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Print server
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In computer networking, a print server, or printer server, is a type of server that connects printers to client computers over a network.[1] It accepts print jobs from the computers and sends the jobs to the appropriate printers, queuing the jobs locally to accommodate the fact that work may arrive more quickly than the printer can actually handle. Ancillary functions include the ability to inspect the queue of jobs to be processed, the ability to reorder or delete waiting print jobs, or the ability to do various kinds of accounting (such as counting pages, which may involve reading data generated by the printer(s)). Print servers may be used to enforce administration policies, such as color printing quotas, user/department authentication, or watermarking printed documents.
Print servers may support a variety of industry-standard or proprietary printing protocols including Internet Printing Protocol, Line Printer Daemon protocol, NetWare, NetBIOS/NetBEUI, or JetDirect.
A print server may be a networked computer with one or more shared printers. Alternatively, a print server may be a dedicated device on the network, with connections to the LAN and one or more printers. Dedicated server appliances tend to be fairly simple in both configuration and features. Print server functionality may be integrated with other devices such as a wireless router, a firewall, or both. A printer may have a built-in print server.
All printers with the right type of connector are compatible with all print servers[citation needed]; manufacturers of servers make available lists of compatible printers because a server may not implement all the communications functionality of a printer (e.g. low ink signal).
Network printer servers
See also
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Network printer servers.
References
[edit]- ^ "Definition of: print server". PCMag Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18 May 2017.
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Print server
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
A print server is a software application, network device, or dedicated computer that connects printers to client computers over a network, managing print jobs by receiving requests, queuing them, and distributing them to the appropriate printers while providing status information to users and administrators.[1] These systems operate on a client-server model, where client devices submit print requests that the server processes using protocols such as SMB, LPR, IPP, or Jetdirect, supporting connections via USB, parallel ports, Ethernet, or wireless networks.[1][2]
Print servers come in several types to suit different environments, including physical hardware devices that act as standalone units, software-based implementations running on general-purpose servers or computers, cloud-hosted solutions for remote access, and embedded features built directly into multifunction printers.[1][3] Wired print servers use Ethernet for stable connectivity in office settings, while wireless variants leverage Wi-Fi to enable mobile printing without cables.[2] By centralizing printer management, these servers enhance network efficiency, reduce bandwidth usage through optimized job routing, and scale to handle hundreds of printers in large enterprises or simplify setups in small offices and home networks.[2][1]
Originally evolving from terminal servers in early networked computing environments, print servers have adapted to advancements in processors and wireless technology, shifting many functions to networked computers or integrated printer features, though dedicated hardware remains prevalent in high-volume professional use; as of 2025, trends include growing adoption of serverless printing for reduced on-premises infrastructure.[2][4] They also incorporate security measures to mitigate risks, such as vulnerabilities exposed in protocols like those affected by the PrintNightmare exploit, underscoring the need for regular updates in shared network setups.[1]
Introduction
Definition
A print server is a device or software application that connects printers to client computers over a network, managing print jobs by queuing, spooling, and routing them to the appropriate printer.[1][5] Key components of a print server include print queue management, which organizes and prioritizes incoming print requests for specific printers; job spooling, which temporarily stores print data to allow faster processing than the printer's speed; and status monitoring, which tracks printer availability and queue conditions to inform users and administrators.[1][5][1] Unlike direct-attached printers, which connect physically to a single client device and limit access to that machine, print servers enable shared access to printers across multiple network-connected devices without requiring individual physical connections.[1]Overview
A print server functions as a central hub for print management within computer networks, enabling multiple users and devices to share printers efficiently and reducing the need for direct, individual connections between computers and printing hardware. This role enhances resource utilization in modern IT infrastructure by centralizing control, optimizing bandwidth, and supporting scalable printing in environments ranging from small offices to large enterprises.[2] The basic workflow involves clients submitting print jobs to the server over the network, where the server receives, queues, and processes them based on priority and availability before forwarding to the designated printer. This process allows for monitoring of job status, error handling, and administrative oversight, ensuring reliable output without disrupting network operations.[6] Print servers emerged as a key component during the transition from standalone local printing to networked systems in the 1980s, driven by the widespread adoption of local area networks (LANs) that connected personal computers and peripherals like printers for shared access in organizational settings.[7]History
Early Development
The concept of print servers originated in the 1970s and 1980s from terminal server technology, which facilitated shared access to peripherals such as printers in mainframe computing environments. Terminal servers, initially designed to connect multiple dumb terminals to a central host computer via serial lines, evolved to include printing capabilities, allowing users to queue and route print jobs to shared printers distributed across local area networks (LANs). This development addressed the limitations of direct printer attachments to mainframes, where resources were centralized and access was managed through early spooling systems.[8] A key milestone occurred in the early 1980s with the advent of Ethernet-based LANs, enabling more efficient printer sharing over coaxial cables. In 1982, 3Com introduced its EtherSeries, including the EtherShare file server and EtherPrint software, which permitted multiple workstations to send print jobs to a shared printer connected to the network server. By 1985, 3Com further advanced this with the 3Servers—Intel-based dedicated network servers—and the 3+ software suite, specifically designed for peripheral sharing, including printers, in workgroup settings over Ethernet. Similarly, Xerox's Star 8010 system, announced in 1981, incorporated print servers as part of its Ethernet networking infrastructure, allowing collaborative document printing in office environments. These innovations marked the shift from serial-based terminal sharing to networked peripheral access.[9][10] Early print servers faced significant challenges, including limited network speeds—Ethernet operated at 10 Mbps, which was constrained for high-volume printing—and reliance on proprietary protocols that hindered interoperability between vendors. Functionality was basic, primarily limited to job queueing and simple routing without advanced features like error recovery or priority management, often resulting in bottlenecks on shared coax cables.[9][8]Modern Advancements
The adoption of TCP/IP as the standard protocol for enterprise networks in the 1990s facilitated a significant expansion of print servers, enabling centralized printer management and cross-platform resource sharing across heterogeneous environments such as Windows, UNIX, and early LAN systems.[11] This shift was accelerated by the release of Windows NT 3.1 in 1993, which integrated native TCP/IP support with built-in file and print sharing services, allowing PCs to function as network operating systems (NOS) for distributed printing without reliance on proprietary protocols like those from Novell NetWare.[12] By the mid-1990s, this infrastructure boom supported scalable office networks with faster file sharing and centralized printing, reducing the need for direct printer connections and promoting efficient resource utilization in growing corporate settings.[13] A pivotal advancement came with the establishment of the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) by the IETF's IPP Working Group in 1997, which introduced standardized Internet-Drafts for IPP/1.0, including models for printer semantics, job submission, and directory schemas to enable seamless distributed printing over IP networks.[14] This protocol addressed the limitations of earlier proprietary systems by providing an application-level framework for end-user interactions with remote printers, independent of specific transport mechanisms. In the 2010s, print servers evolved further through integration with cloud services, exemplified by Google Cloud Print, a beta solution launched in 2010 that allowed web-based print job submission to any connected printer via APIs and connectors, bridging traditional hardware with cloud ecosystems until its deprecation on December 31, 2020.[15][16] In the 2020s, print server architectures have increasingly shifted toward virtualized software solutions optimized for virtual desktop infrastructures (VDI), such as those supporting Citrix XenDesktop, VMware Horizon, and Microsoft Hyper-V, which eliminate physical server dependencies while maintaining centralized print management in hybrid work environments.[17] Following the deprecation of Google Cloud Print, Microsoft launched Universal Print in 2021 as a cloud-based subscription service for printer management without on-premises servers.[18] Concurrently, embedded print servers integrated directly into multifunction printers (MFPs) have become prevalent, featuring built-in networking capabilities like HP Jetdirect for wireless connectivity and direct IP printing.[3] These advancements emphasize secure printing protocols, including data encryption in transit and at rest to mitigate breaches—per IPP security specifications—alongside enhanced mobile access that supports driverless printing from smartphones and tablets via standards like IPP Everywhere, ratified by the Printer Working Group in 2013 and widely adopted in the 2020s.[19][20]Types
Hardware Print Servers
Hardware print servers are dedicated standalone appliances that enable printers to connect directly to a network, facilitating shared access for multiple users without requiring a dedicated computer. These compact devices typically include one or more Ethernet ports for integration into local area networks (LANs) and support printer connections via USB or parallel interfaces, operating independently with their own power supply. Designed for reliability in small-scale environments, they convert local printer attachments into network-accessible resources, supporting protocols like TCP/IP and IPP out-of-the-box.[21][22] Prominent examples include the HP Jetdirect series, such as the en3700 Fast Ethernet model, which provides external connectivity via RJ-45 Ethernet and USB ports for HP and compatible printers, emphasizing secure networking and embedded web management. Similarly, D-Link's DP-301U offers a 10/100Mbps Ethernet interface paired with a single USB 2.0 port, allowing seamless sharing of USB printers across Windows, Mac, and Unix systems. TP-Link's TL-PS110P exemplifies parallel port support, connecting legacy printers to Fast Ethernet networks while accommodating over 230 printer models.[21][23][22] In terms of technical specifications, hardware print servers incorporate built-in firmware for essential functions like print queue management, job spooling, and status monitoring via web interfaces, with upgradeable options to maintain compatibility. Power consumption remains low to suit continuous operation, typically ranging from 6.6W (3.3V DC at 2A) for models like the TP-Link TL-PS110P to 9.6W maximum for the HP Jetdirect 2900nw, minimizing energy use in SOHO setups. Form factors are generally external enclosures, such as the DP-301U's compact 3.19 x 3.54 x 1.57-inch dimensions, enabling flexible placement near printers without occupying desk space.[24][22][25][23]Software Print Servers
Software print servers implement print management functionality through applications or services hosted on general-purpose operating systems, such as Linux or Windows Server, enabling centralized control of print jobs without dedicated hardware.[2] These solutions leverage the host system's resources to queue, route, and process print requests from network clients, offering flexibility in deployment on existing servers or virtual environments.[26] Key features of software print servers include scalability to handle large-scale environments with hundreds of printers, as per Microsoft guidelines for Windows Server, depending on hardware resources, driver types, and workload.[27] They also support virtualization platforms like VMware, allowing multiple print server instances to run on shared hardware for improved resource efficiency and fault tolerance. Advanced management capabilities, such as user authentication via protocols like Kerberos or LDAP, enable secure access control and auditing of print activities. Prominent examples include the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS), an open-source solution developed for Unix-like systems, first released in June 1999 by Easy Software Products.[28] CUPS serves as a print server by using the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) to manage queues and support network sharing across diverse printer models.[29] On Windows platforms, the Print Spooler service, integrated into Windows Server, functions as the core software print server component, handling job spooling and distribution while integrating with Active Directory for enterprise-wide deployment.[26] Third-party tools like PaperCut provide enhanced queuing and management, offering features such as print tracking, cost allocation, and hold-release workflows to optimize resource use in shared environments.[30]Cloud Print Servers
Cloud print servers are hosted services that manage printing over the internet, allowing remote access and management without local hardware or software installation. These solutions, such as Google Cloud Print (deprecated in 2020) or Microsoft Universal Print (as of 2021), enable printing from any device to any printer via cloud queues, supporting mobile and BYOD environments. They integrate with protocols like IPP and provide scalability for distributed networks, often with subscription-based pricing.[1]Embedded Print Servers
Embedded print servers are integrated directly into printers or multifunction devices (MFDs), providing built-in network connectivity without external hardware. Common in modern laser and inkjet printers from manufacturers like HP, Brother, and Canon, they support Ethernet or Wi-Fi interfaces and protocols such as IPP and LPD. This type simplifies setup for small offices by eliminating the need for separate servers, though it may limit advanced management features compared to dedicated solutions.[2]Operation
How Print Servers Work
A print server manages the print job lifecycle by receiving requests from client devices on a network, processing them efficiently, and directing them to the appropriate printers. The process begins when a user initiates a print command on a client device, such as a computer or mobile device, which uses a printer driver to format the document and send it to the print server. Upon receipt, the server spools the job—temporarily storing it on disk in a print queue—to decouple the client's application from the slower printing hardware, allowing the client to resume normal operation immediately.[31][2] Once spooled, the print server handles key processing steps to prepare the job for output. Spooling involves saving the job data, often in an intermediate format like Enhanced Metafile (EMF), to the server's hard drive for orderly queuing and to prevent bottlenecks. The server then performs rasterization, converting the job's vector graphics, text, and images into a bitmap or raster format compatible with the printer's engine, which may involve rendering pages into pixel data for precise reproduction. Additionally, job prioritization occurs through queue management, where administrators or automated rules assign order based on factors like user permissions or urgency, ensuring critical documents are processed ahead of others. For instance, the server may convert the spooled data into printer-specific languages such as PCL (Printer Command Language) or PostScript during or after rasterization to optimize for the target device's capabilities.[31][6][2] After preparation, the print server routes the job to the selected printer once it becomes available, monitoring status to avoid conflicts with ongoing prints. Upon completion, the server notifies the client or user of success, while deleting the spooled file to free resources. In cases of errors—such as printer offline status, paper jams, or low supplies—the server implements handling mechanisms like retry queues, where failed jobs are automatically requeued for subsequent attempts, or hold-for-release queues, which pause jobs until manual intervention or conditions are met, preventing queue buildup and enabling targeted resolution. These features ensure reliable operation across networked environments by isolating issues and maintaining queue integrity.[6][31][2]Communication Protocols
Print servers rely on several standardized communication protocols to facilitate the transmission of print jobs across networks, enabling interoperability between clients, servers, and printers. The primary protocols include the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol, and the Server Message Block (SMB)/Common Internet File System (CIFS) protocol, each designed for specific environments and use cases.[32][33][34] IPP serves as a secure, web-based protocol for printing, allowing clients to submit jobs, query printer status, and manage queues over the internet or local networks. It operates atop HTTP or HTTPS, where job submission involves encoding print data and attributes into MIME-typed messages for transport, supporting features like job cancellation and notification. IPP's model defines abstract objects such as printers and jobs, independent of underlying transport, making it versatile for modern distributed printing.[19][35] LPD, commonly used in Unix-like systems, provides a straightforward mechanism for spooling and controlling print queues between clients and servers. It functions over TCP port 515, where commands are sent to manage queues, transfer job files, and receive control information in a simple, text-based format. This protocol supports basic operations like job submission via a daemon process that listens for incoming requests and routes them to the appropriate printer.[33] SMB/CIFS enables print sharing in Windows-dominated environments, treating printers as shared resources accessible via file-like operations over a network. The protocol allows clients to connect to a printer share on a server, authenticate, and transmit print jobs as spool files, often integrated with domain authentication for access control. Modern implementations extend CIFS with enhanced security and performance features for reliable job delivery.[36][34] Security in these protocols has evolved to address vulnerabilities in early methods, such as raw socket printing, which directly streams print data over TCP port 9100 without encapsulation or authentication, as seen in HP JetDirect interfaces. IPP, in particular, integrates Transport Layer Security (TLS) through HTTPS bindings, using the 'ipps' URI scheme to encrypt job data, authenticate endpoints, and prevent interception during transmission. LPD and SMB can also incorporate TLS wrappers or secure variants, though native support varies, ensuring confidential job handling in sensitive networks.[37][38]Implementation and Configuration
Setting Up a Print Server
Setting up a print server begins with hardware installation for dedicated devices or basic network preparation for software-based servers. For hardware print servers, such as those using HP Jetdirect interfaces, connect the device to the printer via the appropriate port, typically USB or parallel, and to the network using an Ethernet cable plugged into a router or switch.[39] Similarly, TP-Link print servers require connecting the server to the printer with a supplied cable and to the router via RJ45 Ethernet.[40] Once connected, assign an IP address to the print server; many models, such as HP Jetdirect, default to DHCP for automatic assignment from the network router, while others like TP-Link print servers use a default static IP (e.g., 192.168.0.10).[41] For stability, configure a static IP manually through the device's web interface or Telnet where applicable, entering the current IP to set a fixed address and disable DHCP if enabled.[39][42] For software print servers, installation varies by operating system. On Linux distributions like Ubuntu, install the CUPS service using the commandsudo apt install cups, which automatically starts the service and enables basic printing functionality.[43] On Windows Server, the Print Spooler service is enabled by default when File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and TCP/IP are active; to fully configure as a print server, add the Print and Document Services role via Server Manager by selecting Manage > Add Roles and Features, then installing the Print Server sub-role.[44][45]
Initial configuration involves adding printers to the server queue and preparing client access. On a CUPS server, access the web interface at http://localhost:631/admin (or the server's IP:631 from another machine after configuring /etc/cups/cupsd.conf to listen on the network IP, e.g., Listen 192.168.10.250:631, followed by sudo systemctl restart cups.service), then use the Administration tab to add a printer by selecting the device, model, and sharing options; add the administrator user to the lpadmin group with sudo usermod -aG lpadmin username for management privileges.[43] For Windows, launch the Add Printer Wizard from Printers & Scanners or Server Manager's Print Management console, select to add a local or network-attached printer, choose the port (e.g., TCP/IP for networked devices), install the driver for the printer model, name the queue, and share it by right-clicking the printer in the console, selecting Properties > Sharing, and enabling sharing with a descriptive name.[44][46]
To enable client printing, install drivers on the server for distribution. In CUPS, drivers are selected during printer addition via the web interface, supporting IPP for network communication.[43] On Windows, during the sharing process, click Additional Drivers in the Sharing tab to install versions for client operating systems like 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, allowing clients to automatically download them when connecting to the shared queue.[44] Finally, test the setup by submitting a sample print job: from the server, right-click the printer and select Print Test Page on Windows, or use the CUPS web interface's Maintenance dropdown to print a test page; verify the job processes in the queue without errors and outputs correctly on the printer.[44][43]