Question & Answer
Question
Intel NetportExpress: Print Server Setup with AIX
Answer
The Intel NetportExpress PRO print Server is a 3-port box available 10/100 Mbps to 10 Gb Ethernet A previous mode the NetportExpress XL and 10/100 print servers have been discontinued, but setup will also be included in this document.
This document applies to all levels of AIX.
NetportExpress 10/100 and PRO print server setupUpgrading NetportExpress firmware from AIX
NetportExpress XL print server setup
NetportExpress(TM) XL print server: LPD/LPR installation
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:
- socket: A socket program called proprint is available on some UNIX systems but not AIX. In AIX, the HP JetDirect print driver will work for this purpose.
- lpr/lpd: The standard UNIX remote print protocol
- FTP: A method to test, or send a single file without going through a queue.
- Set the IP address of the NetportExpress server.
- Configure the print server.
- Set up the AIX queue to print to the NetportExpress.
- a remote queue with local formatting to the NetportExpress.
- a normal remote queue to the NetportExpress.
- a JetDirect queue to the NetportExpress.
- 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:
- Get an IP address that you can use from your network administrator.
- Log in to the AIX workstation as root.
- Register the print server on your workstation by typing on one line:
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_addresswhere 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:
- 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:
- http://134.134.170.176
- In Web Netport Manger, click Configure and then click TCP/IP
- Fill out the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway IP address, and click Submit
- Wait one minute while the print server resets
- Click Device Properties
- 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.
- At the top of the page, enterany identification information you want.
- 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:
- Start smitty with the mkpq fast path.
smitty mkpq
- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------- - 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 - Choose the manufacturer and printer type
- 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 BSDAt 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 - Press the enter key to add the print queue.
- 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:
- Start smitty with the mkpq fast path.
smitty mkpq
- 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Select Standard processing
- 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 BSDIn 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 [] - 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:
- Start smitty with the mkpq fastpath
smitty mkpq
- 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.
- Choose the manufacturer and type of printer from the selection screens
- 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): -> ---------------------------------------------------------------- - 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------- - Press the enter key to add the queues.
- 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 3001The 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:
- Change to the directory with the update
- ftp ip_address
- Login as root and enter password if you set one, or press enter if not
- Type: bin
- Type: put netport.fw
- 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 and later 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:- From Windows NetPort Manager, configure the XL for TCP/IP printing.
- From the AIX host, set up the XL as a virtual printer.
- From the AIX host, test the installation.
- Configure the XL for TCP/IP printing
- From a Novell workstation that uses Microsoft Windows, start Netport Manager.
- Select the NetportExpress XL you want to configure.
- If the NetportExpress XL has not been assigned a Remote Boot Load (RBL) server, choose Configure, then Netport Hardware and select an RBL server. Let the NetportExpress XL reset before continuing to the next step.
- Choose Configure, and then Protocols.
- Select TCP/IP Print Server, and then click Configure.
- Type in the XL an IP address that will be used for parallel port 1.
- If you will be using parallel port 2 or the serial port, click the LPD button and assign an IP address for parallel port 2 or the serial port.
- Make a note of the IP addresses you assigned to the XL. You will need them when setting up the AIX host.
- Set up the XL as a virtual printer
- The IP address of each XL port.
- An alias name for the XL (optional).
- A name for a print queue. Users will see this name when they print to the XL.
- For example: # ping 128.215.219.44
- Copy the configuration file from the Intel archive to the AIX host.
- # tar xvf npunix.tar ./intl/aix/intel.config
- # cd ./intl/aix
- # cp intel.config /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/intel.config
- # tar xvf /dev/fd0 ./intl/aix/intel.config
- # cd ./intl/aix
- # cp intel.config /usr/lib/lpd/pio/etc/intel.config
- Edit the /etc/hosts file and add a line for each XL port in use.
- 128.215.219.44 np_port1
- 128.215.219.45 np_port2
- Using SMIT, configure the XL as a virtual printer:
- # mkvirprt at AIX 3.2, or smit mkpq at AIX 4 or later.
- Choose "Intel NetportExpress XL Print Server" or
- Enter the IP address or alias as defined in /etc/hosts (see step 2)
- Choose "Do NOT make this system a BOOTP / TFTP server".
- Choose the appropriate printer driver from the list.
- Choose header or trailer pages (optional).
- Enter the printer queue name (used when printing).
- An example might be "laserqueue"
- Choose whether that queue name should be the default name.
- Press enter to continue.
- To add more ports, repeat from step 4.
- Press F3 to exit SMIT.
- Print to test the installation
- # qprt -P laserqueue /etc/hosts
To install a network printer for AIX, use Netport Manager to configure the NetportExpress XL print server for TCP/IP printing:
For more detail on filling in the fields for TCP/IP printing, refer to your online help, or to the manual "TCP/IP Printing Using the Intel NetportExpress XL Print Server."
To set up the AIX host, you will need:
Once you can PING, carry out the following steps:
If the archive has been downloaded directly to your AIX host enter these commands:
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:
Network Printer (HP JetDirect) at AIX 4 or later, or if you don't have intel.config at AIX 3.2.
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:
- From Windows NetPort Manager, configure the XL for TCP/IP LPD printing.
- From the AIX host, set up the XL as a virtual printer.
- From the AIX host, test the installation.
Configure the NetPort for LPD printing
- From a Novell workstation that uses Microsoft Windows, start Netport Manager.
- Select the NetportExpress XL you want to configure.
- If the NetportExpress XL has not been assigned a Remote Boot Load (RBL) server, choose Configure, then Netport Hardware and select an RBL server. Let the NetportExpress XL reset before continuing to the next step.
- Choose Configure, and then Protocols.
- Select TCP/IP Print Server, and then click Configure. In the TCP/IP dialog box, click the Define LPD button.
- Type in the XL an IP address that will be used for parallel port 1.
- If you will be using parallel port 2 or the serial port, click the LPD button and assign an IP address for parallel port 2 or the serial port.
- Make a note of the IP address(es) you assigned to the XL. You will need them when setting up the AIX host.
- Test the configuration by first checking network connectivity and then the printer configuration:
- ping <NP_HOSTNAME>
For more detail on filling in the fields for TCP/IP printing, refer to your online help, or to the manual "TCP/IP Printing Using the Intel NetportExpress XL Print Server."
Set up the XL as a remote printer
See the technical document "Remote Printing using the LPR/LPD Protocol ."You may want to set up how to do local formatting at the end of this section for some needs.
XL Queue Names
- TEXT - for text files. The XL will add carriage returns to line feeds.
- PASSTHROUGH - Use for PCL or PostScript files. Use this queue if you preformat the data in AIX.
Testing the LPD connection
Print a test print with lptest 10 10 | qprt -PxlqueWas this topic helpful?
Document Information
Modified date:
17 June 2018
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isg3T1000332