[Quick Tips]: Step-by-Step IPP based Print Server using CUPS

Step-by-Step IPP based Print Server using CUPS 

This tutorial describes how to install a Linux print server with CUPS. It also covers the installation and configuration of printer drivers on the print server as well as the printer setup on a Windows 2000 client.

Contents:
   1. IPP Server Setup
   2. Installation/Configuration of printer drivers
   3. IPP Client Setup

1. IPP Server Setup

Step #1 - Installing CUPS Service

# su root
# yum install cups*

 Step #2 - Configuring CUPS

# vi /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

The default CUPS configuration limits administration to the local machine. To open up access, edit the /etc/cups/cupsd.conf  and comment out the lines reading:

The Below lines restricts web administration access to localhost

Comment lines 842, 843, 844  so it should look like this

      Order deny,allow
      Deny from all
      Allow from 127.0.0.1

To disable password authentication you need to edit the  /etc/cups/cupsd.conf file and comment out the lines reading:

The Below lines restricts the printer access to system users

Comment lines 838, 839 so the user can print without authentication

      AuthType Basic
      AuthClass System

 Step #3 - Restart the CUPS server

# service cups restart

 Step #4 - Run the steps described in "IPP_PrintDrivers_Setup" document

 Step #5 - Restart the CUPS Service

# service cups restart

 Step #6 – If required the CUPS can be managed with

    http://localhost:631        - on local system

    or

    http://192.168.6.210:631    - on remote system   (Replace the IP)

 Note: Here IP: 192.168.6.210 is for the example use your own

Step #6 – Run the steps described in “IPP_Client_Setup” document 

Step #7 - Trouble shooting CUPS

If you find the error message in the log file /var/log/cups/error_log:

    print_job: Unsupported format 'application/octet-stream'!
    Hint: Do you have the raw file printing rules enabled?

Soluation: uncomment the line in the /etc/cups/mime.types file:

        application/octet-stream 

and in the /etc/cups/mime.convs file:

        application/octet-stream        application/vnd.cups-raw

If the CUPS is installed with public IP, port 631 should be enabled on proxy/squid/router level

If the CUPS is installed with a private IP and wants to print from anywhere, we need to configure port forwarding at router end and router should configured with a public ip so that the print service can be used with http://publicIP:631/printers/printername and router will forward packets to localip:631.

2. Installation/Configuration of printer drivers

Print Driver Installation for PostScript Printer on linux.

Printer Model: HP LaserJet 1020
Operating System: CentOS 4.4

Note: Steps 1 to 9 are differs from printer to printer

Step #1

# cd /tmp

 Step #2 - Download print driver for HPLJ1020

# wget -O foo2zjs.tar.gz http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/foo2zjs.tar.gz

Please go through the reference: http://foo2zjs.rkkda.com/ for more information on different type of printers.

Step #3    - De-compress the file

# tar zxf foo2zjs.tar.gz

 Step #4 - Compile it

# cd foo2zjs
# make

 Step #6    - Get the driver info for HP LaserJet 1020

# ./getweb 1020

 Step #7    - Installation of driver

# make install

 Step #8    - Enable it for USB hot plugging feature

# make install-hotplug

 Step #9    - Configure HPLJ1020 drivers to cups

# make cups

 Step #10 - Configuration of printer using Command Line Interface

# lpadmin -p hplj1020 -E -v /dev/usb/lp0 -m /backup/downloads/foo2zjs/PPD/HP-LaserJet_1020.ppd
- Set it as default (if require)
# /usr/sbin/lpadmin -d hplj1020
- Start printer services
# /usr/bin/enable hplj1020
- Accept printing
# /usr/sbin/accept hplj1020

Step #10 - Configuration of printer using GUI Interface (Preffered)

# printconf-gui

 -    The above command displays the GUI Interface.

Or we can choose it from
    (GNOME)-> Applications -> System Settings -> Printing

- Click Button “New”.

-> Click Button “Forward”.

- Name = hplj1020   (choose your own)

- Short description = HP LaserJet 1020 PostScript Printer (choose your own)

Select the printer.

Note: If the printer is just connected, use button “Rescan devices” to list the printer.

Select the Manufacturer and Model of the printer.

Click the Button “Yes”  (for test page).

If the test print is ok  Click button “Yes”.

3. IPP Client Setup

Client OS: Windows XP/2000

Start -> Settings -> Printers and Faxes

Click on “Add a printer”.

Click on “Next”.

Select option “A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer”.

Click on “Next”.

Select third option “Connect to a printer on the Internet or on a home or office network:”
URL: http://192.168.6.210:631/printers/hplj1020
Note: Specify the URL provided by the administrator.

Choose the correct Driver for the printer

For example:   HP LaserJet 1020
Manufacturer: HP
Printer Model: HP LaserJet 1020

Note: If printer model is not found, install the printer drivers first then start from the beginning.

Click on “Ok”.

Select “Yes” (If you want to run this printer as default).

Click on “Next”.

Click on “Finish” to complete the task.

So, you can print your hard copies to the printer which is connected to server somewhere in the world.