Print Servers connect printers directly to the network, via a switch or a Powerline Network Adaptor, so that networked PCs and Macs can share them.

Compared to attaching a printer directly to a PC, the print server provides more flexibility in placing the printer, more cost effectiveness, better performance, and simultaneous support for printing from a variety of operating system environments and different network protocols.

It also means that you don't need to leave a computer switched on to print to a particular printer.

The USB model, the Netgear PS121, is compatible with most USB port printers (including bi-directional printers) from HP, Canon, Epson, Lexmark, and others. It Supports all major Microsoft Windows operating systems.