By connecting your printers to a Print Server instead of a file server or workstation, you will off load system resources, increase printing performance and allow different network protocols to be used simultaneously. Advantages of a Print Server Printing is a fundamental function of any network. Users want to be able to print quickly and easily. Generally, users are connected to a printer via a networked PC or server. The following diagrams are examples of possible printing environments and the advantages and limitations of each.
Network is connected to the printer via a file server.
Advantage - This environment does not require any additional hardware to connect the printer to the network. There is also additional workload being place on the file server thereby decreasing its performance and speed. Advantage - The printer can be placed anywhere within 100 meters of the hub allowing for more flexibility. And, since the PC is used solely for the purpose of acting as a print server, the network is not bogged down with additional workload. Limitation - There is the added cost of having to purchase and maintain a PC strictly for the purpose of acting as a print server.