Win2003 printer server question

[Heeter]

Hi Guys,

Can I setup WinServer 2003 as a printer Server using a network printer not directly connected to the Winserver2003 tower?

Thanks in advance,

Heeter

 

[kcnychief]

Hi Guys,

Can I setup WinServer 2003 as a printer Server using a network printer not directly connected to the Winserver2003 tower?

Thanks in advance,

Heeter

Sure, however it might not be the most efficient way to do so.

When you are setting up a print server, the main goal behind that is centralized management of resources, permissions, software updates and more. If you have a printer that has a network interface via RJ-45 port, or an internal/external Jet direct, it basically has all the IP information on the device itself.

Within your proposed setup, what you would want to do is configure the printer network-wise, and then install it on the server. From the server, you would share it appropriately, set permissions etc.

Have you considered hooking it up locally, or is there a reason/benefit for keeping it isolated on the network? Granted, if it is a standalone box and not managed/shared through the server the server itself can be off and you can still print to it. However if the server b0rks or is turned off or rebooted, the printer will be unavailable until the server is healthy again.

Hope that helps, I tend to babble

EDIT: While looking for some more info for you -
(good read here : http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/print/default.mspx)

I think I might be slightly incorrect as it appears most places I found state they have problems with having an IP-based printer tied to the print server. I have done it, and haven't had any problems, but you might be best off hooking into the server directly if you have that option.

 

[Heeter]

It is a network dedicated RJ45 printer. I can't seem to find it using my XPHome machine using the "Add A Printer" wizard.

The XPHome machine shares a Linksys switch with this printer(Brother MFC-620NC).

If I am able to set it up using the the RJ45 port, I won't need to startup a machine so the other workstations/laptop could use it. I am thinking that maybe my Win2003 Server tower might have a better chance of locating it. I just received this printer yesterday.

Heeter

 

[kcnychief]

Have you checked the documentation that came with the printer?

I have had a few like these myself, and if you insert the CD with the printer into a client machine, some will sniff out the IP that is pulled down through DHCP.

Have you tried the bundled software?

 

[Heeter]

I have tried the CD to no avail. I will be trying again later when I get home.

Heeter

 

[kcnychief]

That's kinda odd.....

Was there an option to install locally or over the network? What is the make/model of the printer?

 

[Electronic Punk]

We do that with our printers, sure you oculd create a standard TCP/IP port and at the printer to each machine - if you had the permissions - but this way you have central managment as well as one print queue.