Print server

A print server is a host computer or device to which one or more printers are connected and that can accept print jobs from external client computers connected to the print server over a network. The printer server then sends the data to the appropriate printer that it manages. Term print server can refer to:

1. A host computer running Windows OS with one or more shared printers. Client computers are using Microsoft Network Printing protocol.
2. A computer running some OS other than Windows OS but still implementing Microsoft Network Printing protocol (typically Samba running on a UNIX or Linux computer).
3. A computer that implements the LPD service and thus can process print requested from LPR clients.
4. dedicated equipment that connects one or more printers to a LAN network. It typically has a single LAN connector, such as RJ45, and one or more physical ports (e.g. serial or parallel) to provide connection to printers. In essence this dedicated equipment provides printing protocol conversion from what was sent by client computer to what will be accepted by printer. A variety of printing protocols includes LPD/LPR over TCP/IP, Port 9100 or RAW printer protocol over TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC or IPX/SPX, This dedicated equipment does not provide spooling or print queue services.
5. A dedicated equipment similar to definition 4 above, that also implements Microsoft Networking protocols to appear to Windows client computers as if it were a print server defined in 1 above.

Most frequently term print server has meaning defined in 1 or 2 above.

Term print server device usually refers to definition 4.

See also

• Common Unix Printing System

External links

• Printing to a Print Server Device — this small printing guide together with its Glossary clarified all those messy details of what is called 'print server' now. Learn the difference between true print servers and dummy network printing adapters.
• Print Server Scenarios and Software - A print server is the hardware or software that is responsible for sending the jobs from multiple clients.
• Hardware or Software Print Servers - What is better for you? Hardware or Software print servers.