printing" is visible. If this item cannot be found, click on the Add button. 10. Select "Microsoft TCP/IP Printing" from the list, and click on the OK button. 11. The Windows NT Setup window will appear again. Click on the Continue button. When the Setup Message window appears, set your Windows NT CD-ROM to the CD-ROM drive, and click on the OK button.

Services tab screen. 13. The system asks you whether you wish to restart the PC now. Select "Yes" to restart the system.

1. Click on the Start button. Next, select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. Double-click the Network icon. 3. Click on the "Protocol" tab 4 Check whether the "NWLink IPX/SPX Compatible Transport" protocol has been installed. If this item is not visible, click on the Add button.

on the OK button. 6.The Windows NT Setup window will appear. Click on the Continue button. If the Setup Message window is displayed, set your Windows NT CD-ROM to the CD-ROM drive and click on the OK button. Mini300plus

to the Protocol tab.

"Client Service for NetWare" needs to be installed on the PC. Select the Services tab and click on the Add button.

for NetWare”) from the list, then click on the OK button. 10.The Windows NT Setup window will appear. Click on the Continue button. If the Setup Message window is displayed, set your Windows NT CD-ROM to the CD-ROM drive and click on the OK button.

Services for NetWare) will be added to the Services tab screen. 12. Click on the "Yes” (or “OK”) button to restart the computer.

1. Click on the Start button. Next, select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. Double-click the Network icon. 3. Click on the "Protocol" tab

not visible, click on the Add button. Next, select “NetBEUI protocol” from the list and click on the OK button. 5. The Windows NT Setup window will appear again. Click on the Continue button. When the Setup Message window appears, set your Windows NT CD-ROM to the CD-ROM drive and click on the OK button.

screen. 7. The system asks you whether you wish to restart the PC now. Select "Yes" to restart the system.

NetBEUI) The print server is capable of handling print requests issued from Windows N T, and it can be used in various network environments. The following section assumes that at least one network protocol has been already installed on your computer. If you wish to print via an LPR port, directly proceed to the “Configuring the Printer (TCP/IP, via LPR Port)” sub-section. Otherwise follow the steps below to enable your printer under Windows NT. Configuring Your Printer for Windows NT (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI) Note: Although TCP/IP is used in the following steps, you can use the same procedure for an IPX/SPX or NetBEUI environment. 1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Printers]. 2. Double-click the Add Printer icon.

4. In the next screen, click on the "Add Port" button to continue.

6. The Add Port window will appear. Click on the tab which corresponds to the network protocol installed on your PC. After a while, the wizard detects and lists all print servers available on the network. The numbers below “PID” correspond to the port numbers of the Mini300plus. Select the number of the port to which your printer is attached, and click on the OK button.

list (see below). Select the new port and click on the Next button.

manufacturer and printer name in the two lists. 9. You can define a name for your printer. If you do not wish to change the default printer name, click on the Next button. 10.The wizard will ask you whether you wish to share the printer with other clients. If you do not wish to share the printer, click on the Next button.

simply select “NO” to skip it. Click on the Finish button to complete the printer configuration.

Note: The following section describes how to enable the LPR port using TCP/IP. If you do not wish to print via the LPR port, see the previous subsection. and configure your printer accordingly. 1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Printers]. 2. Double-click the Add Printer icon. 3. Now, select My Computer and click on the Next button.

5. Select "LPR Port" and click on the New Port button. Mini300plus

address assigned to the print server. In the "Name of printer or print queue on that server" field, enter the number of the print server port to which your printer is attached. (Ex. lp1, lp2 or lp3) If the printer is attached to Port 2 on the print server, for instance, you need to enter "lp2" in lower case. Click on the OK button to continue. 7. Now, the new port should be visible in the Available Ports list (see below). Click on the Next button. 8. Refer to the user's manual of your printer and select the appropriate manufacturer and printer name (model number) in the two lists. Mini300plus

default printer name, click on the Next button.

button. 11.In the next screen, select "Yes" if you wish to print a test page. Or simply select “NO” to skip it. Click on the Finish button to complete the printer configuration.

The print server supports the TCP/IP, IPX/SPX and NetBEUI protocols. Before using the print server, be sure to install at least one of the protocols above. Consult your network administrator if you are not certain which protocol is required. TCP/IP The TCP/IP protocol is automatically installed when a network interface card (NIC) is added to the system. If your Windows2000 PC is already equipped with a NIC, you do not need to install this protocol. IPX/SPX 1. Click on the Start button. Select [Settings] and then [Control Panel]. 2. Open [Network & Dial Up Connections]. 3. Click on the [Local Area Connection] icon to which the print server is connected. After highlighting the icon, click on the File menu and select Properties.

Transport” has been installed. If this item is not visible, click on the Install button.

Protocol list, select “NWLink IPX/SPX/NetBIOS Compatible Tr a n s p o r t ”. Then click on the OK button.

Transport” should be visible in Local Area Connection properties screen. 8. If you wish to install Smart Print Manager 3 on your PC, a component called “Client Service for NetWare” needs to be installed as well. Click on the Install button again.

10. Select “Gateway (and Client) Service for NetWare” and click on the OK button. Mini300plus

Properties screen. When the OS displays the After a while, the OS prompts you to restart the system. Click on the Yes (or OK) button to restart your PC.

2. Open [Network & Dial Up Connections]. 3. Click on the [Local Area Connection] icon to which the print server is connected. After highlighting the icon, click on the File menu and select Properties.

the Install button if this item is not found.

6. From the Manufacturer list, select “Microsoft”. From the Network Protocol list, select “NetWare Protocol”. Then click on the OK button. Mini300plus

Area Connection properties screen.

NetBEUI) The print server is capable of handling print requests issued from Windows 2000, and it can be used in various network environments. The following section assumes that at least one network protocol has been already installed on your computer. If you wish to print via an LPR port, directly proceed to the “Configuring the Printer (TCP/IP, via LPR Port)” sub-section. Otherwise follow the steps below to enable your printer under Wi n d o w s 2000. Configuring Your Printer for Windows 2000 (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI) Note: Although TCP/IP is used in the following steps, you can use the same procedure for an IPX/SPX or NetBEUI environment as well. 1. From the Start button, select [Settings] and then [Printers]. 2. Double-click the Add Printer icon. The Add Printer wizard appears. Click on the Next button.

button. 4. The "Select the Printer Port" screen appears. Select the "Create a New Port" option. Next, select "PS Port" from the "Type" list and click on the Next button.

protocol installed on your PC. After a while, the wizard lists all the print servers currently available on the network. The numbers in the PID column correspond to the port numbers of the print server. Select the number of the port to which your printer is attached, and click on the OK button.

model name of your printer in the two lists (see below). Refer to the user's manual of the printer if necessary. 7. In the next window, select the "Use Current Drivers", (or an equivalent option) then click on the Next button.

default printer name, click on the Next button. 9. The wizard will ask you whether you wish to share the printer with other clients. If you do not wish to share the printer, click on the Next button.