GOWENIC USB Printer Server Network Sharer - Simple LAN Print Sharing

In this review the GOWENIC USB Printer Server is examined as a straightforward solution for homes, small offices, schools, and government sites that need shared printing without a dedicated host PC. The unit's main selling point is that it turns a USB-only printer into a networked device via a single RJ45 connection, so multiple computers can send print jobs directly over LAN. Setup is handled through a browser interface and the device supports USB2.0 transport and LPR printing, making it a practical pick when the goal is simple, hostless print sharing rather than advanced print management.

Key Features

• Shared printers: Lets multiple computers on the same LAN access a single USB printer so you can reduce cable clutter and avoid keeping a dedicated PC always powered for printing.
• USB2.0 transport: Uses USB2.0 standards (backward compatible with USB1.1) to maintain reliable data transfer from the connected printer to the network.
• Universal compatibility: Works with many LAN-only devices and tested printer models such as select EPSON dot matrix and inkjet models and HP F2100 series for print-only operation.
• Web browser management: Built-in network management lets administrators configure, monitor, and reset the server through a browser without extra utilities.
• Low-power integrated chip: Uses a highly integrated, low-power chip to reduce energy use and keep running costs down compared with older print server designs.
• Included accessories: Ships with a 1.5 m cat5e network cable, power adapter, CD, and user manual to get the server connected quickly.

Who It's For

The GOWENIC print server is ideal for small offices, classrooms, or home setups that need a simple way to share a USB printer over a wired LAN without installing a print host PC. It is particularly useful where tested printer models like certain EPSON LQ series or HP F2100 are already in use and only the print function is required.

It is less suitable for users who need advanced print queue features, wireless-only deployment, or support for printers listed as unsupported such as some basic HP laser models. Buyers who require driverless cloud printing or multifunction features beyond print-only should look at other networked or native Ethernet printers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Enables multiple LAN clients to print to one USB device without a host PC, saving space and power.
• Plug-and-play style setup with web browser configuration and included cat5e cable for quick installation.
• Supports USB2.0 transport and a range of common protocols and operating systems for broad compatibility.

Cons

• Only supports the print function; scanning and other multifunction features are not available through this server.
• Not compatible with some consumer HP models listed as unsupported, so check the LPR compatibility list before buying.

Specifications

Item Type	USB Print Server
Material	ABS
Ports	1 x 10/100 Mbps LAN, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x DC power input
Power	100-240V via supplied adapter
Included Accessories	Adapter, cat5 network cable (1.5 m), disc, user manual
Tested Printers	EPSON LQ-730K/LQ-630K/LQ-635K, EPSON R290, HP F2100 series (print only)

Our Verdict

The GOWENIC USB Printer Server is a pragmatic, affordable way to add network print sharing to USB-only printers when you need basic LPR printing across a wired LAN. It delivers easy browser-based setup, low power draw, and proven compatibility with several dot matrix and inkjet models, making it good value for small offices, classrooms, and sites that only require print functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this for scanning or faxing through my multifunction printer?
Answer. No, the device supports print function only; scanning and other multifunction features are not supported through the server.

Does it require drivers to be installed on client computers?
Answer. No driver installation is required for basic LPR print sharing; configuration is done through the built-in web interface.

Will it work with any printer?
Answer. It supports many printers but only models listed as PASS in the LPR compatibility list are guaranteed; certain HP models are explicitly unsupported.