A print server is a type of server that connects printers to client computers over a network. It accepts print jobs from the computers and sends the jobs to the appropriate printers, queuing the jobs locally to accommodate the fact that work may arrive more quickly than the printer can actually handle. Print servers can be physical or cloud-based, and they help accommodate print requests that are received faster than can be handled. They can also be used to enforce administration policies, such as color printing quotas, user/department authentication, or watermarking printed documents. Print servers may support a variety of industry-standard or proprietary printing protocols including Internet Printing Protocol, Line Printer Daemon protocol, NetWare, NetBIOS/NetBEUI, or JetDirect.
Print servers operate on a client-server model, where the print server directly connects to network printers to maintain control over print queues. When a user under an authorized client requests to print a file, the print server receives the request, processes request data like file and print specifications, and then sends the request to the appropriate printer. Print servers help minimize chaos from breaking loose and can handle any number of workplace intricacies. They also centralize management of print infrastructure, allowing IT staff to control and manage printing from a centralized administration console.
