Sharing Printers via CUPS - Revision history

Rpeters: /* CUPS 1.6 and later */

2016-01-27T04:28:21Z

CUPS 1.6 and later

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:28, 27 January 2016
Line 55:		Line 55:
	**firewall on router should '''not''' be altered		**firewall on router should '''not''' be altered
	*activate cups-browsed service via system services (systemd) on both ends		*activate cups-browsed service via system services (systemd) on both ends
	**in many installations this suffices to get printing working via network		**in many installations this suffices to get printing working via network, because the following two items are already activated
	*set CUPS on server to share printers		*set CUPS on server to share printers
	*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others		*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others

Rpeters at 04:22, 27 January 2016

2016-01-27T04:22:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:22, 27 January 2016
Line 58:		Line 58:
	*set CUPS on server to share printers		*set CUPS on server to share printers
	*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others		*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others
			==== In Detail ====

	From the server computer, use "Control Panel" to set the following, if available (exact menus and terminology will vary):		From the server computer, use "Control Panel" to set the following, if available (exact menus and terminology will vary):
	*firewall on server must have port 631 open		*firewall on server must have port 631 open

Rpeters at 04:21, 27 January 2016

2016-01-27T04:21:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:21, 27 January 2016
Line 16:		Line 16:
	== For General Users ==		== For General Users ==
	=== Definitions ===		=== Definitions ===
	Those acquainted with client/server model can skip to sub-item "CUPS ~~Versioning~~ Issues"		Those acquainted with client/server model can skip to sub-item "CUPS Inter-Version Issues"
	*"client computer" means the computer/device from which the print job will be generated		*"client computer" means the computer/device from which the print job will be generated
	*it must have CUPS client installed, which is the default condition for Max OSX and Linux		*it must have CUPS client installed, which is the default condition for Max OSX and Linux
Line 28:		Line 28:
	*for USB/parallel attached printers, the computer to which the printer is attached		*for USB/parallel attached printers, the computer to which the printer is attached
	**it must have CUPS server installed, which is the default condition for Max OSX and Linux		**it must have CUPS server installed, which is the default condition for Max OSX and Linux
	**the relevant printer must appear in its "Printers" list, ~~and~~ be working		**the relevant printer must appear in its "Printers" list, anAs a general rule, the print server should have a version not earlier than the clientd be working
	**the computet must be posered on, to enable printing, although logon won't usually be required .		**the computet must be posered on, to enable printing, although logon won't usually be required .
	=== Prerequisites ===		=== Prerequisites ===
	This guide assumes that CUPS is installed and generally functioning on both computers. The screen shots are from CUPS version 1.4.x/1.5.x. Versions 1.6 et seq have similar menus, but fewer options, with some changes having to be effected via computer's Control Panel instead.		This guide assumes that CUPS is installed and generally functioning on both computers. The screen shots are from CUPS version 1.4.x/1.5.x. Versions 1.6 et seq have similar menus, but fewer options, with some changes having to be effected via computer's Control Panel instead.
	=== CUPS ~~Versioning~~ Issues ===		=== CUPS Inter-Version Issues ===
	Firstly it is essential to ascertain which release of CUPS is in use, because versions 1.6 and later are largely incompatible with earlier releases. If uncertain, then on '''each''' machine involved in the network printing browse to:		Firstly it is essential to ascertain which release of CUPS is in use, because versions 1.6 and later are largely incompatible with earlier releases. If uncertain, then on '''each''' machine involved in the network printing browse to:
	https://localhost:631/admin		https://localhost:631/admin

Rpeters: /* CUPS 1.6 and later */

2016-01-27T04:17:03Z

CUPS 1.6 and later

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:17, 27 January 2016
Line 59:		Line 59:
	*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others		*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others


	From the server computer, use "Control Panel" to set the following, if available (exact menus and terminology will vary):		From the server computer, use "Control Panel" to set the following, if available (exact menus and terminology will vary):
	*firewall on server must have port 631 open		*firewall on server must have port 631 open

Rpeters: /* CUPS Versioning Issues */

2016-01-27T04:15:47Z

CUPS Versioning Issues

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:15, 27 January 2016
Line 42:		Line 42:
	**as CUPS <= 1.5.4 is now used mainly in older OS, there is a case for upgrading the OS on such machines to a current release.		**as CUPS <= 1.5.4 is now used mainly in older OS, there is a case for upgrading the OS on such machines to a current release.
	***it is not feasible for General Users to upgrade the version of CUPS '''without''' upgrading the whole OS		***it is not feasible for General Users to upgrade the version of CUPS '''without''' upgrading the whole OS
	*CUPS 1.6 and later		*CUPS 1.6 and later offer better long term solution
			**currently no interoperability issues between various releases
	*Devices sold by Apple Inc can deploy proprietary extensions to CUPS. Consequently, some features may not work as expected, if the print job is sent to a printer that is controlled by another version of CUPS		*Devices sold by Apple Inc can deploy proprietary extensions to CUPS. Consequently, some features may not work as expected, if the print job is sent to a printer that is controlled by another version of CUPS

	As a general rule, the print server should have a version not earlier than the client

	=== CUPS mixed networks <= 1.5.4 plus 1.6 et seq ===		=== CUPS mixed networks <= 1.5.4 plus 1.6 et seq ===

Rpeters: /* Android & iOS */

2016-01-27T04:09:19Z

Android & iOS

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:09, 27 January 2016
Line 10:		Line 10:
	== Applicability ==		== Applicability ==
	=== Android & iOS ===		=== Android & iOS ===
	Typically these require an App to be downloaded from the relevant Store and connect with WiFi enabled printers.		Typically these require an App, specific to the printer, to be downloaded from the relevant Store and connect with WiFi enabled printers.

	=== Linux & OSX ===		=== Linux & OSX ===
	Both use CUPS and can be configured as below.		Both use CUPS and can be configured as below.

Rpeters: substantial re-write, oriented to CUPS 1.6 and later

2016-01-27T04:08:26Z

substantial re-write, oriented to CUPS 1.6 and later

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:08, 27 January 2016
Line 1:		Line 1:
	== Overview ==

	An overview of the techniques that are feasible for Windows and guides to implmenting those is available from:


	== Overview ==		== Overview ==
	CUPS is not applicable to Windows. Windows users see [[Printing via Network]]		CUPS is not applicable to Windows. Windows users see [[Printing via Network]]

Rpeters at 04:06, 27 January 2016

2016-01-27T04:06:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:06, 27 January 2016
Line 177:		Line 177:

	The above troubleshooting tips apply		The above troubleshooting tips apply
	Sample screen images displayed in the following sections are similar for CUPS 1.4 and later.

	=== Configuration ===

	CUPS is configured via a web browser. Its URL on the local computer is:

	http://localhost:631

	Windows might not implement the short-cut "localhost". If not, then substitute the real IP address of the PC. Execute "IPCONFIG" from a Windows command line to find this address.

	From the server computer, in the CUPS "administration" tab, ensure that "Share printers connected to this system" is checked:


	[[Image:Cups_admin_home.png]]


	then click "Change Settings" button to save any changes, if necessary

	Then click on the "Manage Printers" button in the same tab, select the relevant printer and pull down the "Administration" menu

	#select "modify printer" then click the "continue" button to proceed to its second screen


	[[Image:Cups_printer_network.png]]


	[[Image:Cups_printer_configuration2.png]]


	#ensure that "share this printer" is checked
	#it will be helpful to make the "Location" the name of the computer controlling this printer
	#click "continue" until the process completes

	From the client computer, in the CUPS "administration" tab, ensure that "Show printers shared by other systems" is checked


	[[Image:Cups_admin_home.png]]


	then click "Change Settings" button to save any changes, if necessary

	=== Quicktest ===

	Both computers must be connecting to the local LAN via wired or wireless interface. A quick test is to start a web browser and check that the Internet is accessible. Provided that network access is working:

	#Start a text editor (kate, leafpad etc)
	#*if the application is already running then it may need to be shutdown and restarted to recognize newly available printers
	#Open a new document and type a few words
	#From the file menu, select "Print"
	#Select the relevant printer from the drop-down dialog
	#*which should list all shared printers on the LAN
	#click on the properties/settings button
	#ensure that the key settings are suitable eg A4 paper size, portrait orientation
	#click OK/print

	=== Preliminary Troubleshooting ===

	''1. No printers listed in the print dialog''

	This problem frequently is the result of a firewall running on one or both computers. Network printing can work only if either:

	*firewalls on each computer allow port 631 through or
	*Ethernet zones are set as "trusted/internal" in the firewalls on each computer

	Only printers powered up will appear in the list

	*confirm that the relevant printer is powered on
	*if it is attached to another PC via parallel or USB cable then that PC must also be powered on
	**(it is not necessary to log in to the sharing PC)

	''2. Print Job accepted but no output on Printer''

	This can be a result of many possible causes. Some simple checks:

	#is CUPS known to be installed and working on the computer from which the text was created ?.
	#Can it print to some printer at its home base ?
	#does a similar print job created on the server computer give output on the printer ?

	''3. Print Job rejected by Server''
	*possible permissions issue - check that:
	**printer is set as "share this printer" on the server
	***follow "modify this printer" dialog
	*possibly incompatible CUPS verions
	**as a general rule, the print server should have a version not earlier than the client
	**version 1.5 clients produce jobs as PDF files, that are likely to be rejected by 1.3/1.4 servers, which expect PostScript files
	**preferably upgrade the complete CUPS system on the server to version 1.5
	***a new version of the driver for '''each''' printer is required at the server end, to support PDF print jobs
	***if a binary driver, from the manufacturer, was previously used, check whether a driver is now included in CUPS or, failing that, whether an updated driver can be obtained from the manufacturer
	**following the upgrade, follow the "modify this printer" dialog for '''each''' printer and select the most recent PPD file.

	If all else fails, then the CUPS Administration page has a button "View Error Log". Text towards the end of that file may give some clues.

	== Getting Techhnical ==		== Getting Techhnical ==

Rpeters at 04:05, 27 January 2016

2016-01-27T04:05:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:05, 27 January 2016
Line 55:		Line 55:
	http://doc.opensuse.org/release-notes/x86_64/openSUSE/Leap/42.1/		http://doc.opensuse.org/release-notes/x86_64/openSUSE/Leap/42.1/

			=== CUPS 1.6 and later ===
			Later releases of CUPS impose greater network security. Default settings vary with system. Several settings might need to be changed to print via network - in summary:
			*amend firewall settings, on both ends, if necessary
			**firewall on router should '''not''' be altered
			*activate cups-browsed service via system services (systemd) on both ends
			**in many installations this suffices to get printing working via network
			*set CUPS on server to share printers
			*set CUPS on client to use printers shared by others


			From the server computer, use "Control Panel" to set the following, if available (exact menus and terminology will vary):
			*firewall on server must have port 631 open
			*modify "system services" (exact terminology will vary)
			**enable '''and''' activate "cups-browsed"

			From the server computer, use any browser to https://localhost:631/admin

			and activate radio buttons to:
			*Share printers connected to this system
			**using protocols DNSSD & CUPS
			*restrict sharing to "Local Network"
			**could also be set as IP address eg 192.168.0.0/24
			*Allow remote administration

			It is inadvisable to enable
			Allow printing from the Internetprint via network


			[[Image:Cups_admin_home.png]]


			then click "Change Settings" button to save any changes, if necessary

			Then click on the "Manage Printers" button in the same tab, select the relevant printer and pull down the "Administration" menu

			#select "modify printer" then click the "continue" button to proceed to its second screen


			[[Image:Cups_printer_network.png]]


			[[Image:Cups_printer_configuration2.png]]
			22

			#ensure that "share this printer" is checked
			#it will be helpful to make the "Location" the name of the computer controlling this printer
			#click "continue" until the process completes


			From the client computer, in the CUPS "administration" tab, ensure that "Show printers shared by other systems" 2is checked


			[[Image:Cups_admin_home.png]]


			then click "Change Settings" button to save any changes, if necessary

			==== Quicktest ====

			Both computers must be connecting to the local LAN via wired or wireless interface. A quick test is to start a web browser and check that the Internet is accessible. Provided that network access is working:

			#Start a text editor (kate, leafpad etc)
			#*if the application is already running then it may need to be shutdown and restarted to recognize newly available printers
			#Open a new document and type a few words
			#From the file menu, select "Print"
			#Select the relevant printer from the drop-down dialog
			#*which should list all shared printers on the LAN
			#click on the properties/settings button
			#ensure that the key settings are suitable eg A4 paper size, portrait orientation
			#click OK/print

			==== Preliminary Troubleshooting ====

			''1. No printers listed in the print dialog''

			This problem frequently is the result of a firewall running on one or both computers. Network printing can work only if either:

			*firewalls on each computer allow port 631 through or
			*Ethernet zones are set as "trusted/internal" in the firewalls on each computer

			Only printers powered up will appear in the list

			*confirm that the relevant printer is powered on
			*if it is attached to another PC via parallel or USB cable then that PC must also be powered on
			**(it is not necessary to log in to the sharing PC)

			''2. Print Job accepted but no output on Printer''

			This can be a result of many possible causes. Some simple checks:

			#is CUPS known to be installed and working on the computer from which the text was created ?.
			#Can it print to some printer at its home base ?
			#does a similar print job created on the server computer give output on the printer ?

			''3. Print Job rejected by Server''
			*possible permissions issue - check thehat:
			**printer is set as "share this printer" on the server
			***follow "modify this printer" dialog
			*possibly incompatible CUPS verions
			**most suitable arrangement is for all machines using CUPS #< 1.6
			***achievable only by upgrading the complete OS
			***a new version of the driver for '''each''' printer is required at the server end, to support PDF print jobs
			***if a binary driver, from the manufacturer, was previously used, check whether a driver is now included in CUPS or, failing that, whether an updated driver can be obtained from the manufacturer
			***following the upgrade, follow the "modify this printer" dialog for '''each''' printer and select the most recent PPD file.
			**on older installations, it might be necessary to keep all machines at CUPS version #< 1.5.4

			If all else fails, then the CUPS Administration page has a button "View Error Log". Text towards the end of that file may give some clues.

			=== CUPS <= 1.5.4 ===
			With this version, a (different) CUPS browsing module is usually enabled by default. Simpler configuration changes usually suffice.

			At the server end, browse to
			https://localhost:631/admin
			and activate radio buttons to:
			*Share printers connected to this system

			At the workstation/client end, browse to
			https://localhost:631/admin
			and activate radio buttons to:
			*Use printers shared by others

			The above troubleshooting tips apply
	Sample screen images displayed in the following sections are similar for CUPS 1.4 and later.		Sample screen images displayed in the following sections are similar for CUPS 1.4 and later.

Rpeters at 04:03, 27 January 2016

2016-01-27T04:03:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:03, 27 January 2016
Line 18:		Line 18:
	=== Linux & OSX ===		=== Linux & OSX ===
	Both use CUPS and can be configured as below.		Both use CUPS and can be configured as below.
			== For General Users ==

	==== Definitions ====		=== Definitions ===
	Those acquainted with client/server model can skip to sub-item "CUPS Versioning Issues"		Those acquainted with client/server model can skip to sub-item "CUPS Versioning Issues"
	*"client computer" means the computer/device from which the print job will be generated		*"client computer" means the computer/device from which the print job will be generated
Line 37:		Line 37:
	This guide assumes that CUPS is installed and generally functioning on both computers. The screen shots are from CUPS version 1.4.x/1.5.x. Versions 1.6 et seq have similar menus, but fewer options, with some changes having to be effected via computer's Control Panel instead.		This guide assumes that CUPS is installed and generally functioning on both computers. The screen shots are from CUPS version 1.4.x/1.5.x. Versions 1.6 et seq have similar menus, but fewer options, with some changes having to be effected via computer's Control Panel instead.
	=== CUPS Versioning Issues ===		=== CUPS Versioning Issues ===
			Firstly it is essential to ascertain which release of CUPS is in use, because versions 1.6 and later are largely incompatible with earlier releases. If uncertain, then on '''each''' machine involved in the network printing browse to:
			https://localhost:631/admin
		⚫	[[Image:Cups_printers_listing.png]]

			the release number should be displayed in the title bar
⚫	Devices sold by Apple Inc can deploy proprietary extensions to CUPS. Consequently, some features may not work as expected, if the print job is sent to a printer that is controlled by another version of CUPS
			*CUPS <= 1.5.4 uses substantially different process from 1.6 and later
			**printing between machines mixing these versions is complicated. see below for guidelines, if unavoidable
			**as CUPS <= 1.5.4 is now used mainly in older OS, there is a case for upgrading the OS on such machines to a current release.
			***it is not feasible for General Users to upgrade the version of CUPS '''without''' upgrading the whole OS
			*CUPS 1.6 and later
		⚫	*Devices sold by Apple Inc can deploy proprietary extensions to CUPS. Consequently, some features may not work as expected, if the print job is sent to a printer that is controlled by another version of CUPS

	As a general rule, the print server should have a version not earlier than the client		As a general rule, the print server should have a version not earlier than the client
	Version 1.5 of CUPS is likely to produce a print job as a PDF file, whereas version 1.3 & 1.4 servers accept only PostScript files
	*check in the Home tab of CUPS for version number

			=== CUPS mixed networks <= 1.5.4 plus 1.6 et seq ===
⚫	[[Image:Cups_printers_listing.png]]
			Network printing in this environment is complex. For a guide to procedures see:
			http://doc.opensuse.org/release-notes/x86_64/openSUSE/Leap/42.1/

			Sample screen images displayed in the following sections are similar for CUPS 1.4 and later.

	=== Configuration ===		=== Configuration ===