Implementing an IPP client and server for Linux

Abstract

■ As a generic software module, IPP software may be embedded in applications, printers, scanners, other rendering devices, and in operating systems. As IPP becomes more widespread, we can expect operating systems vendors to add IPP capabilities to their operating systems. Linux has become increasingly popular as a server operating system of choice because of its open source nature. With Linux’s excellent management and communications infrastructure, having an implementation of the Internet Printing Protocol will allow IS managers to provide a unifying interface for printers. A low-cost PC running Linux, with a parallel printer connected to it, may serve as an IPP server for printers without IPP firmware. It can provide additional functionality otherwise not present in low-cost printers, such as accounting and security. Since Linux scales well, the same software can be used for high-end systems with multiple printers and extended capabilities. Although this article focuses on implementation of IPP on Linux, most of the facts, concepts, and implementation strategies described here are not specific to Linux, but are similar to other Unix-like operating systems, such as FreeBSD or Solaris, and, to a great degree, to Windows NT and Windows 9X. The tools and utilities can also run on Windows NT, Windows 9X, and could be compiled to run on other operating systems such as Mac or OS/2. Guidelines for implementing IPP clients and servers are part of the IPP RFC series mentioned at the end of this article. PP Server The motivation behind the implementation of an IPP server for operating systems such as Linux is driven by a need to do printing from any client to any printer on the Internet or an Intranet. Placing IPP server software on Linux can provide IPP support for printers that don’t directly support IPP—for almost all printers manufactured so far.