Choosing the print job delivery method

To create a dependable printing setup, you need the right print delivery method for your environment. You can either set up PaperCut to automatically determine the print delivery method (Auto option), or you can set the method(s) yourself to those that best suit your environment (Custom option).

How print job delivery works

When a computer has PaperCut Pocket or Hive installed, the computer can send print jobs to a printer using one of three methods:

• Raw printing: 9100
• Local Queue Delivery (requires a print queue set up on a computer)
• IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)

They delivery method used depends on how your network is set up and the specific printers you use.

If you need help on what protocols to use in your network, check out our handy guides on common network environments.

Delivery methods explained

Raw Printing:9100

This method does not require a printer driver to be installed on a computer (edge node). However, in the Queues and Drivers page you need to establish a Find-Me queue that uses a manufacturer driver.

Local Queue Delivery

Select this method to add a print queue to a dependable computer (edge node), preferably one with access to the printer.

IPP

This method does not require driver installation.

Using the Auto option

This is the default option.

When you use this option, PaperCut determines what print delivery method should be used based on the printer the user selects when they send their print job.

The Auto option endeavors to use Raw Printing: 9100 where possible. However, if the print job is using the default driver, it won’t be able to use this method.

Next it will look for a print queue (driver), and if available, use that. If there are no print queues, it will use the third method, which is IPP.

To use the Auto option:

1. In the Printers list, click the printer. The printer details page is displayed.
2. Click the Advanced tab, then select the Auto tab.
3. Click Save Changes.

Using the Custom option

You can determine how print jobs are delivered by setting the delivery method(s) yourself:

• Primary delivery method - First method to use when when trying to deliver print jobs.
• Secondary delivery method - The fall back method for if the primary method doesn’t work. This is optional.
• Tertiary delivery method - The fall back method for if the secondary method doesn’t work. This is optional.

To use the Custom option:

1. In the Printers list, click the printer. The printer details page is displayed.
2. Click the Advanced tab, then select the Custom tab. Sections for the primary, secondary, and tertiary delivery methods are displayed.
3. Decide if you want to use the Raw Printing:9100, Local Queue Delivery, or IPP.​​​
4. Complete the fields for the primary method, and optionally, for  the secondary method and tertiary method.
5. Click Save Changes.

Remember to test your setup!