[lug] Recommendations for Linux Compatible External Printer Servers

[Ferdinand Schmid]

Ryan,
Have you looked at using a small embedded computer with linux running on it?
Their prices can be fairly low and you have complete power over what you want
to do.  I'll bring one to the CLIQ tomorrow.

Ferdinand

Ryan Kirkpatrick wrote:

>         I wanted to ask the group's advice on the best, Linux compatible,
> external printer servers. These are the variety that plug into an TP
> ethernet network (TCP/IP) and the parallel port of a standard printer,
> essentially making a non-network printer into a network printer.
>
>         In the past I have used Intel's Netport boxes, and while they do
> work with Linux (i.e. they have lpd support), they are not too reliable
> (have to be rebooted at least once a week) and they require a Windows box
> to boot.
>         I have also used HP's 300x series of print servers, which is
> essentially an external jetdirect device and these also work fine with
> Linux (w/lpd support) and do not require any external device to work.
> Additionally they are significantly more reliable, uptimes of 100 days is
> easily possible. Even better, they have an integrated web server for easy
> checking of their status. The major disadvantage to them is their
> excessively high price (~$300+).
>
>         I am looking for a print server that can boot w/o a network
> server, or at the very least could use tftpd of a Linux box, and is
> relatively inexpensive (<$150). Cost is an issue as these are for a small
> local company I am sysadmin for, and we have 5-10 printers that currently
> somewhat supported by the Netports (which have 2 parallel ports), but we
> are re-arrange office space such that no two printers will be near each
> other at all (i.e. one printer => one printer server). So, $300 a printer,
> especially when most are old dot matrix line printers for invoice and
> check printing it a bit out of the question.
>         Additionally, if I was to pay $300 for a print server, I would
> sooner go out and build a low end Linux box (i.e. 486 or such) that I
> would have complete configuration control over than be stuck with HP's
> rather limited jetdirect interface.
>
>         So, anyone know of an inexpensive, standalone, Linux compatible
> print server, or do I go building a bunch of Linux boxes to act as
> such? Thanks!
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> |   "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."                    |
> |                                            --- Philippians 1:21 (KJV)   |
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> |   Ryan Kirkpatrick  |  Boulder, Colorado  |  http://www.rkirkpat.net/   |
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
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--
Ferdinand Schmid
Architectural Energy Corporation
http://www.archenergy.com
(303) 444-4149