If your printer is “TCP/IP Addressable,” the preferred method for network printing is TCP/IP. It is a fast way to send a print job straight to a printer. Printing is the most noticeable method for making a decision about network execution and dependability. Previously, printers were connected directly to PCs via a serial, parallel, or USB port. Nowadays, it is common practice to connect printers directly to the network.

Network Printers

With today’s network printers, all you need is a power outlet and a network port. Then, add a network printer and cables, and you have a remote printer. Well, almost.

• Network printing requires no additional protocol overhead in TCP/IP environments.
• Non-Microsoft clients, such as Unix workstations, can print to queues defined on the NT server.
• TCP/IP-connected printers are not subject to the routing limitations using DLC.
• The printer location is independent of workstations and servers.
• The output is transmitted directly to the printer without staging or spooling, saving system resources and enhancing print routing performance.

Connecting Printers to the Network

There are several benefits to connecting the printers directly to the network:

• Share printers with more than one application
• Assign TCP/IP addresses to printers
• Printers do not rely on PCs and are therefore more likely to be online

TCP/IP Printing Protocols

LPR/LPD

LPR/LPD Protocol is the printing method commonly used in TCP/IP networks. It is in use on university and business campuses where UNIX printing, AS/400 printing, and mainframe printing systems have been in place for a while; the new generation of the operating system now supports both mainframe and TCP/IP and LPD as well. Thus, it is a computer-to-computer printing method rather than PC-to-PC. LPR/LPD protocol consisted of two parts, LPR and LPD. 

Line Printer Request (LPR)

LPR is an acronym for Line Printer Request; this is the part that submits the print request. LPR is the client part of the protocol and is sometimes confused when used on a mainframe. Any system submitting requests via an “LPR client” is a client. 

Line Printer Daemon (LPD)

LPD stands for Line Printer Daemon; this is the piece that receives and processes the request. A “daemon” is a server or agent.

JetDirect Protocol

The HP JetDirect printing® protocol is one of the most widely used for network printers. HP JetDirect supports bidirectional communication as Queue status, Job status, and Page status.

Telnet protocol

Telnet is a straightforward method based on transferring data safely between TCP ports used for printing purposes. This approach is sometimes called raw TCP/IP, Stream, or direct sockets printing.

Internet Printing Protocol

Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is an Internet protocol that allows universal solutions to users trying to print documents from the Internet. The protocol allows the user to:

• Find out about a printer’s capabilities.
• Submit print jobs to a printer.
• Find out the status of a printer or a print job.
• Cancel a previously submitted print job.