JetDirect

JetDirect is the name of the printer server adapter series from HP.

JetDirect binds HP printer in a computer network, allowing for sharing a printer from multiple computers / workstations. JetDirects there with the LAN interfaces LocalTalk, Token Ring, Ethernet ( 10BASE2 and 10BASE -T). More modern versions also support Fast Ethernet. The Direct behalf is that the first models were designed as a plug-in card for a dedicated slot in the printer. Nevertheless, the cards had local memory and processor for protocol processing.

Continues to exist a plurality of external servers JetDirect printer. The name was taken over by marketing point of view, although the connection to the printer no longer takes place " directly ". Instead, today, the older USB or parallel interface widely. External JetDirect print servers require a separate power supply, usually through an AC adapter.

Partial support JetDirect Server not only TCP / IP, but also AppleTalk, IPX and other network protocols.

Modern JetDirect interfaces offer many more functions than just a printer server. With appropriate software, the functions of multifunction devices such as scanning and faxing in the LAN are available and support techniques for easy integration into operating systems such as Rendezvous / Zeroconf.

On TCP / IP level JetDirect interfaces can be addressed with a variety of services. Among them, such as HTTP, FTP, SNMP, Telnet, CUPS, etc. JetDirect usually uses the TCP port 9100 as a native ability to send data to the terminal.

Network administrators can query many operating parameters of the JetDirect interfaces via SNMP; For example, the number of pages printed, or the status of the toner -empty notification. In some cases, parameters can be set which are otherwise accessible only via the configuration program HP JetAdmin.