IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server, GPSU21
Quick take
The IOGEAR GPSU21 is a compact 1-port USB 2.0 print server that connects a single USB printer to your Ethernet network. It’s a practical solution when you want multiple PCs to share one USB printer and (with the right configuration) print from a URL across a LAN or the internet. The main tradeoff is that setup and software support are not always plug-and-play, so plan on doing some configuration and driver preparation.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shares one USB printer over Ethernet so multiple computers can print.
- Works with 10Base-T and 100Base-T networks (auto-sensing Ethernet).
- Supports DHCP client, plus telnet and web management for configuring and monitoring.
- Designed to enable LAN/WAN and URL-based printing using IPP features.
Cons
- Not always straightforward to configure, and instructions/software can be outdated or unclear depending on your OS.
- Requires the printer drivers to be handled correctly on each computer (it is not true “plug and play”).
- Buyer-review evidence includes reports of limited compatibility on some setups (for example, Linux) and occasional short-lived reliability.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed, with a common theme that the GPSU21 can work well once it is configured correctly, but setup is where many people struggle. Several reviews describe needing to rely on manual steps or web/IPP-style configuration rather than expecting the included software and printed instructions to handle every modern OS scenario. There are also mentions that printer drivers and printer “online” status can affect whether jobs actually print, which points to configuration being important on the host computers. A smaller portion of feedback suggests reliability or compatibility challenges in certain environments (including difficulty getting it working in Linux, and one report of it stopping after a couple of months). Overall, the review pattern suggests this is a capable network print adapter for the right buyer, as long as you are comfortable troubleshooting configuration details.
How the IOGEAR GPSU21 works
This device adds network access to a USB printer by providing an Ethernet interface (auto-sensing 10/100) and a USB connection for the printer. Once it has an IP address on your network (DHCP client is supported), computers can send print jobs to it so the printer behaves like a networked endpoint rather than a direct USB device tied to one computer.
It also includes management options like telnet and web-based management, which can make configuration easier when you know what you are looking for. For remote or internet-capable printing, it integrates IPP features so you can print by referencing the device’s URL (with appropriate network setup).
What it’s best for
- Sharing a single USB printer across multiple computers: Useful in small offices, home networks, and workgroup setups where the printer cannot be connected directly to every computer.
- “Virtual USB” style printing for host-based printers: If your printer relies on the computer to prepare images (common with some older or limited-processing USB printers), a network print server can recreate that “send from the computer to the printer” workflow.
- Users who do not mind configuration: If you are comfortable setting up the print server IP, ensuring drivers are installed, and using the manual’s network printing approach when needed, this is more likely to go smoothly.
Key specs and compatibility notes that matter
Network and connectivity
- Ethernet: 10Base-T and 100Base-T auto-sensing.
- USB: USB 2.0 (backward compatible with USB 1.1 per the product concept).
- Ethernet cable included: comes with a Cat 5 patch cable.
Management and networking
- DHCP client support: helps the print server obtain an IP address automatically on many home and office routers.
- Management: supports telnet and web management.
- Multiple protocols: the device supports multiple network protocols, which is part of why it can be configured for different printing paths.
Supported environments (and the setup reality)
The device is intended for common Windows versions (including Windows 7 through Windows 11) and older macOS versions, plus Unix/Linux printers with USB connections. In practice, buyer feedback suggests you may still need to configure printing using the manual approach and ensure drivers are properly installed and the printer is online on each host computer. That can mean spending time on host-side setup rather than relying solely on the included software.
Pros and cons in plain English
Pros
- Good fit when you want “one USB printer, many computers”: The core job of sharing a single printer over Ethernet is exactly what it’s designed to do.
- Network management options help during setup: web and telnet management can make it easier to confirm configuration.
- Built for real network printing: supports URL/IP-based printing concepts (IPP) for LAN/WAN or internet-style access, not just simple local discovery.
Cons
- Expect some troubleshooting: reviews include cases where software or printed instructions were confusing or did not map cleanly to the user’s OS.
- Host computers still need the right printer drivers: the print server does not remove driver responsibility from each machine.
- Compatibility can vary by environment: review evidence includes difficulty in at least one Linux scenario and at least one report of the unit working only briefly.
Verdict: is the IOGEAR GPSU21 worth it?
The IOGEAR GPSU21 is worth considering if you have a USB printer you need to share over Ethernet and you are okay with configuration steps, driver preparation, and IP address setup. It can be a solid option for home offices or small networks where a single printer needs to be reachable from multiple computers. If you need something that installs instantly with minimal troubleshooting across a wide range of modern operating systems, the buyer-review pattern suggests you should be prepared for extra steps, and you may want to compare alternatives that emphasize simpler setup for your specific OS and printer model.
FAQ
Does the GPSU21 support printing over the internet?
It supports IPP features designed for printing over a LAN/WAN, including URL-based printing. You’ll still need appropriate network configuration to make remote access work reliably.
Will this work with a Mac?
It is intended to work with Mac operating systems listed for the product concept, but reviews indicate that successful setup may require downloading or preparing the correct printer drivers and following the network printing instructions (not just relying on the included installer).
Is it plug-and-play?
No. It requires setup on the network and proper printer-driver configuration on the computers that will print. Some buyers recommend assigning a static IP to the print server to reduce connection issues.
What kind of printer does it support?
It’s designed for printers that connect via USB. It’s important to verify your printer is compatible with host-based USB printing workflows.
Does it work with Linux?
The device concept mentions Unix/Linux with USB printers, but buyer feedback includes reports of difficulty getting it working in at least one Linux scenario, so compatibility may depend on your Linux distribution and how you set up network printing.
Specifications
| Product Title | IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server, GPSU21 |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Print Servers |
| Brand | IOGEAR |
| Manufacturer | IOGEAR |
| Model Number | GPSU21 |
| Item Weight | 0.12 Pounds |
| Color | SILVER COLOR |
| Hardware Interface | USB 2.0 |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 100 Megabits Per Second |
| UPC | 881317005717 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00881317005717 |
| Mfr Part Number | GPSU21 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Warranty Description | 3 year warranty |
| Built-In Media | 1 x CAT5 Patch Cable, 1 x Installation CD, 1 x Power Adapter, 1 x User Manual, 1 x Warranty / Registration Card |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
Available variants
Size
- 3INCH LONGX 2 INCH WIDE
Style
- English
Pattern Name
- Print Server
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