What is Print server?
A '''print server''', or '''printer server''', is a [[computer]] or [[device]] that is connected to one or more [[Computer printer|printers]] and to a [[Computer network|network]]. It accepts [[print job]]s from [[client|client computer]]s, then prints the jobs on the requested printer. '''The term can refer to:''' # A [[computer]] running any of the printing [[server]]s [[software]]; implementing any of the '''network printing protocols'''. # A [[embedded system|dedicated]] [[device]] that connects one or more printers to a [[local area network]] (LAN). It typically has a single LAN connector, such as an [[RJ-45]] socket or a [[wireless]] connection,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://networkbits.net/wireless-printing/features-to-look-for-in-a-wireless-network-print-server/ |title=Features of a Wireless Network Print server |publisher=NetworkBits.net |accessdate=2007-12-14 |archive-date=2007-12-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217075226/http://networkbits.net/wireless-printing/features-to-look-for-in-a-wireless-network-print-server/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>and one or more physical ports (e.g. [[Serial port|serial]], [[Parallel port|parallel]] or [[USB|Universal Serial Bus (USB)]] ) to provide connections to printers. Such dedicated device converts '''network printing protocols''' from what was sent by [[client]] [[computer]]s to what the printers can understand. ==Notes== *The term '''print server''' usually refers to (1) above, while '''print server device''' or '''print server appliance''' usually refers to (2). *Some [[Computer printer|printers]] have built-in print server's capabilities and can connect direct to the [[Computer network|network]]. == References == {{reflist}} [[Category:Servers]] [[Category:Computer networking]]