JetDirect

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HP Jetdirect is the name of a technology sold by Hewlett-Packard that allows computer printers to be directly attached to a local area network. [1] The "Jetdirect" designation covers a range of models from the external 1 and 3 port parallel print servers known as the 300x and 500x, to the internal EIO print servers for use with HP printers. The Jetdirect series also includes wireless print server (Bluetooth, 802.11b and g) models, as well as gigabit Ethernet and IPv6-compliant internal cards.

Contents

History

Jetdirect 600n card HP jetdirect 600n.jpg
Jetdirect 600n card

HP Jetdirect was first introduced in March 1991 (code named QuickSilver) with the LaserJet IIIsi network printer (code named Eli). Jetdirect is based on HP's MIO (Modular Input/Output) interface, which was designed from the ground up with the IIIsi to create a mainstream full function high performance networked printer. The initial MIO interface card had Ethernet and Token Ring physical layer variants and used various networking protocols over an AUI/BNC connection. Initially, a printer needed a separate card for each protocol, such as TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, or DLC/LLC. The following year, the team applied the technology to the legacy accessory slot on the LaserJetIIs and IIIs XIO (Extended Input/Output). MIO type Jetdirect cards were also used for network connectivity on some HP/Agilent laboratory equipment, such as the 6890A and 6890 Plus series of gas chromatographs. These included unusual network connection types such as HPs I-Net, which was used as an interconnect between various pieces of hardware that controlled the 58xx and 68xx series gas chromatographs. Not until 1994 would MIO interface cards be released that could support more than one protocol per card.

Hewlett-Packard JetDirect 170X-0491.jpg
Hewlett-Packard JetDirect 170X-0492.jpg
External print server JetDirect 170X with LAN and parallel printer ports

The next development releases added connection interfaces. In 1992, a card with both 8P8C modular telephone and BNC connectors for Ethernet was released, and in 1993, the first external Jetdirects were introduced with a parallel interface. This enabled Jetdirect cards to connect to almost any printer, making that printer network-capable. In 1995, the Ex plus 3 was released, with 3 parallel ports on one network interface, allowing 3 printers to share 1 network address.

1997 saw the new numbering format for both internal and external Jetdirect servers. Internals began the 6xx series with the release of the 600n, multiprotocol card that supported TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, DLC/LLC, and AppleTalk over a Token Ring network; along with the 1760x series external print server - also multiprotocol. An Ethernet version of the 600n was released in 1998. In 1999, the Jetdirect autoswitch was introduced.

1998 also saw the release of 170x, the first value-line print server aimed at smaller companies that did not necessarily need full networking - only TCP/IP or IPX/SPX support. This was followed in 2000 by the Jetdirect 70x home print server.

Protocols

More advanced versions of JetDirect supported a number of network printing protocols. However, the protocol that ended up being associated with it, the JetDirect protocol, [2] is its raw TCP/IP protocol sometimes referred to as Socket API or RAW. It is an extremely simple network printing protocol. [3] Submitting a print job can be done by netcating a file containing the page description language (e.g. PostScript, PCL) to the appropriate TCP port on the printer (default port is 9100). Information about the printer and job is simply sent to the client while the TCP connection is active. The port would reject connections if the printer is busy. [3]

AppSocket is a very similar implementation by Tektronix for Phaser printers, later sold to Xerox. [4] This protocol adds support for querying for printer status by non-printing users via a separate UDP port. [5]

Most JetDirect devices also came with, JetDirect Interface, a telnet interface for configuring the device or printer. [6]

External print servers

Model numberPrinter portsNetwork portsNetwork protocolsFirmwareNotes
EXOne Parallel10BASE2 and 10BASE-T (Ethernet) or DE-9 (Token Ring)TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and DLC/LLCFlash EEPROMBOOTP Client, 4 Models were available: J2382A, J2382B (both Ethernet) and J2383A, J2383B (both Token Ring)
EX PlusOne Parallel10BASE2 and 10BASE-TTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and DLC/LLCFlash EEPROMBOOTP & DHCP Client
EX Plus3Three Parallel10BASE2 and 10BASE-TTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLCFlash EEPROMDHCP Client (not BOOTP)
170xOne Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)One RJ45 10BASE-T EthernetTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and DLC/LLCNon-upgradeableDiscontinued
175xOne USB 1.0One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, AppleTalk, LPD (Windows and Mac OS only)Non-upgradeableDiscontinued in favor of the en1700
300xOne Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLC, IPP, FTP2 MBFour models have been made available: J3263A, the base model; J4101A, an OfficeConnect model designed to mimic the style of 3Com OfficeConnect equipment so that stacking it on top of such equipment is aesthetically pleasing; J4101B, an updated version of J4101A; and J3263G, a RoHS-compliant version of J3263A. All except the J3263G have been discontinued, but all still get firmware updates.
310xOne USB 1.0One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLC2 MBDiscontinued in favor of the en3700
en1700One USB 2.0One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, AppleTalk2 MBLimited Firmware flashable for USB connectivity to certain HP printers
en3700One USB 2.0One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLC4 MBDiscontinued in favor of ew2500
500xThree Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet, one BNC (10BASE2)TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLC2 MBDiscontinued in favor of the 510x
510xThree Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX EthernetTCP/IP, IPX/SPX, AppleTalk, and DLC/LLC2 MBSame product as the 500x, except no BNC connector and RoHS compliant, discontinued
wp110One Parallel (IEEE 1284.4)One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet, Wireless 802.11bTCP/IP, AppleTalk, IP Direct mode, telnet, SLP, IGMP, BOOTP/DHCP, WINS, SNMP, HTTP, Auto-IP, and Apple Rendezvous2 MBDiscontinued
380xOne USB 1.0Wireless 802.11bTCP/IP (IP Direct Mode, LPD, FTP, IPP), IPX/SPX, DLC/LLC, and AppleTalk. Also NDS, NetWare Bindery, NCP, telnet, SLP, IGMP, BOOTP/DHCP, WINS, SNMP v1 and v2c, and HTTP4 MBDiscontinued in favor of ew2400
ew2400One USB 2.0One RJ45 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet, Wireless 802.11b/gTCP/IP, IPX/SPX Direct mode, AppleTalk, IP Direct mode, LPD printing, telnet, SLP, IGMP, BOOTP/DHCP, WINS, SNMP, HTTP, Auto-IP, and Apple Rendezvous 4 MBDiscontinued in favor of ew2500
ew2500One USB 2.0One 10/100BASE-TX Ethernet, Wireless 802.11b/gTCP/IPv4, TCP/IPv6, AppleTalk, IP Direct Mode, LPR/LPD printing, FTP, IPP, IPX/SPX, DLC/LLC, Novell NetWare NDS, NetWare Bindery, Novell iPrint8 MB

Internal print servers

MIO

MIO (Modular Input/Output) was the first technology developed by HP for its laser printers to enable the addition of peripheral cards such as Jetdirect.

Model numberNetwork portsReleasedNotes
C2059A Ethernet Attachment Unit Interface (AUI), 10BASE2 October 1, 1991 IPX/SPX only, discontinued
C2059BEthernet AUI, 10BASE2October 1, 1991DLC/LLC only, discontinued
C2059C Token Ring DE-9 connector October 1, 1991IPX/SPX only, discontinued
C2059DToken Ring DE-9 connectorOctober 1, 1991DLC/LLC only, discontinued
C2059EEthernet AUI, 10BASE2October 1, 1991 EtherTalk only, discontinued
C2059TEthernet AUI, 10BASE2October 1, 1991 TCP/IP only, discontinued
J2337A 10BASE-T, 10BASE2November 1, 1992IPX/SPX only, Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2338A10BASE-T, 10BASE2November 1, 1992DLC/LLC only, Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2339A10BASE-T, 10BASE2November 1, 1992EtherTalk only, Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2340A10BASE-T, 10BASE2November 1, 1992TCP/IP only, Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2371A10BASE-TApril 1, 1993Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2372A10BASE-T, 10BASE2, LocalTalk April 1, 1993Can be upgraded with J2546B SIMM, discontinued
J2373AToken Ring DE-9 connectorApril 1, 1993Can be upgraded with J2549B SIMM, discontinued
J2550A/B10BASE-TMay 1994, November 1, 1996"A" version can be upgraded to "B" version with a firmware update, discontinued
HP jetdirect j2550.jpg
J2552A/B10BASE-T, 10BASE2, and LocalTalkMay 1994, November 1, 1996"A" version can be upgraded to "B" version with a firmware update, discontinued
J2555A/B Token Ring DE-9 connector, RJ45November 1, 1996"A" version can be upgraded to "B" version with a firmware update, discontinued
Jetdirect-J2555B.jpg
J2556B10/100BASE-TXJune 1, 1997Flash upgradeable, discontinued
J4100A10/100BASE-TX, 10BASE2February 1, 2000Also known as the HP Jetdirect 400n Print Server for Fast Ethernet, flash upgradeable, discontinued but not considered a legacy part in regards to firmware development
J4105AToken RingFebruary 1, 2000Also known as the HP Jetdirect 400n Print Server for Token Ring, flash upgradeable, discontinued but not considered a legacy part in regards to firmware development
J4106A10BASE-TFebruary 1, 2000Also known as the HP Jetdirect 400n Print Server for Ethernet, flash upgradeable, discontinued but not considered a legacy part in regards to firmware development

LIO

LIO (Low-end I/O) interfaces were developed by HP as a corporate response to the strictly internal MIO and EIO development path. The LIO interface differs from MIO/EIO in that the card is wrapped in an external plastic casing and is hot-swappable. The LIO backplane technology is based on a low power/low-voltage (< 1-volt) differential signaling technology.

EIO

Jetdirect 610n card HP jetdirect 610n.jpg
Jetdirect 610n card

EIO (Enhanced Input/Output) is a modular interface developed by HP for its printers to expand their capabilities. EIO does not just serve Jetdirect cards, but EIO hard drives and the EIO Connectivity card for adding communication ports to the printers as well. EIO utilizes the 3.3V signaling technology of the Conventional PCI bus and is significantly more energy-efficient than MIO technology. EIO print servers will not work in LIO slots, nor will the LIO print servers work in EIO slots.

615n series ASIC issue

In 2002 HP released the 615n series of Internal EIO print server. This model featured a new chipset manufactured in Singapore that had a problem related to either overheating or data overload. Otherwise known as the ASIC issue, this meant the 615n card could fail without warning, and when it failed, would completely shut down, appearing to vanish from the printer entirely.

Soon afterwards, HP began to do a per-item replacement policy that has ended as of October 31, 2008, when all known 615n cards were at least 4 years old and at such time HP felt it had taken appropriate corporate responsibility for a defect in manufacturing.

The 615n cards most often affected were the units installed in the Laserjet 2300, 4200 and Color 4600 series. Those cards appear to be most prone to failure.

Any 615n series card can fail, but it is up to HP to determine if the failure is due to the chipset or some other factor. HP recommended to call them or contact them through the Web site and they will proceed to do some simple troubleshooting steps to determine if the failure is due to the chipset or some other cause. [11] If it is proven to be the chipset, HP would be able to replace the card under warranty with an as-new card (nominally a 620n).

Other Jetdirect products

bt1300

The BT1300 is a Bluetooth compliant network adapter for network-ready parallel or USB printers. (Discontinued)

The Print Server Appliance 4250 is perhaps the most ambitious of the Jetdirect products - being a complete printing facility in a box. The system comes ready to go with a pre-loaded and configured Print Server running on a Linux core with an Apache Web Server. Once connected to the network, the device is able to manage up to 50 print shares with any supported network-ready printer, not just HP products. (Discontinued)

EIO connectivity card

The Jetdirect EIO connectivity card allows for the expansion of any EIO printer to gain a USB 1.0, Serial, and Localtalk interface. This card has all three interface connectors and on-board electronics to give the printer the ability to use these interfaces. (Discontinued)

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References

  1. ↑ Craig Hunt (2002), TCP/IP network administration, p. 255, ISBN   978-0-596-00297-8
  2. ↑ "Using Network Printers". cups.org. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
  3. 1 2 Powell, Patrick A (26 Nov 2010). "Socket API". LPRng Reference Manual. 3.8.35. Retrieved 7 December 2019. The Socket API is a very flexible job transfer protocol. It is widely support by most Print Server manufacturers, with the Hewlett Packard JetDirect setting the de facto standard. The Socket API is extremely simple.
  4. ↑ "Printing to a Xerox Multifunction Device Using Port 9100" (PDF). Xerox Multifunction Devices - Customer Tips. September 26, 2003. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  5. ↑ Powell, Patrick A (26 Nov 2010). "AppSocket TCP/IP Protocol". LPRng Reference Manual. Retrieved 2017-09-06.
  6. ↑ Powell, Patrick A (26 Nov 2010). "HP JetDirect Interface". LPRng Reference Manual. 3.8.35. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
  7. ↑ "HP 1284B Parallel Card" . Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  8. ↑ "HP Jetdirect 640n Print Server" . Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  9. ↑ "HP Jetdirect 690n IPv6/IPSec 802.11g Wireless Print Server - overview and features". Archived from the original on December 28, 2008. Retrieved September 18, 2008.
  10. ↑ "HP Jetdirect 695nw Print Server" . Retrieved February 27, 2016.
  11. ↑ "HP J6057A 615n EIO 10/100 Information". Archived from the original on June 9, 2011. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
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