HP 2700w USB Print Server Peer-to-peer direct mode printing, Network protocols, Network address

Peer-to-peer (direct mode) printing

On a peer-to-peer network, dedicated network servers are not used. Instead, an HP Jetdirect-connected network printer is installed on each client computer that sends print jobs directly to the printer.

Network protocols

For network computers and printers to communicate on a network, they must use a common language, or network protocol. The HP Jetdirect print server can support different network protocols simultaneously. For a list of supported protocols, see Supported network protocols on page 18.

TCP/IP is the most commonly used protocol in network environments.

Network address

Each device on a network must be identified by a unique network address for the specific network protocol used. On an IP network, network addresses are configured and stored on each HP Jetdirect print server during installation, and are listed on the HP Jetdirect configuration page for the print server.

Hardware address

Each device on a network contains a unique LAN hardware (or station) address that is assigned by the manufacturer of the device. Because HP Jetdirect print servers connect printers to a network, each print server contains a LAN hardware address assigned by Hewlett-Packard.

The address consists of 12 hexadecimal digits (0 through F). The first 6 digits uniquely identify the manufacturer, and the second 6 digits uniquely identify the device.

The LAN hardware address is important because it might be needed to identify the printer during installation. It is listed on the HP Jetdirect configuration page for each print server.

16 Appendix A Glossary ENWW