OfficeConnect

JetDirect is the name of a technology sold by Hewlett-Packard that allows computer printers to be directly attached to a Local Area Network. The most common communication uses TCP/IP port 9100. more...

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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 printer and some other branded models. There are also wireless print servers available, including Bluetooth and 802.11b and g models, as well as gigabit ethernet and IPv6-compliant network cards.

History

The JetDirect was first introduced in summer 1991 as an XIO interface card that supported Ethernet and various networking protocols over an AUI/BNC connection. Initially, a separate card was required for each protocol needed, such as TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, Appletalk, or DLC/LLC.

In October 1991, HP introduced the MIO line of jetdirect cards, again, each card supported only one protocol.

The next development release was in 1992 with both RJ-45 and BNC connectors, still one protocol per interface card.

In 1993, the first external JetDirects were introduced with a parallel interface enabling them to connect to virtually any printer that had a parallel connection and make it network capable.

1994 saw a revision of the MIO interface cards that supported more than one protocol per card, with improved firmware flash features.

1995 was the year the Ex plus 3 was released, with 3 parallel ports on one network interface, allowing 3 printers to share 1 network address.

1996 was a revisional year, no new JetDirects were released, just updated versions and general improvements in both internal and external products.

1997 saw the new numbering format for both internal and external JetDirects. Internals began the 6xx series with the release of the 600n, multi-protocol 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 multi-protocol.

1998 saw the Ethernet release of the 600n, along with the 300x, full featured parallel print server - and the 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.

1999 saw the release of the JetDirect autoswitch.

2000 saw the release of the JetDirect 70x home print server

External Print Servers

Parallel

170x

Jetdirect 170x External print server

Supports Ethernet, and full 802.3 compliancy; Has 1 rj-45 ethernet port that is 10 Base-T; Single Parallel port compliant with IEEE 1284.4 specifications; Supports tcp/ip, ipx/spx, DLC/LLC protocols; Firmware non-upgradable;

Read more at Wikipedia.org