|
1. Registering and getting an IP address for your printerLast revision July 27, 2004 After verifying that you have an active network jack to use for the printer, the first step in connecting a new printer to the Earth Sciences network is to register it, just like a computer. You will need to pick a printer name that contains no spaces or special characters. You will need the printer's ethernet hardware address, which is usually printed on a test or configuration page. For older Apple LaserWriters, this address is available by connecting to the printer from a Macintosh using the Apple Printer Utility program. Registering your printer will reserve an IP address for it. In most cases, the printer will automatically pick up its correct IP address (via the DHCP or bootp protocols) the next time it is power-cycled after the registration is completed. In some cases, the address must be set manually using a utility program. If you have problems determining the ethernet hardware address or setting the IP address, enter a request in the HelpSU system for help from our desktop support consultant, using the web form at Even if your printer is AppleTalk only, please register it on the network. Specify in the Notes field on the registration form that it is AppleTalk only, so no IP address is assigned to it. But at least its network name will be reserved and important information about its location and administrator will be recorded. Also, recording its ethernet hardware address may help us track down network problems involving it in the future. WARNING: If your printer supports the TCP/IP protocols, you must register it for an IP address assignment, even if you plan to connect solely via AppleTalk from Macintosh computers. Many printers that support TCP/IP, including the Apple LaserWriter 16/600 and 16/640 models and many models of HP LaserJets with JetDirect cards, will attempt to pick an IP address at random if one is not assigned to them. About two-thirds of the possible IP addresses on our Earth Sciences network are already assigned. The odds are high that your unregistered printer will pick an address that is already in use, thereby interfering with or preventing network access to the legitimate owner of that IP address. The owners of that computer, and the network manager who has to track down the offending device, will not look favorably upon this behavior.
|
