A print server is an internal or external product that connects one or more printers or MFPs to a network so they are accessible to all network users. Print servers provide the benefits of server-attached printing but give you the flexibility to place your printers anywhere in your environment. Print servers mean your printers aren't tethered to a specific server, nor do you need to invest in (or maintain) a file server specifically to manage printing.
An internal print server either fits into a special slot on the printer or is built into the printer by the manufacturer. It doesn't need a second power supply and communicates directly with the printer and the network. HP has a robust collection of internal print servers for most types of printers.
An external print server adds network capabilities to an existing printer that can't support an internal print server. This is an excellent way to connect legacy printers to a new, more manageable network framework.
When you choose an external print server over a personal printer or server-connected printer, the transfer between the print server and printer happens faster and with less client overhead than the transfer between a computer and a printer. The memory the print server uses for collecting print jobs into a print queue can release the computer to return to other tasks even before the printer sees the job.
|
Note: External print servers require their own power supplies and take up extra space, although most HP JetDirect external print servers have small footprints (the JetDirect 310x is only 3.8 x 1.5 x 5 in.). Even so, the benefits of networked printers far exceed the space and power supply limitations.
|
Wireless networking provides a wide variety of benefits for companies today, and the march toward wireless links now includes print servers. Some benefits of wireless print servers include:
|
|
• |
Mobile printer stations |
|
|
• |
Fast printer setup for a workgroup |
|
|
• |
A printing solution that fits into your existing wireless network |
|
|
• |
User functionality is exactly like wired print servers |
|
JetDirect wireless print servers are available in both external and internal forms and support both the 802.11b and Bluetooth wireless protocols so you can easily integrate your organization's printers with both WLAN and WWAN implementations. Additionally, HP's wireless JetDirect products offer the latest data security encryption and authentication to prevent unauthorized access over the network.
HP leads the industry in network-connected printers. With the introduction of the HP JetDirect print server, HP provided businesses the ability to connect LaserJet printers to the network before any other vendor. Today, HP provides a wide variety of options to connect wired or wireless print products to your organization's print network.
Rate this information |
|
| To download the latest Adobe® Reader®, please go to the Adobe website at http://www.adobe.com. Adobe and Reader are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated. |
| |
|
Network your printers | |
|
Learn more | |
|
Printable version
