AIX Printer Tips: Intel NetportExpress: Print Server Setup with AIX


Contents

About This Document
    Related Documentation
NetportExpress 10/100 and PRO Print Server Setup
Upgrading NetportExpress Firmware from AIX
NetportExpress XL Print Server Setup
NetportExpress(TM) XL Print Server: LPD/LPR Installation

About This Document

NetportExpress print servers come in two basic models.  The Netport Express 10/100 Printer servers come in single-port external and 3-port external and run on 10 or 100 Mbps Ethernet.  The Intel NetportExpress PRO print Server is a 3-port box available for both 10 Mbps Ethernet and Token Ring.  A previous mode the NetportExpress XL has been discontinued, but setup will also be included in this document.

This document applies to all levels of AIX.

Related Documentation

The Intel Web site at http://www.intel.com/network/products/print_servers.htm describes Intel's NetportExpress print servers.

The Intel technical Q&A page for Installation and Configuration is http://www.intel.com/network/questions_answers/print_servers3.htm.
 


NetportExpress 10/100 and PRO Print Server setup

From a software perspective, both of these print servers are identical.  They support networks running IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, TCP/IP and AppleTalk protocols.  From a UNIX and hence an AIX perspective the only one of these that is important is TCP/IP.  The NetportExpress print server supports several ways to print from UNIX clients.  These include:

The steps for installing an AIX print queue to print to the Intel NetPortExpress is as follows:
 
  1. Set the IP address of the NetportExpress server.
  2. Configure the print server.
  3. Set up the AIX queue to print to the NetportExpress.
    1. a remote queue with local formatting to the NetportExpress.
    2. a normal remote queue to the NetportExpress.
    3. a JetDirect queue to the NetportExpress.
  4. Upgrade firmware on the NetportExpress from AIX

Setting up the IP address of the NetportExpress server

The NetportExpress must have an IP address for AIX to be able to print to it.  This can be done using the DHCP, RARP, and BOOTP.  When using RARP or BOOTP, a static address is assigned (the server gets the same address all the time) and this address should be assigned a host name either on the DNS (Domain Name Server) or in the AIX /etc/host file.  Setting up DHCP is beyond the scope of this document.  If you already have an IP address assigned to the print server, then skip to the section on configuring the print server.

Setting the IP address with BOOTP

When setting the IP address with BOOTP, you will need to know the Netport Express print server MAC address which you can get from the test page or from the label on the bottom of the print server device.  Add an entry to the /etc/bootptab as follows:

  netpr1:ht=tr:ha=0002310481BB:ip=9.19.130.129
  netpr1:ht=ether:ha=0042310481BB:ip=9.19.130.132

Setting the IP address with RARP

When setting the IP address with RARP follow these steps:

arp -s ether ip_address network_address temp

where:

ip_address is the IP address you want to assign to the print server or the host name in the /etc/host file.
 
network_address is the NetportExpress print server MAC address from the test page or printed on the label on the bottom of the print server device.  Enter this address in two-digit pairs separated by colons.  Example: 00:90:27:1E:5D:B8.
 

Set the NetporExpress print server address by typing:

ping ip_address
where ip_address is the IP address or host name of the print server in the /etc/host file.

Configuring the print server.

The NetportExpress print server must have an IP address assigned to it before going to this step.  In this step, you will use your web browser such as Netscape Navigator from either AIX or your PC.  Configuration is done through a Web based Netport Manager on the NetportExpress as follows:

  1. In a Web browser Netscape Navigator, version 3.0 or later, or Microsoft IE3.0 or later, type the IP address of the NetportExpress print server in the URL box:
  2. http://134.134.170.176
  3. In Web Netport Manger, click Configure and then click TCP/IP
  4. Fill out the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway IP address, and click Submit
  5. Wait one minute while the print server resets
  6. Click Device Properties
  7. Under Prallel Port 1, Prallel Port2, and/or Serial Port (depending on the port to which your printer is attached), set the Port speed and other port settings.
  8. At the top of the page, enterany identification information you want.
  9. When you have completed the form, click Submit.

Setting up an AIX remote queue to print to the NetportExpress

You will add a remote queue with local formatting when you do not want to change the settings on the printer, or when the data has already been formatted such as when AIX is acting as a print server for a PC.  These instructions assume AIX 4, but similar queues can be setup at AIX 3.  Set up the remote queue as follows:

Setting up an AIX remote queue with local formatting.

A remote queue with local formatting can be used when you want control of the printer trays, pitch size, page orientation, and other factors determined by an AIX virtual printer and the qprt print command including header pages.

To add a remote queue with local formatting follow these steps:

  1. Start smitty with the mkpq fast path.
      smitty mkpq
    
  2. For attachment type choose remote.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                             Add a Print Queue
      Move cursor to desired item and press Enter.  Use arrow keys to scroll.
         #  ATTACHMENT TYPE      DESCRIPTION
            local                Printer Attached to Local Host
            remote               Printer Attached to Remote Host
            ascii                Printer Attached to ASCII Terminal
            hpJetDirect          Network Printer (HP JetDirect)
            file                 File (in /dev directory)
            ibmNetPrinter        IBM Network Printer\
            other                User Defined Backend
      F1=Help                 F2=Refresh              F3=Cancel
      8=Image                F10=Exit                Enter=Do
      /=Find                  n=Find Next
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
    
  3. For type of remote printing choose local formatting.
                               Type of Remote Printing                          
                                                                             
       Move cursor to desired item and press Enter.                         
                                                                           
         Standard processing                                              
         Standard with NFS access to server print queue attributes       
         Local filtering before sending to print server                 
    
    
  4. Choose the manufacturer and printer type

  5. Fill in the new print queue name and remote server characterstics.

    The HOSTNAME of remote server is the host name or ip address that you added to /etc/hosts.

    The Name of QUEUE on remote server is

      LPT1_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 1
      LPT2_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 2
      COM1_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 2
    
    The TYPE of print spooler on remote server is BSD

    At AIX 4.3 set the backend timeout period to 50.

    For example:

                      Add a Remote Print Queue with Local Filtering
    Type or select values in entry fields.
    Press Enter AFTER making all desired changes.
                                                            [Entry Fields]
      Description                                         Lexmark Optra E laser p>
      
    * Name of new PRINT QUEUE to add                     [laser4+B]
      
      Remote server characteristics
    *    HOSTNAME of remote server                       [netport1]
    *    Name of QUEUE on remote server                  [LPT1_PASSTHRU]
         TYPE of print spooler on remote server           BSD  
         Send PASS-THROUGH FLAG to queue                  yes                      +
            on remote server? 
      Backend TIME OUT period (minutes)                  [50]                        #
      Send control file first?                            no                      +
      To turn on debugging, specify output               []                       
          file pathname                                                           
    
  6. Press the enter key to add the print queue.

  7. Change the timeout value for the remote connection.
    This is necessary because the AIX connection will time out if some other server is printing to the NetportExpress while AIX attempts to print. This will cause the queue to go down. To set this value for a remote queue with local formatting, edit the file /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/piorlfb and change the line:
    typeset         piorlfb_rbflags=""              # rembak flags
    to
    typeset         piorlfb_rbflags="-T50"              # rembak flags
    

Setting up an AIX remote queue with no formatting

To add a remote queue with no formatting follow these steps:

  1. Start smitty with the mkpq fast path.
      smitty mkpq
    
  2. For attachment type choose remote.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                             Add a Print Queue
      Move cursor to desired item and press Enter.  Use arrow keys to scroll.
         #  ATTACHMENT TYPE      DESCRIPTION
            local                Printer Attached to Local Host
            remote               Printer Attached to Remote Host
            ascii                Printer Attached to ASCII Terminal
            hpJetDirect          Network Printer (HP JetDirect)
            file                 File (in /dev directory)
            ibmNetPrinter        IBM Network Printer\
            other                User Defined Backend
      F1=Help                 F2=Refresh              F3=Cancel
      8=Image                F10=Exit                Enter=Do
      /=Find                  n=Find Next
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
    
  3. Select Standard processing

  4. Fill in the form with the following information

    The HOSTNAME of remote server is the host name or ip address that you added to /etc/hosts.

    The Name of QUEUE on remote server is

      LPT1_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 1 if the data is preformatted or PostScript
      LPT2_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 2 if the data is preformatted or PostScript
      COM1_PASSTHRU for Parallel Port 2 if the data is preformatted or PostScript
      LPT1_TEXT     for Parallel Port 1 if the data is ASCII text.
      LPT2_TEXT     for Parallel Port 2 if the data is ASCII text.
      COM1_TEXT     for Parallel Port 2 if the data is ASCII text.
    
    The TYPE of print spooler on remote server is BSD

    In AIX 4.3, set the Backend TIME OUT period to 50.

                            Add a Standard Remote Print Queue
    Type or select values in entry fields.
    Press Enter AFTER making all desired changes.
                                                            [Entry Fields]
    * Name of QUEUE to add                               [laser5]
    * HOSTNAME of remote server                          [netprt2]
    * Name of QUEUE on remote server                     [LPT2_TEXT]
      TYPE of print spooler on remote server              BSD 
      Backend TIME OUT period (minutes)                  [50] in AIX 4.3
      Send control file first?                            no                      +
      To turn on debugging, specify output               []
          file pathname
      DESCRIPTION of printer on remote server            []                       
    

  5. Lengthen the timeout for the remote queue.

    This is most easily done by adding a -T50 flag to rembak in the queue device stanza for the queue in /etc/qconfig

      backend = /usr/lib/lpd/rembak -T50
    

Setting up an AIX JetDirect queue

The NetportExpress 10/100 and Pro models can accept print jobs through a socket connection at TCP/IP ports listed here:

   Port  3001           Parallel Port 1
   Port  3002           Parallel Port 2
   Port  2501           Serial Port

From an AIX viewpoint, the socket program that is part of the HP JetDirect support can be used to print to a TCP/IP port at AIX 4.2.1 and later. To setup a JetDirect queue to print to the NetportExpress follow these instructions:

  1. Start smitty with the mkpq fastpath
      smitty mkpq
    
  2. Choose the ATTACHMENT TYPE of hpJetDirect
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                             Add a Print Queue
      Move cursor to desired item and press Enter.  Use arrow keys to scroll.
         #  ATTACHMENT TYPE      DESCRIPTION
            local                Printer Attached to Local Host
            remote               Printer Attached to Remote Host
            ascii                Printer Attached to ASCII Terminal
            hpJetDirect          Network Printer (HP JetDirect)
            file                 File (in /dev directory)
            ibmNetPrinter        IBM Network Printer\
            other                User Defined Backend
      F1=Help                 F2=Refresh              F3=Cancel
      8=Image                F10=Exit                Enter=Do
      /=Find                  n=Find Next
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
    

    If you get a message that the software is not installed, then place the AIX Installation Media into the proper device and continue witht he installation of the HP JetDirect drivers. The install screens will give you only the printer drivers when entered from this point in smit. Once you have installed the software you will have to restart at STEP 1.

  3. Choose the manufacturer and type of printer from the selection screens

  4. From the bootp screen, you will usually select NOT-BOOTP, but you may choose to select this if you want this to add the value to your /etc/bootptab file.
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
                          BOOTP/TFTP Server
        Move the cursor to desired item and press Enter
         1.  Make this system a BOOTP/TFTP server
         2.  Do NOT make this system a BOOTP/TFTP server
       Enter number from list above (press Enter to terminate):  ->
       ----------------------------------------------------------------
    
  5. Fill out the form with the print queue names, the hostname of the JetDirect card that you have in the /etc/hosts file, the hardware address if you have chosen to use bootp, the gateway address and the subnet mask for the network, and the port number. You will not be able to choose the correct port number so leave this at 9100 for now.
      ----------------------------------------------------------------
                              Add a Print Queue
      Type or select values in entry fields.
      Press Enter AFTER making all desired changes.
                                                    [Entry Fields]
      Description                                 Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5Si/5Si MX
      Names of NEW print queues to add
        PCL                                             [hp5pcl]
        PostScript                                      [hp5ps]
        HP-GL/2                                         []
      Printer connection characteristics
    *    HOSTNAME of the JetDirect Card                 [hpprt3.aix.dfw.ibm.com]
    *    HARDWARE ADDRESS of the JetDirect Card         [080109463974]
    *    NETWORK INTERFACE                              Ethernet
    *    PORT                                           [9101]
         GATEWAY ADDRESS                                [9.19.169.202]
         SUBNET MASK                                    [255.255.240.0]
    F1=Help                     F2=Refresh                  F3=Cancel                   F4=List
    F5=Reset                    F6=Command                  F7=Edit                     F8=Image
    F9=Shell                    F10=Exit                    Enter=Do
      ----------------------------------------------------------------
    

    The following screen will appear if you do not choose bootp:

      ----------------------------------------------------------------
                              Add a Print Queue
      Type or select values in entry fields.
      Press Enter AFTER making all desired changes.
      
                                                    [Entry Fields]
      Description                                 Hewlett-Packard LaserJet 5Si/5Si MX
      Names of NEW print queues to add
        PCL                                             [hp5pcl]
        PostScript                                      [hp5ps]
        HP-GL/2                                         []
      Printer connection characteristics
    *    HOSTNAME of the JetDirect Card                 [hpprt3.aix.dfw.ibm.com]
    *    PORT                                           [9102]
    F1=Help                     F2=Refresh                  F3=Cancel                   F4=List
    F5=Reset                    F6=Command                  F7=Edit                     F8=Image
    F9=Shell                    F10=Exit                    Enter=Do
      ----------------------------------------------------------------
    
  6. Press the enter key to add the queues.

  7. Change the port number to match the port number in this table:
       Port  3001           Parallel Port 1
       Port  3002           Parallel Port 2
       Port  2501           Serial Port
    
    This can be done by editing the /etc/qconfig file with vi and changing the value of 9100 to 3001, 3002, or 2501.
    pslog:
            device = lp0
    lp0:
            file = /dev/lp0
            header = always
            trailer = never
            access = both
            backend = /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/piojetd 9.19.129.99 3001
    
    The change can also be made through smit as follows:

      smitty spooler
        Choose: Programming Tools
          Choose: Queues and Queue Devices
            Choose: Queue Devices 
              Choose Change / Show Characteristics of a Queue Device
                Enter the queue name
                  Change 9100 in the BACKEND PROGRAM pathname to 3001, and so on.
    


Upgrading NetportExpress Firmware from AIX

If you receive new flash upgrades to the NetportExpress print server, they can be updated from AIX using ftp as follows:

  1. Change to the directory with the update
  2. ftp ip_address
  3. Login as root and enter password if you set one, or press enter if not
  4. Type: bin
  5. Type: put netport.fw
  6. Wait until the transfer is complete.

Netport Express XL Print Server Setup

The Netport Express XL has been discontinued by Intel but is included here for completeness.

Requires NetWare, LAN Manager or LAN Server

One of these programs is required to enable the NetportExpress XL for TCP/IP usage.

intel.config

Intel distributes a single file intel.config with its UNIX support disk. It comes in the npunix.tar file on the diskette with the print server. This disk is also available through their web site at the location http://support.intel.com.

This single file is the AIX 3.2 .config file that when placed in /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc is read by mkvirprt and thus by smit mkvirprt when adding a virtual printer. The file is simply a modification of the jetdirect.config file and uses the piojetd backend, which sends the data to the NetPort with the socket program /usr/lib/lpd/pio/piohpnpf.

Multiple Ports

The jetdirect backend is able to access the multiple ports of the Netport print server, because each port is given a separate address. This gives it an advantage over the HP JetDirect EX box when used from AIX.

AIX 4.1 Support

Intel does not provide a *.attach file to be used in AIX 4.1 with the smit mkpq command, but since it uses the jetdirect backend, one can simply add it as an HP JetDirect without specifying it as a bootp device.

The following is from the Intel Page on the internet at http://support.intel.com/support/netport/vintage/6045.htm. There is also a document that describes problems in general with the netport, Netport(R) II Print Server: Troubleshooting Notes from Tech Support (#6066), at http://support.intel.com/support/netport/vintage/6066.htm.

LPD or JETDIRECT

You really have two options to print to the NetPort box from AIX. You can set up as described by the Intel documentation which I have modified below, or you can add as an LPD server as described in the bottom of these instructions.

NETPORTEXPRESS(TM): PRINT SERVER SETUP WITH AIX, V3.2

Following are instructions for using a NetportExpress XL print server to install and print from an AIX host, v3.2. These instructions apply to both Ethernet and Token Ring networks.

Setting up and printing with AIX, basic steps

There are three basic steps to set up the NetportExpress XL print server for printing with AIX:
  1. From Windows NetPort Manager, configure the XL for TCP/IP printing.
  2. From the AIX host, set up the XL as a virtual printer.
  3. From the AIX host, test the installation.
These steps are described in detail below.
  1. Configure the XL for TCP/IP printing
  2. To install a network printer for AIX, use Netport Manager to configure the NetportExpress XL print server for TCP/IP printing:

  3. Set up the XL as a virtual printer
  4. To set up the AIX host, you will need:

    Before you begin the steps below, make sure you can PING (confirm IP communication between the host and the XL). To do this, at the prompt type: # ping <IP address> If you can't PING, check the gateway setup, subnet numbers, and IP addresses in Netport Manager.

    Once you can PING, carry out the following steps:

    1. Copy the configuration file from the Intel archive to the AIX host.
    2. If the archive has been downloaded directly to your AIX host enter these commands:

      • # tar xvf npunix.tar ./intl/aix/intel.config
      • # cd ./intl/aix
      • # cp intel.config /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/intel.config
      If the archive is on a floppy diskette, enter these commands, where fd0 is the device name for your floppy drive:
      • # tar xvf /dev/fd0 ./intl/aix/intel.config
      • # cd ./intl/aix
      • # cp intel.config /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/intel.config
    3. Edit the /etc/hosts file and add a line for each XL port in use.
    4. Each line contains the IP address defined in Netport Manager and an alias. (The alias name is an arbitrary name used later in SMIT.)

      For example:

      • 128.215.219.44 np_port1
      • 128.215.219.45 np_port2
    5. Using SMIT, configure the XL as a virtual printer:
      • # mkvirprt at AIX 3.2, or smit mkpq at AIX 4.
    6. Choose "Intel NetportExpress XL Print Server" or

    7. Network Printer (HP JetDirect) at AIX 4.1, or if you don't have intel.config at AIX 3.2.
    8. Enter the IP address or alias as defined in /etc/hosts (see step 2)
    9. Choose "Do NOT make this system a BOOTP / TFTP server".
    10. Choose the appropriate printer driver from the list.
    11. Choose header or trailer pages (optional).
    12. Enter the printer queue name (used when printing).
    13. An example might be "laserqueue"
    14. Choose whether that queue name should be the default name.
    15. Press enter to continue.
      • To add more ports, repeat from step 4.
    16. Press F3 to exit SMIT.
  5. Print to test the installation
  6. To test printing with AIX and the XL, use a command such as QPRT.

    For example:

The XL is now ready for printing with AIX.

Another reference indicates NetportExpress(TM) XL print Server can work as LPD/LPR server on Solaris or NT. This has been modified for use with AIX.

NetportExpress(TM) XL Print Server: LPD/LPR Installation

The basic steps for doing this are as follows:

  1. From Windows NetPort Manager, configure the XL for TCP/IP LPD printing.
  2. From the AIX host, set up the XL as a virtual printer.
  3. From the AIX host, test the installation.

Configure the NetPort for LPD printing

Set up the XL as a remote printer

See the technical document "AIX Printer Tips: AIX Remote Printing."

You may want to set up how to do local formatting at the end of this section for some needs.

XL Queue Names

Testing the LPD connection

Print a test print with lptest 10 10 | qprt -Pxlque
 
Intel NetportExpress: Print Server Setup with AIX: AIX Printer Tips: netport.html ITEM: FAX
Dated: 99/02/24~00:00 Category: zap
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