StarTech.com Ethernet to Parallel Network Print Server: 10/100 Mbps LAN with WebUI, Centronics Parallel Printer Adapter

Bring your legacy printers into the modern network era with this compact, WebUI-enabled Ethernet to Parallel Print Server. Designed to bridge old Centronics parallel printers with today’s TCP/IP networks, it transforms non-networked devices into versatile, network-ready workhorses. Ideal for small offices, schools, and home offices, this StarTech solution delivers reliable remote printing, centralized management, and seamless compatibility without the need for expensive printer replacements or complex network changes.

• Upgrade legacy printing without replacing hardware. This Ethernet-to-Parallel Print Server connects parallel port printers to a standard 10/100 Mbps LAN, enabling them to receive print jobs from any networked computer or device. By leveraging the familiar Centronics interface, it preserves your existing investments while eliminating the bottlenecks of local-only printing. Remote printing becomes as simple as adding the device to your network and configuring printer shares on client machines, allowing multiple users to print to the same legacy device across the office or campus.
• WebUI-enabled management for quick setup and ongoing control. The built-in Web User Interface provides an intuitive browser-based configuration experience. Users can assign IP addresses, manage printer ports, monitor status, and modify settings without installing vendor-specific drivers on every computer. This centralized approach reduces IT overhead and simplifies routine maintenance, firmware updates, and device reconfiguration as your network evolves.
• Supports standard TCP/IP printing protocols for broad compatibility. Once connected to your network, the print server uses widely adopted printing protocols such as LPR and RAW over TCP/IP, enabling seamless printing from Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems. This interoperability minimizes compatibility concerns and ensures consistent print results across devices and platforms.
• Compact, durable design optimized for office and classroom environments. The compact form factor fits neatly on a desk, shelf, or behind a printer, reducing clutter while preserving easy access to the parallel port. Built to withstand everyday use, it’s an economical solution that integrates quietly into most workspaces without drawing attention or consuming valuable power outlets.
• Reliable performance with straightforward installation and maintenance. The device is designed to deliver stable print performance for mixed workloads, with prompt job processing and minimal latency. Its straightforward installation path—connect, power, configure via WebUI, and add printers to clients—lets administrators deploy quickly and scale as needed, whether you’re outfitting a few computers or an entire department.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Ethernet to Parallel Network Print Server

• LAN Interface: 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
• Printer Port: Centronics parallel interface
• Management: Web UI Enabled for browser-based configuration
• Printing Protocols: TCP/IP-based printing with LPR/RAW support
• Printer Compatibility: Designed for standard parallel (Centronics) printers
• Power: External power supply required for operation
• Security: Web UI with basic authentication to manage printer connections and settings
• Environment: Suitable for desktop or small office deployments where space efficiency matters

how to install StarTech.com Ethernet to Parallel Network Print Server

• Step 1: Power off both the printer and the print server, then connect the Centronics parallel cable from the printer to the print server’s parallel port. Ensure the network cable is ready to connect the print server to a switch or router in your LAN.
• Step 2: Plug the print server into a power outlet and power it on. Wait for the device to boot and obtain an IP address via DHCP or use a pre-assigned static IP as dictated by your network policy.
• Step 3: Access the WebUI by entering the device’s IP address into a web browser. Log in with the default credentials provided in the user manual and immediately proceed to configure the network settings if needed (static IP, gateway, and DNS) to ensure reliable access from all client devices.
• Step 4: In the WebUI, create or select a printer port that represents the Centronics parallel connection, then save the configuration. You may adjust settings such as queue behavior, job timeout, and status monitoring depending on your printer model and network needs.
• Step 5: On client computers, add a new network printer using the standard TCP/IP printing protocol, pointing the printer address to the print server’s IP address. Select the appropriate LPR or RAW port type as supported, install the printer drivers for your legacy printer on each client if required, and perform a test print to confirm successful communication.

Frequently asked questions

• What printers can I use with this print server? It is designed for standard Centronics parallel (parallel port) printers. If your device uses a parallel port with a Centronics connector, it is compatible. Always consult your printer’s manual to confirm supported interfaces and command compatibility, and ensure you have the appropriate parallel cable for connection to the print server.
• Do I need special drivers on each computer? In most cases, printer drivers are still required on client machines to render documents correctly. The print server handles the network printing protocol, but the host computers typically install the printer driver for the specific legacy printer. After driver installation, selecting the network printer as the target will route jobs through the print server to the printer.
• Can multiple users print at the same time? Yes. The print server is designed to manage print queues from multiple clients over TCP/IP, coordinating submissions to the parallel printer. Depending on printer capacity and job size, simultaneous access may be queued, but the WebUI provides visibility into active jobs and queue status for efficient management.
• Is the WebUI secure? The WebUI provides password-protected access to configuration and status information. It is recommended to change default credentials during initial setup and follow your organization’s security practices, such as using strong passwords and restricting access to trusted network segments.
• Will this device monitor printer status or supply alerts? The print server offers status monitoring through the WebUI, including basic indicators for online/offline status and job activity. Depending on the printer model and network setup, you may receive notifications or logs that help identify paper jams, low resources, or communication issues.