Network Print Servers

The Growth of Printer Network Server

At first, network print servers were manufactured to directly connect with separate computers while giving limited accessibility and needing numerous printers for multiple users. So, with the rise of these servers, a single printer might be shared between multiple users, which reduces processes and reduces costs. However, through the years, they have progressed to support various printing procedures, such as the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol, and proprietary protocols like HP's JetDirect, etc.

Types of Network Print Servers

• Wired Print Servers: These units attach to printers through parallel ports or USB and connect to the network through Ethernet cables. These devices have a reputation for having reliable connections and work best in central locations where the printer is kept in a static place and the network hubs are nearby.
• Wireless Print Servers: Unlike wired print servers, wireless print servers connect printers through Wi-Fi. This means that the printer can be placed anywhere within the coverage without being constrained to network ports. Some wireless print server units can also be used as range extenders for wireless networks.
• Bluetooth Print Servers: These servers allow devices to print using Bluetooth. Bluetooth print servers can be advantageous in situations that require a fast temporary connection without access to network infrastructure.
• USB Print Server: A USB print server is another top-notch device that helps a typical USB printer to be connected over a network, which allows multiple computers to send print jobs without needing a direct USB connection. Also, they are generally utilized in offices and homes to improve printing effectiveness and remove the need for a steadfast computer to manage all your print jobs.
• Parallel Print Server: A parallel print server is another market-leading device that allows a parallel port printer to be joined over a network and makes multiple computers send print jobs easily without needing a direct physical connection.

Prominent Network Print Server Brands

1. StarTech 10/100 Mbps Ethernet to USB 2.0 Network LPR Print Server: This wired print server allows users to share a conventional USB printer with numerous users over an Ethernet-based network. This device also supports LPR printing protocols.
2. StarTech 1 Port USB Wireless N Network Print Server: This device is perfect for wireless infrastructures, as it allows its users to share the USB printer while using Wi-Fi networks. Also, the device supports the 802.11b/g/n values.
3. The HP JetDirect 600n print server is well known because it supports many network printing protocols. With it, network printers can easily be configured with a local area network. 

Reasons Why One Should Use a Network Print Server

• Effective Use of Resources: An organization can reduce the cost of hardware, support, and maintenance of many printers by using a single printer for multiple users.
• Print Job Control: Fewer output devices do mean more control over print jobs and queues, giving enforced policies and monitoring.
• Movement Freedom: Wi-Fi print servers allow printers to be mounted in optimal positions instead of restricting them to networking port locations.

How To Choose the Best-Rated Network Print Server?

• If you are going to purchase a network print server for yourself but don’t know what things you should consider before getting one, then there are a few things that you should consider.
• The first thing to consider is the number of printers you want to connect to the network. If you only have one or two printers, you can get away with a simple print server with just one or two USB ports. However, if you have more printers, you will need a server with more ports.
• You should choose a compatible network print server which will work perfectly with all your printer models.
• Also, you should consider a high-quality network print server, which can support wired and wireless data transfer rates.
• Moreover, you should consider a network print server with advanced and AI-enhanced safety functionalities that will ensure it supports the necessary printing protocols and gives dependable performance for good workflow.
• The type of network is another important factor. Before buying you should decide whether you need a wired server or a wireless print server. 
• Also try to get network print servers that provide additional features like data sharing, job management etc.
• Also, you can get a wireless USB print server, as it will allow multiple users to share a USB printer over a Wi-Fi network.

Top-notch Network Print Servers Which are in demand in the UK

1. HP JetDirect 615n (J6057A)

This HP Jetdirect 615n (J6057A) is an internal print server device that helps printers to attach easily to any network. Moreover, it is equipped with 10/100Base-TX networking and an RJ45 connector for easy setup. Furthermore, this print server will allow its multiple users to easily share a printer without requiring a direct computer connection.

• Form Factor: It is a plug-in module in form factor.
• Interface (Bus) Type: It includes an EIO connector type.
• Connectivity Technology: Its connectivity is based on Wired systems.
• Cabling Type: It supports Fast Ethernet (common term for 100 Mbps Ethernet) and twisted-pair Ethernet (for 10 Mbps).
• Data Link Protocol: It will support Ethernet and Fast Ethernet protocols.
• Data Transfer Rate: It will give you a maximum of 100 Mbps data transfer speed.
• Network/Transport Protocols: TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC
• Remote Management Protocols: SNMP 1, SNMP 2, Telnet
• Features: Also, it includes full duplex ability, DHCP support option, auto-negotiation, BOOTP support, and even RARP support.
• Status Indicators: Port Transmission Speed

2. HP JetDirect 620n (J7934A)

This HP JetDirect 620n (J7934A) is also an interior print server that is specifically manufactured for HP printers with enhanced input and output slots. Besides, it gives fantastic networking connectivity for shared printing that will enhance effectiveness in every office environment.

• Form Factor: It is a plug-in module.
• Interface (Bus) Type: It has an EIO interface.
• Connectivity Technology: It will provide you with wired connectivity technology.
• Cabling Type: Also, it supports Ethernet 10Base-T and Ethernet 100Base-TX.
• Data Link Protocol: It will work with Ethernet and Fast Ethernet protocols.
• Data Transfer Rate: It will give you a transfer rate of a maximum of 100 Mbps.
• Network/Transport Protocols: TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC
• Remote Management Protocols: It will seamlessly work with SNMP 1, SNMP 2, and Telnet.
• Features: Besides, it contains full duplex competence, will give you a DHCP support option, auto-negotiation, BOOTP support, and RARP support as well.
• Status Indicators: Port Transmission Speed

Therefore, these current-trending print servers will provide you with a good network setup and can modernize your printing processes while allowing multiple users to access printers efficiently and securely. So, buy your print server at a cheap price only through bulk devices.