Host-based printers

In order to reduce manufacturing costs, host-based printers using new printing technologies have been introduced on the market. The following printing methods are not supported by Axis print servers:

• CAPT (Canon Advanced Printing Technology) *

• GDI (Graphic Display Interface used by HP, Lexmark and many others)

• PPA (Printing Performance Architecture used by HP)

In these printers, the complicated data processing has been moved from the printer into the PC client (host) and the software driver. This way printers can be built using cheap processors and reduced memory.

The drawback is that it is not possible to network such printers. A printer needs a steady flow of data, which is easily accomplished when it is connected directly to a PC, but cannot be guaranteed when the printer is connected via a LAN. Also, these technologies require intensive handshaking between the driver and the printer. However, the communication will time-out often enough over the LAN to make the solution impractical.

* CAPT is supported by the AXIS 1650 Network Print Server.