I think my print server is malfunctioning in someway, but I cannot pin point the problem. What steps should I take to troubleshoot a possible malfunction?

This article applies to legacy print servers, most of which have been discontinued. If you are looking for troubleshooting information for the xPrintServer please use the Advanced Search function on http://www.lantronix.com/support and choose "Current Products->xPrintServer" from the "Limit by product" drop-down list.

Although there are a variety of technical issues that may arise with a print server, below are some basic steps you can use to track down the problem you are having with your device. Note that while this is not an exhaustive list of troubleshooting steps, it will find most common problems.

Step 1 – Applying Power & A Network Connection

Apply power to the unit. Make sure that you are using the correct power supply. The voltage required for your unit is listed on a sticker located on the back of the unit.

The Ethernet port on your device should be labeled as either 10BASE-T or 10/100BASE-T. Plug the device into the network using the Ethernet port. Make sure that you are plugging the device into the same speed port on your hub, switch, etc as labeled on your device.

Step 2 – Monitoring LEDs

While the unit is powering up watch the LEDs on the device. Once the unit has fully booted the ok light should flash off every two seconds. If the OK LED is flashing in an abnormal way this may indicate a problem with the device. If possible you should use a null modem or swapped cable to log into the serial port of the device to determine further problems. Pinouts for the proper cable can be found below.

Looking at the LEDs, make sure you have a good link light on the device. If you don’t, check your network cabling. Also, make sure that the OK LED is blinking once every two seconds. This indicates normal functionality.

Step 3 – Assigning an IP Address

Assign an IP address to the unit. A detailed FAQ on how to assign an IP address can be found in this link by searching for the keywords "Assign IP Address".

Once the IP address is assigned, telnet into the print server and type "show version" at the local prompt. Make sure the device has the latest version of firmware running on it. You can find the latest version of firmware for your device at the link below.

ftp://ftp.lantronix.com/pub, or on the Downloads Page at http://www.lantronix.com/support/downloads.html

Step 4 – Testing Serial Ports

Using a null modem or swapped cable with the pinouts below log into the print server on each serial port through HyperTerminal.

Cable Adaptor
Signal RJ45 RJ45 RJ45 DB-9
CTS 8 8-------------1 1-------------7 RTS
DSR 7 7-------------2 2-------------4 DTR
RX+ 6 6-------------3 3-------------3 TXD
RX- 5 5-------------4 4-------|
TX- 4 4-------------5 5-------|-----5 Signal Ground
TX+ 3 3-------------6 6-------------2 RXD
DTR 2 2-------------7 7-------------6 DSR
RTS 1 1-------------8 8-------------8 CTS

This can also be done with a DTE dumb terminal. If you can log into the serial port, the port is functioning, as it should be. If you cannot log into the serial port, telnet into the device and make sure that the access on the serial port is set to dynamic.

If you log into a serial port and come to a boot prompt then the firmware in the device has become corrupt. At this point you must reload the firmware. Detailed instructions on reloading firmware can be found in this link by searching for the keyword TFTP.

Step 5 – Testing Parallel Ports

Hook up a printer (preferably a dot matrix printer) to the parallel port of the print server. Telnet to the IP address of the print server and become the privileged user. At the "Local_n>>" prompt type "test port n count 100". Where n is the port number attached to the dot matrix printer. After issuing the command the printer should print 100 lines of ASCII text. If it does not, make sure that you are using an IEEE 1284 compliant parallel printer cable.

If you have completed the above steps and are still having problems with your print server, please contact Lantronix Technical Support.

[Originally Published On: 06/30/2001 04:29 PM]