Since server-based printing has gotten easier to manage in recent years, it is now widely used in small businesses and home offices. Previously, it was only used by companies with in-house technical staff. Compared to the conventional “one PC, one printer” setup, it offers a number of benefits, including cost savings, enhanced printing capabilities, and simple access for PCs and mobile devices.
Description
PCs share one or more printers using a common Wi-Fi or Ethernet data network when printing from a server. Printer software bundles the request as a separate job and sends it to the printer when you print a document on your PC. There is no chance that the printer will “mix up” pages from your job with those from jobs coming from other computers because each print job is a separate entity. Jobs enter a holding queue to wait their turn if the printer is busy. In contrast, non-networked printing requires that each computer be connected to its own printer via a Universal Serial Bus or comparable cable.
Speed and Quality
A small workplace can buy a single, speedier model with better print quality instead of giving each PC user their own printer. Except for the sporadic wait for another user’s report to finish, networked printing is not slower than local printing. Faster turnaround and better-looking outcomes are advantageous to everyone.
Space Savings
Compared to having a printer for every PC, a small number of networked printers free up a significant amount of desk space. Additionally, networking, particularly Wi-Fi, gives you the freedom to choose where to find shared printers. You could, for instance, put printers in a different room if noise is a problem.
Printer Selection
Several printers, each suited for a different task, can be connected in a server-based printing setup. For instance, a high-output black-and-white laser printer might be able to handle the majority of your printing requirements, and you could use a second colour model for marketing or to complete quick jobs when the primary printer is busy.
Access
Modern Wi-Fi networked printers easily support mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers in addition to conventional PCs. When a portable device enters range of a printer or Wi-Fi router, the Wi-Fi protocol instantly connects it, and when it leaves range, it automatically disconnects.
Management
Although most contemporary network-capable printers come with built-in servers, you can also manage your printers using Microsoft Windows Server or other similar software. These solutions, geared toward medium- to large-sized businesses, make it easier to maintain and support printer drivers, monitor printer status, and configure printer access permissions for PC users.
