Don't buy a TPlink TD-9980 if you use Linux and

[#1]

Want to connect a printer to it.
The usb ports need a driver only M$ & Mac driver are available.
Tech help have been no help so far. 

[#2]

Surely you would connect a printer to a PC or a server?
A router isn't meant to be a print server as well.

[#3]

Have you tried connecting the printer direct to your linux pc ? That way you can make sure you have the correct linux drivers.
It has been a while since I've connected a printer to the router, but I'm sure the router is just a thru device. The printer drivers need to be installed on the pc and then configure to use a network port.
This google search gives lots of hits, maybe one can help you
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8&client=ubuntu#safe=off&...

[#4]

I think that TP-Link use (or at least used) USB over IP for their printer sharing rather than lpr etc. I suggest you badger TP-Link for a suitable driver to access the port on the router

[#5]

I HAVE been connecting directly, it has a driver that is no the issue. I did complain to TP-link and there response is lacking to say the least.
And yes it appears as a usb port on the pc rather than an lpr queue like most routers.
Why do I want to do it, to be able to print from anything without the pc being on. That and the fact it is SOLD as having 2 usb ports for file/printer sharing. I don't use the file sharing I have a laptop doing that, but no spare usb ports on it.

[#6]

The last time I "upgraded" my printer, I decided to pay a bit extra for network capability. Not perfect (it appears it is built for the US market - no wifi channels 12/13 and I use 13), but it is (almost) switch on and use and it disables other I/Fs when ethernet connected!
I have a badge engineered model (without Linux drivers) but just use the actual manufacturer's.

[#7]

This printer was from freecycle, an nice little brother laser. USB only no network. I do have a usb-network adaptor that I could use but the fact the router was advertised as having printer sharing and as Linux compatible to me is just taking the mick.

[#8]

TP Link use the same USB-over-IP printer sharing system on various routers.
It's very flexible and can work well on a small home network where a client taking exclusive control of the attached device isn't a problem.
It's an implementation of the KCodes system, so the issue is actually that KCodes don't offer a client for Linux...
That's why TP Link appear to be unhelpful: they can't directly help!

[#9]

There seems to be a GPL implementation of USB over IP for Linux here http://usbip.sourceforge.net/ , maybe worth looking at.
edit: looking in a bit more detail, it claims that the drivers are already in the Linux kernel.

[#10]

Quote from: SuperZoom

KCodes don't offer a client for Linux...

Quote

The Kcodes’ kernel module utilizes 150KB Flash and 1MB RAM and it can be implemented on Linux platform in 2 weeks to meet today’s fast changing marketing demand.

According to that no real reason for them not to.

[#11]

That's the server end of it. But give them a call and chivvy them along   
Might be economics; might be technical...

[#12]

If the server end supports Linux, the kernel has had usb-ip support for past 4 years, so just them dragging the development.
I have already complained about it, nowt else I can do until they get the finger out.