Complete List of Windows Print Server Ports and What They Do. Optimizing your organization’s printing infrastructure is more crucial than ever. To achieve peak efficiency, you need to master the intricate world of Windows Print Server Ports. After all, they serve as the backbone of seamless communication between client devices and printers in networked environments.
let’s start with Complete List of Windows Print Server Ports and What They Do.
What are Windows Print Server Ports?
When you send a print job to a printer, it is routed through the Windows Print Server Port. The port acts as a gateway, receiving the print job data and forwarding it to the designated printer. This process ensures the print job reaches the correct destination and enables centralized print management.
List of Windows Print Server Ports
Standard (Raw) TCP/IP Port - TCP Port 9100
The Standard TCP/IP Port is bes for network printing. Using TCP/IP protocol, the port facilitates direct communication between the client and the printer. In addition, it offers compatibility with network printers and enables direct print job transmission. This enhances efficiency and accessibility across subnets while supporting scalability. Embracing this port allows you to simplify your print infrastructure and boost transmission speeds. Integrate a diverse range of network printers into your setup.
To conclude, note that the Standard TCP/IP Port has varying port numbers based on the configuration, but the most common is TCP port 9100.
LPD (Line Printer Daemon) Port - TCP Port 515
The LDP (Line Printer Daemon) allows you to set up network printers via TCP Port 515. Use this port to manage print jobs across your network. Printers that support this protocol are often referred to as “TCP/IP printers.” When you send a job to the Windows Print Server, LPD queues the print job and send it to the appropriate printer.
LPR Port (Line Printer Remote) - TCP port 515
LPR, which stands to Line Printer Remote protocol, is responsible for transmitting print jobs to network printers from client devices. It relies on the TCP/IP network protocol. Particularly useful in legacy systems and old printers that don’t support network printing.
LPR and LPD are two sides of the same coin. LPR is responsible for the client-side communication (device to print server) while LPD is responsible for server-side communication (server to printer). They work together to allow users to send print jobs to network printers.
Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) - TCP port 631
Operates over HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and allows for standard printing capabilities over the network. It gives a standardized method for print job submission, management, and printer status monitoring.
IPPS Port (Internet Printing Protocol over Secure HTTP) - TCP port 443
Next one called IPPS stands for Internet Printing Protocol over secure HTTP. Relies on the IPP and HTTPs protocols, providing a secure and encrypted connection for transmitting print jobs between devices and printers in your network setup.
SMB (Server Message Block) - TCP Port 445 and TCP Port 139
SMB (Server Message Block), developed by IBM, comes in handy when you want to access shared printers in your Windows Print Server environment. While setting up SMB, use TCP Port 139. However, TCP Port 445 offers a more secure connection. Other features are: print job management, printer discovery, and printer status monitoring.
WSD Port (Web Services on Devices) - UDP Port 5357
WSD (Web Services on Devices) is a network protocol for device discovery, setup, and management in Windows environments. Allows automatic detection and configuration of printers and other devices on a network. No need to manually configure and install printer drivers.
While the WSD port is available in Windows Print Server, some printers and network devices may not support it.
Microsoft XPS Document Writer Port
The Microsoft XPS Document Writer Port enables the creation of XPS documents. Uses built-in Windows feature known as the Microsoft XPS Document Writer. Generate XPS documents by printing them to the XPS Document Writer printer.
Worth mentioning that Microsoft XPS Document Writer Port doesn’t have a specific port number associated with it. Instead, it’s a software based virtual port that creates XPS files. When you “print” a document, it’s processed and saved as an XPS file instead of being sent to a physical printer.
File Port
With the File Port generate print output as PDF, XPS, or plain text files instead of printing directly. Particularly useful for archiving or processing print jobs further. For instance, assign File Port to save sensitive documents as a secure PDF file, eliminating the need for physical printing while preserving a digital copy for record-keeping or sharing purposes. This ensures data confidentiality while maintaining document accessibility.
Remember, the File Port doesn’t have a specific port number. Instead, it saves it to a designated file location.
Local Port
If you want to send jobs to a printer directly connected to your PC then the Local Port has you covered. The Local Port is a virtual port that allows you to connect to a USB or parallel printer. It creates a virtual connection that maps to the physical connection of your printer. For instance, print directly to your USB-connected printer by assigning a Local Port to it.
It’s important to note that the Local Port is a virtual port that doesn’t have a designated port number assigned to it.
Bluetooth Port
The Bluetooth Port facilitates printing to Bluetooth-enabled printers. Print wirelessly from devices that support Bluetooth connectivity. In essence, assign a Bluetooth Port to a Bluetooth-enabled printer, allowing users to print wirelessly from their devices. This eliminates the need for physical connections and provides printing flexibility within the Bluetooth range.
Note that the Bluetooth Port doesn’t have a specific port number associated with it.
SNMP Port (Simple Network Management Protocol) - UDP port 161
Using the SNMP Port, you manage and monitor printers connected to your network using the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). For instance, check printer status, confirm toner and ink levels, identify paper jams, and troubleshoot error messages. Even configure printer settings, receive alerts and initiate diagnostic tests remotely.
WebDAV Port (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) - TCP port 80 or 443
WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) protocol enhances internet-based file management and collaboration. With WebDAV, seamlessly integrate printing functionality into your web application, allowing users to print documents effortlessly. The protocol operates through TCP port 80 for standard HTTP connections or TCP port 443 for secure HTTPS connections.
The specific port used for WebDAV is configured based on the server or application hosting the WebDAV service.
Fax Port
Use the Fax Port on your Windows Print Server to enable faxing capabilities. With this port send and receive faxes using network-connected fax devices or software applications. Also Fax Port doesn’t have a specific port number. It relies on fax transmission protocols like T.30 or T.38 for communication over the telephone network.
FTP Printing Port - TCP Port 21
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used in printing environments where you need to transfer a print job to a server. Send print jobs to network printers via the Windows Print Server using FTP as the communication protocol. To establish a connection, your print server sends a print job to a printer via TCP Port 21using FTP commands.
Complete List of Windows Print Server Ports and What They Do Conclusion
You now have a basic understanding of Windows Print Server ports and what they do. Now streamline printing operations in your organization and ensure seamless connectivity within your networked environment. Happy printing!
