Epson Net 802.11g Wireless Ext. Print Server User Manual

Introduction

About Your Network Interface

The EpsonNet 802.11g Wireless Ext. Print Server is a wireless network interface that connects to the USB port of an Epson device (such as printer or all-in-one). With this network interface, you can create a wireless connection between the Epson device and a local area network using the IEEE 802.11b/g communication standard.

A radio signal is transmitted over the wireless network when you send a job to the device. Then the device prints or scans the file when the network interface receives the radio signal directly from a computer or from an access point.

This network interface is Wi-Fi certified for interoperability with other 802.11-compliant products.

Because the network interface supports multiple protocols and automatically detects protocols on your network, you can print from Microsoft

OS/2 applications.

IBM

Windows®, Apple® Macintosh®, UNIX®, and

Use EpsonNet EasyInstall to easily configure the network interface for use on a TCP/IP network. If you are using an all-in-one, EpsonNet EasyInstall installs the drivers on your computer. You can use the device on the TCP/IP network at once.

For protocols such as TCP/IP, NetWare, NetBEUI, AppleTalk IPP, and SNMP, you can use EpsonNet Config, the configuration utility provided with your product, to quickly and easily configure the network interface to use these protocols.

Note:

The EpsonNet Config utility configures the network interface to work only with protocols that exist on your network. This does not imply that you can use all of the above-mentioned protocols on your network or operating system. The protocols that the network interface can use may vary depending on the operating system and the network configuration.

About This Guide

This Reference Guide contains information about using the network interface on a network. It includes how to set up the network interface, install the configuration software, and modify network settings of your device and computer.

For information about your device, see the manual shipped with the device.

Note:

❏ To read the online guide, you must have Microsoft Internet Explorer

4.0 (or later) or Netscape Navigator 4.0 (or later) installed on your computer.

❏ This guide is written for network administrators, and many of the

steps included here require detailed network knowledge and administrator rights.

❏ The term “network administrator” refers to the person responsible

for maintaining the network. “Administrator” is synonymous with “Supervisor” in this guide.

❏ The term “network interface” refers to the EpsonNet 802.11g

Wireless Ext. Print Server in this guide.

❏ The term “device” refers to the printer or all-in-one that is supported

by the network interface.

❏ Some screen shots in this guide may list a device name other than

your device. This difference does not alter the instructions.

Instructions on Using the Network Interface

Notes on powering on and off

❏ Do not turn off the device and the network interface when

changing the settings. This may damage the device and the network interface.

❏ Do not turn off the device and the network interface while

printing is in progress. This may cause operational trouble to the computer sending the print data and suspend the printing process.

❏ Do not turn off the network interface during a firmware

update. Otherwise, the update cannot be completed correctly and the network interface may not turn on (may not work) after the update.

Notes on USB connection

❏ Only supported devices can connect to a USB downstream

connector of the network interface. Do not use a USB hub.

❏ Only IBM compatible computer or Macintosh equipped with

USB can connect to a USB upstream connector of the network interface.

Notes on security

❏ WEP Key

Set a WEP Key or WPA-PSK to prevent wireless interception by unauthorized persons. The wireless transmission speed is reduced when WEP or WPA-PSK is enabled because time is required for encryption and decryption.

❏ Security lock

Insert a commercially available theft-prevention cable through the security lock, which is located on the back panel of the network interface, to secure the device to a table or pillar. This network interface is compatible with the Microsaver Security System manufactured by Kensington.

Notes on radio waves

❏ Radio wave interference may occur when there are devices

that use radio waves within the 2.4 GHz ISM band near the network interface. Therefore, separate the network interface from these devices as much as possible to prevent radio wave interference.

❏ When using the network interface in the Ad Hoc mode, radio

wave interference may occur if the channel of the network interface and the other devices are close to each other. Therefore, separate a few channels from the channel used near the network interface.

❏ Shorten the distance of the network interface and devices that

communicate with the network interface.

Where to locate the network interface

❏ The location of the network interface must be considered to

improve the wireless communication. The rotary stand can provide a good position. The condition of radio wave can be checked using EpsonNet Config, lights of the network interface, and the status sheet.

Package Contents

Your network interface package includes the following items.

❏ Wireless network interface (The Web-based EpsonNet Config

is pre-installed.)

❏ AC adapter and power cord

Caution:

Only use the AC adapter shipped with this package to supply

power to the network interface.

❏ USB cable ❏ Software CD-ROM containing:

-- EpsonNet Config (for Windows)

-- EpsonNet Config (for Macintosh)

-- EpsonNet Print

-- EpsonNet Internet Print

-- EpsonNet WebManager

-- EpsonNet SetupManager

-- Reference Guide

-- Drivers and utilities for the following Epson devices: EPSON STYLUS PHOTO RX500 EPSON STYLUS PHOTO RX600 EPSON STYLUS CX4600 EPSON STYLUS CX6400 EPSON STYLUS CX6600

❏ Setup sheet ❏ AC Adapter sheet

Note:

You need to supply items such as a computer with an 802.11b/g WLAN compliant network interface card installed, an Epson device with a USB port, a USB cable, and an access point (required for infrastructure mode only).

Operating Environment

Supported operating systems

The network interface supports the following operating systems.

Supported operating systems Windows XP

Windows Me

Windows 98 Second Edition

Windows Server 2003

Windows 2000

Mac OS X 10.2 or later

Mac OS 9.1 or later

Printing environments

The network interface receives print jobs in the following environments.

Operating systems Version Protocol

Windows XP (Home, Professional)

Windows Me - TCP/IP (using EpsonNet Print)

Windows 98 Second Edition

- TCP/IP (using LPR, Standard TCP/IP Port, or EpsonNet Print)

IPP

NetBEUI

- TCP/IP (using EpsonNet Print)

IPP (using EpsonNet Internet Print)

NetBEUI

Operating systems Version Protocol

Windows Server 2003

Windows 2000 (Professional, Server)

Macintosh Mac OS X 10.2.4

or later

Mac OS X 10.2 or later

Mac 9.1 or later AppleTalk

NetWare 3.x Bindery mode

4.x/IntranetWare NDS mode

5.x/6.0 NDS Queue-based print

OS/2 (OS/2 Warp Connect, OS/2 Warp Server)

UNIX Sun OS 4.1.4 or

V3 V4

later: SPARC

- TCP/IP (using LPR, Standard TCP/IP Port, or EpsonNet Print)

IPP

AppleTalk TCP/IP Rendezvous

AppleTalk TCP/IP

Bindery emulation mode

system NDPS

TCP/IP (lprportd) NetBEUI

lpr, ftp

SunSoft Solaris 2.4 or later: SPARC and x86 SCO UNIX 4.2 or later

SCO UnixWare

2.01 or later

HP/UX 9.05 or later

IBM AIX 3.2.5 or later and 4.1.3 or later

Note:

❏ The multi-user environment of Mac OS 9 is not supported. ❏ If you use the device in a dial-up router environment, you must set

an IP address for the device. Make sure the IP address is suitable for the segment; incorrect IP address may generate unexpected dial-up.

❏ See the manual shipped with your device for information on the

supported operating system of the device.

Scanning environments

The network interface supports EPSON Scan via TCP/IP and allows network scanning when it is connected to the all-in-one. The supported operating systems are Windows XP/Me/98/2000 and Mac OS X/9.

Network Storage environments

The network interface supports sharing memory via SMB when it is connected to the all-in-one. The supported operating systems are Windows XP/2000.

Supported Epson Devices

The network interface can be installed for the following Epson devices (as of May, 2004).

❏ Ink Jet Printer:

Stylus C64/C84 Stylus Photo 1280/2200 Stylus Photo R200/R300/R800

❏ All-in-one:

Stylus Photo RX500/RX600 Stylus CX3600/CX4600/CX6400/CX6600

❏ Laser Printer:

EPL-6200 EPL-N2500/N3000/N7000 AL-C1900/C4000/C4100

❏ Impact Dot Matrix Printer:

FX-880+/890/1180+/2190 DLQ-3500 PLQ-20 LQ-590/630/2090

Features of the Network Interface

❏ Meets the IEEE 802.11b/g (2.4 GHz) communication

standard.

❏ Prints or scans via wireless network. ❏ Supports the network storage function. ❏ Supports both the Infrastructure mode and the Ad Hoc mode. ❏ Supports the roaming function. ❏ Supports 64-bit/128-bit WEP Key and WPA-PSK(TKIP). ❏ Communicates with up to 11 or 13 channels. ❏ Communicates with any Wi-Fi certified products. ❏ Uses communication speeds at 11/5.5/2/1 Mbps for 802.11b,

54/48/36/24/18/12/9/6 Mbps for 802.11g, or automatically changes the speed according to the radio waves.

❏ Supports multiple protocols, such as TCP/IP, NetWare,

NetBEUI, AppleTalk, and IPP.

❏ Supports DHCP. ❏ Supports Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA) that

assigns an IP address automatically to the network interface even if there is no DHCP server on your network.

❏ Supports the Dynamic DNS function. ❏ Supports Rendezvous on Mac OS X 2.4 or higher. ❏ Supports SNMP and MIB. ❏ Supports NTP (Network Time Protocol).

Network Interface Operation

The status lights and status sheet can provide you with important information about the operation and configuration of the network interface.

Status sheet button

USB upstream connector

USB downstream connector

DC-IN connector

Security lock

1. NETWORK light

2. DATA light

3. USB light

4. Status sheet button

5. USB upstream connector

6. USB downstream connector

7. DC-IN connector

8. Security lock

Back panel

Front panel

NETWORK light

DATA light

USB light

Status lights

The network interface has three lights (NETWORK, DATA, and USB), which indicates the current operating status of the network interface when you first turn on the device, during normal operation, and when errors occur. The NETWORK and USB lights have three colors (red, green, and yellow). The DATA light is green.

The status lights indicate the network interface status, as follows:

NETWORK DATA USB Network interface status

Off Off Green

flashing

Off Off Red flashing Error status

Off Off Red and

green lights flashing alternately

Off Off Red on Printer communication is

Off Off Green

Red NETWORK light and green USB light flashing simultaneously

Red on Off Off Network

Yellow on Flashing

when receiving data

flashing when receiving data

Off High speed link

Initializing

Firmware update mode

disabled.

Printer communication is enabled.

Wireless LAN and the IP address are not set.

communication is disabled.

Green on Flashing

when receiving data

Off Low speed link

Status sheet button

The first time you use the network interface after installing or reinstalling it, plug the power cord of the network interface into a wall outlet while holding down the status sheet button for about twenty seconds to initialize the network interface. The length of time necessary to hold down the status sheet button varies depending on the device model.

Before you start configuring the network interface, be sure to press and hold down the status sheet button on the network interface to print a status sheet. A status sheet provides important information about the network interface, such as MAC address, SSID, device settings, and device’s current status. Press the status sheet button once to print a simple status sheet, or twice to print a full status sheet. You cannot print a status sheet when the device has already started printing, or when it is offline or not ready to print.

Note:

If the device does not print a status sheet, make sure the device is online and no print jobs are being processed, then wait a minute. If it still does not print a status sheet, turn the device off, wait until the DATA light goes out while the red USB light is on, and then turn it back on again. The status sheet can be printed one minute after the device finishes warming up.

Caution:

After turning off the device, wait until the DATA light goes out

before turning it back on; otherwise the network interface may not work correctly.

USB upstream connector

This connector is used to connect a USB cable to a computer, so that the default network interface settings can be modified by using the configuration utility.

USB downstream connector

This connector is used to connect a USB cable to the device to enable communication with the device.

DC-IN connector

This is an external power supply connector for the AC adapter shipped with the network interface. Plug or unplug the power cord of the network interface from a wall outlet to turn the network interface on or off.

Security lock

You can pass a commercially available theft-prevention cable through the security lock hole to secure the network interface to a table or pillar. This network interface is compatible with the Microsaver Security System manufactured by Kensington.

Rotary stand

The rotary stand is located at the bottom of the network interface. Rotate the rotary stand counterclockwise by 90 degrees to provide an auxiliary stand for stability. The stand can be screwed to a location or on the wall for hanging.

The IEEE 802.11g Communication Standard

The network interface supports the IEEE 802.11b/g communication standard. It is compatible with other IEEE

802.11b/g compliant products.

An IEEE 802.11b/g WLAN (wireless local area network) operates within the 2.4 GHz ISM band. It divides the 2.4 GHz into 11 or 13 channels using Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), and uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) to avoid packet collision. Both CSMA/CA with ACK and CSMA/CA with RTS/CTS are supported.

Wi-Fi certification

This wireless network interface is Wi-Fi certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance (WFA). The WFA certification ensures full product interoperability with other Wi-Fi certified products. For more information on other Wi-Fi certified products, go to http://www.wi-fi.org.

Wireless Environment

Operating modes

You can configure the network interface for the Infrastructure mode or the Ad Hoc mode.

In the Infrastructure mode, both wireless and wired computers can communicate through an access point to send data to the network interface.

HUB

Note:

Some access points or routers support only the TCP/IP protocol. If you use this product with a protocol other than TCP/IP, make sure the protocols are supported by the access point or router.

In the Ad Hoc mode, a network interface and computers wirelessly communicate directly with each other, without using an access point.

Security

WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is a security protocol for wireless network. Data is encrypted using the WEP Key providing the security of your wireless network. You must set the same WEP Key to the network interface and the access point.

The network interface supports a 64-bit or 128-bit encryption key, and you can use either hexadecimal or ASCII characters.

WPA-PSK(TKIP) is a Wi-Fi security with a strong encryption algorithm as well as user authentication. It provides a high security that user data remains protected and that only authorized users may access the network.

Note:

The wireless transmission speed is reduced when WEP or WPA-PSK(TKIP) is enabled because time is required for encryption and decryption.

SSID is a unique identifier to specify a wireless LAN. All devices and access points connected to a specific wireless LAN must use the same SSID to communicate with devices on the wireless LAN.

Radio signal range

The data transfer rate of the network interface depends on the environment where the network interface is located.

Note:

The wireless transmission speed decreases as the distance between the network interface and the computer or the access point increases.

About the Software

❏ EpsonNet Config for Windows is a Windows-based

configuration utility for administrators that allows you to configure the network interface for various protocols such as TCP/IP, NetWare, MS Network, AppleTalk, IPP, and SNMP. See “About EpsonNet Config”.

❏ EpsonNet Config for Macintosh is a Macintosh-based

configuration utility for administrators that allows you to configure the network interface for TCP/IP, AppleTalk, and IPP. See “About EpsonNet Config”.

❏ EpsonNet Config with Web Browser is a Web-based

configuration utility that allows you to configure the network interface for TCP/IP, NetWare, MS Network, AppleTalk, IPP, and SNMP. See “About EpsonNet Config”.

❏ EpsonNet Print is a utility that enables TCP/IP printing for

Windows. (Windows XP/Server 2003/2000/NT 4.0 also support OS standard LPR printing.) See “About EpsonNet Print”.

❏ EpsonNet Internet Print is a utility that supports printing

across the Internet using Internet Printing Protocol for Windows 98/95/NT 4.0. See “About EpsonNet Internet Print”.

❏ EpsonNet WebManager is a Web-based utility that helps

network administrators to easily manage network devices. See “About EpsonNet WebManager”.

❏ EpsonNet SetupManager is a utility that provides a simple

printer installation and configuration tool for network administrators, and an easy network printer installation process for clients. See “About EpsonNet SetupManager”.

Terms and Concepts

2.4 GHz range -- the frequency spectrum assigned by the organization such as FCC or IC to WLAN systems

Access point -- a device that acts as a communication hub linking a wireless LAN to a wired LAN

Ad Hoc mode -- a wireless network mode. It allows devices to communicate directly without being wired to a network.

Configuration -- a prepared set of conditions for proper operation of a device. Configuring the network interface is to prepare it to work with protocols available on a network.

DHCP -- a dynamic host configuration protocol. It is a protocol that assigns dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.

EtherTalk --the communication protocol of AppleTalk governing Ethernet transmissions

ftp -- a TCP/IP application protocol for file transfer

IEEE 802.11g -- an IEEE standard for the 2.4 GHz range of WLANs

Infrastructure mode -- a wireless network mode. It allows both

wireless and wired computers to send print jobs to the device through an access point.

lpd -- a TCP/IP remote printing protocol application

Print queue -- a location where a print job is stored as a file, until

the network interface sends the job to the assigned device

Protocol -- a rule that controls how data or information is exchanged through a network. Computers and software cannot communicate with each other using different protocols.

Remote printer -- a shared device connected elsewhere on the

network, but under the control of a NetWare print server

Roaming -- the ability to move the wireless station from one access point to another without losing the connection or interrupting the service

SSID (or ESSID) -- Service Set Identifier (or Extended Service Set Identifier), a unique identifier to specify a WLAN

TCP/IP -- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a layer of protocols that provides communications between nodes on a network

WEP -- Wired Equivalent Privacy, a security protocol for WLANs defined in the IEEE 802.11b/g standard. WEP provides security by encrypting data over radio waves.

WEP key -- a shared key algorithm for encrypting data

WLAN -- Wireless Local Area Network

WPA-PSK(TKIP) -- a Wi-Fi security with a strong encryption

algorithm as well as user authentication

How To

Overview

This section describes the general procedure on how to set up the network interface for use on a network.

1. Check the network interface operation.

Check the functions and operations of the network interface, such as status lights, status sheet button, USB connector, DC-IN connector, and security lock. See “Network Interface Operation” for details.

2. Select a printing method.

Select a printing method appropriate for your network environment and operating system. If you are not sure, see “Printing from Windows” or “Printing from Macintosh” for details.

3. Install the necessary components on your computer.

Make sure the necessary components (such as TCP/IP, NetBEUI, etc.) are installed on the computer, and network settings (such as IP address, subnet mask, etc.) of the computer is set. See “About Installing Components on Your Computer” for details.

4. Insert the Software CD-ROM in the CD-ROM drive to configure the network interface.

If you are using one of the following Epson devices, see “For Windows” or “For Macintosh” for details.

- EPSON STYLUS PHOTO RX500

- EPSON STYLUS PHOTO RX600

- EPSON STYLUS CX4600

- EPSON STYLUS CX6400

- EPSON STYLUS CX6600

If your device is not listed above, see “For Windows” or “For Macintosh” for details.

5. If necessary, install the printer driver.

Install the printer driver from the CD-ROM that comes with the device. See “About Installing the Printer Driver” for details.

6. If necessary, configure the network settings of the network interface using EpsonNet Config.

Configure the network interface for TCP/IP, AppleTalk, MS Network, etc. using EpsonNet Config. For Windows users, see “About EpsonNet Config”. For Macintosh users, see “About EpsonNet Config”.

Selecting a Printing Method

Printing from Windows

Check if there is a Windows XP/Server 2003/2000 print server on your network, and then use the suggestions below.

Note:

Only the recommended printing methods are introduced here. See “Features of the Printing Methods” for information on additional methods.

If no Windows XP/Server 2003/2000 print server exists

Use a printing method appropriate to your operating system:

❏ For Windows Me/98

We recommend TCP/IP printing via EpsonNet Print. See “About EpsonNet Print”.

❏ For Windows XP/Server 2003/2000

We recommend TCP/IP printing via LPR. See “Windows XP”, “Windows Server 2003”, or “Windows 2000”.

If a Windows XP/Server 2003/2000 print server exists

On the server, set the printer to connect with LPR and turn it into a shared printer. Your clients can then print to this shared printer.

Printing from Macintosh

Mac OS X 10.2.4 or later

❏ Rendezvous ❏ EPSON TCP/IP ❏ EPSON AppleTalk

Mac OS X 10.2 or later

❏ EPSON TCP/IP ❏ EPSON AppleTalk

Mac OS 9

❏ AppleTalk

Features of the Printing Methods

This section describes features of the printing methods available for you to choose.

LPR (TCP/IP) printing

Advantages

❏ No computer as a network interface is required. ❏ No special utility for Windows XP/Server 2003/2000 is

required.

❏ You can see the printer status using EPSON Status Monitor 2

or 3.

❏ For Windows XP/Server 2003/2000, you can create a print

log using the event viewer.

❏ You can print via a router.

Disadvantages

❏ You need to set up TCP/IP. ❏ For Windows Me/98, EpsonNet Print must be installed on all

computers to use for printing.

Internet printing

Advantages

❏ No proxy server (computer) is required. ❏ You can print to the printer over the Internet.

Disadvantages

❏ EPSON Status Monitor 2 or 3 cannot be used. ❏ TCP/IP and DNS settings are required. ❏ For Windows Me/98, EpsonNet Internet Print must be

installed on all computers used for printing.

❏ For Windows XP/Server 2003/2000, you cannot share the

Internet printer.

Microsoft Network Shared printing

Advantages

❏ Easy to set up (IP address is not required if NetBEUI protocol

is installed).

❏ No computer as a network interface is required. ❏ No special print utility is required.

Disadvantages

❏ EPSON Status Monitor 2 or 3 cannot be used. ❏ You cannot print via a router. ❏ It takes a longer time to start printing because more time is

required to search for a network device.

Installing Components on Your Computer

About Installing Components on Your Computer

Before configuring the network interface and printing from the computer, you need to install the necessary components (such as TCP/IP, NetBEUI, etc.) and assign an IP address and subnet mask for your computer, depending on the printing method you want to use. See the section appropriate for your operating system.

Note:

You need to install the TCP/IP protocol on your computer to use EPSON Scan.

“Windows XP”

“Windows Me/98”

“Windows Server 2003”

“Windows 2000”

“Macintosh”

Windows XP

For Windows XP, use the following procedure to install the necessary components.

Note:

❏ The Windows XP CD-ROM may be required during the

installation.

❏ When using TCP/IP or IPP for printing, you need to set the IP

address, the subnet mask, and the default gateway of the computer.

1. Click Start, highlight Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections. Select Network Connections.

2. Under LAN or High-Speed Internet, click the Local Area Connection icon.

3. Under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.

4. Check if the following necessary components are in the list. If they are already installed, see “How to Set Up the Network Interface”.

The following table lists the components required for configuring the network interface with EpsonNet Config.

EpsonNet Config’s setting screens Necessary components

TCP/IP, AppleTalk, IPP, SNMP (IP trap) Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

MS Network Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

NetWare, SNMP (IPX trap) Latest Novell Client

downloaded from the Novell Web site

The following table lists the components required for network printing.

Printing method Necessary components

LPR or Internet printing Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

Microsoft Network Shared printing

Printing via NetWare server Latest Novell Client downloaded

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Client for Microsoft Networks

from the Novell Web site

5. If the necessary components are not in the list, click Install to

install them, as described below.

For LPR or Internet printing:

Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is installed by default. You cannot add or delete it.

For Microsoft Network Shared printing:

Select Client and then click Add. Select Client for Microsoft Networks and then click OK.

For printing via NetWare server:

Download the latest Novell Client from the Novell Web site and install it on the computer. Also, be sure to install IPX. See the Novell Web site for detailed information.

6. For LPR, Internet, Microsoft Network Shared printing: Double-click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) on the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box to open the Internet Protocols (TCP/IP) Properties dialog box. Set the IP address, the subnet mask, etc. and then click OK.

7. Restart the computer.

The necessary components are now installed.

Windows Me/98

For Windows Me/98, use the following procedure to install the necessary components.

Note:

❏ The Windows Me/98 CD-ROM may be required during the

installation.

❏ When using TCP/IP or IPP for printing, you need to set the IP

address, the subnet mask, and the default gateway of the computer.

1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then select Control Panel.

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