Knowledge Base

NOTE: This article is intended for resellers and system integrators interested in using alternative network card readers with the PaperCut Fast Release solution.'

Fast Release is a cost-effective print release (pull printing and follow-me) solution that leverages commodity off-the-shelf card readers available from multiple manufacturers. The Fast Release card readers are connected to the network (not the printer) allowing them to be used with any printer on the market. It's an ideal solution for any printers that do not support embedded applications.

See the secure print release and find-me printing page for more information.

PaperCut MF currently has official support for the following network card readers:

• Elatec TWN3 with the TCP Converter
• RFIdeas Ethernet card readers

When using these readers, PaperCut we can provide additional functionality to provide feedback to the user (e.g. successful/failed login). For example beeping or changing/flashing the LEDs.

In the future these readers may support additional functionality like displaying a text status to the user. These features can be added as the hardware supports it.

PaperCut can also work with any generic network carder to provide basic Fast Release functionality, if the reader supports the basic protocol described below it can work with PaperCut today.

General Protocol Overview

1. PaperCut the server establishes a TCP connection to the network card reader on the configured port.
2. The PaperCut server does some basic probing of the card reader to try to detect the card reader type. If an Elatec or RDIdeas reader detected we can use a more complex protocol to control beeps and LEDs.
3. Then PaperCut waits for the card number to be sent over the TCP connection. The card number should be sent followed by a new line character.
4. After the card number is read by PaperCut it authenticates the user and then goes back to step 3 to read the next card number.

If you have any questions, please contact PaperCut support.

Categories: APIs

keywords: fast release, network reader, protocol, connection, integration

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