I have a network Printer, and i am just wondering if i need a print server, or if i can just plug the network printer derectly into a switch... thanks!
2006-12-30 07:27:03 · 2 answers · asked by Eddie 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
The Ethernet card in most network printers is a hardware print server. But regardless you can still plug it into a switch with a standard patch cable. The printer should have a configuration webpage which is normally accessible by opening a browser window and typing in http://[ip_address]
[ip_address] will be the IP Address of the printer
2006-12-30 07:39:35 · answer #1 · answered by Shawn H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u can definitely plug it in the switch.
that said u can afterwards install it on a machine and share it. that machine will be a print server for the rest of the network. the advantage of doing this is that everyone else can select it and have the drivers installed with a doubleclick.
or else u shall have to have the CD with the drivers at hand and install it separately on any station that requests this printer.
if it's a brand new printer u shall have to play with the menus and define an IP address on your network. once this is done u can telnet into it and remove unwanted parameters and protocols (it is always good practice to keep your network free of garbage packets of protocols u don't use).
new printers do indeed have http servers inside. this makes the config easy: get your IE up and type http://PrinterIPAddress and u'll get a nice web page with all the checkboxes and settings.
if on your network there is no machine switched on 24/7 then forget the server part: install it independently on the machines that need it. u'll be better off in the long run.
have phun
2006-12-30 09:12:41 · answer #2 · answered by dan g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋