Using Print Servers

The print server is a system that has a local printer connected to it and makes the printer available to other systems on the network. The following figure highlights the part of the print process in which the print server sends the print request to the printer.

Figure 2–4 The Print Server Sends a Print Request to the Printer

1. Print client submits a print request.

2. The print request is processed on the print client.

3. The print request goes to the print server.

4. The print request goes to the printer.

5. The print output is produced on the printer.

The BSD Printing Protocol

The print commands use the BSD printing protocol. One of the big advantages of this protocol is that it can communicate with a variety of print servers:

• lpd-based print servers

• SunOS 5.9 and compatible SVR4 (LP) print servers

• Any other print server or printer that accepts the BSD printing protocol

The BSD printing protocol is an industry standard that is widely used because it provides compatibility between different types of systems from various manufacturers. Sun has chosen to support the BSD printing protocol to provide interoperability in the future.

Where to Go From Here

Go to Chapter 4, Setting Up Printers (Tasks) for step-by-step instructions on setting up new printers with Solaris Print Manager. If you need printer planning information, see Chapter 3, Planning Printers on Your Network (Overview).