Adding to Jim's remarks, an example of a simple print server are units sold
by Linksys.  They are about the size of a small 4-5 port HUB.  One device
that they offer has 2 ports on it.  One is the standard 25-pin DIN like the
parallel port on a PC.  This connects via parallel cable to the centronics
port on the printer.  The other port is an RJ45 connector which connects to
a HUB.  There is some print server management software that has to be
installed on a PC which will act as an administrator - although I've never
had to really "administrate" anything once the setup is completed.  You also
assign an IP address to the print server as though it was a PC.  The print
server provides some memory buffering for printer instructions, but
primarily uses the administration PC's harddisk for spooling print jobs.
The Linksys units that I am familiar with support bi-directional parallel
communications only, not EPP or ECP.  Consequently, you can be informed when
a printer runs out of paper or jams or otherwise goes off-line, but will not
be kept abreast of the relative level of ink in color ink cartridges.
Linksys also makes a unit that supports 3 printers.  They cost around $90
for a single printer unit to $150 for a 3 printer model.  Other companies
probably make comparable units.

HTH,
Jerry Rasmussen
Rasmussen & Bucklin Associates
Coral Springs FL
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=================================

-----Original Message-----
On Behalf Of Frey, Jim

> Could somebody briefly explain what a print server is and when it is
needed?
> TIA

A print server is also considered when you have a printer that doesn't have
it's own NIC to attach to the network, you can purchase a print server to
accomplish this.  Basically it's a small piece of hardware that you can make
as a node on the network (assign an ip or whatever protocol you use) and
connect one to multiple printers to.

Jim

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