• General Questions
• TN5250E Questions
• IPDS Questions
• TN3270E Questions
• SNA Questions
• IBM printer emulation Questions
• NetWare Questions 
• UNIX and TCP/IP Questions
• Windows Questions
• Apple Questions

General Questions:

Q: What is the difference between the new AXIS 570e/670e models and the regular AXIS 570/670 print servers ?

A: The main difference is that the AXIS 570e/670e series allow true IBM AFP printing using IPDS. Additionally, the AXIS 570e does support 100 MBPS Ethernet as well as 10 MBPS Ethernet.

Q: Do we need an AXIS 570e in order to use the new TN5250E print method ?

A: No, TN5250E printing is supported by the regular AXIS 570/670 models as well. Note that you will need a 570/670 equipped with 2 MB flash memory.

Q: What are the advantages of using the AXIS 570/670 series in a network with both PCs and IBM mainframe or AS/400 systems ?

A: With it’s native IBM support, it enables fully controlled, high speed printing to LAN-attached printers without host-based conversion software. It has all the multi-protocol functionality of Axis’ other LAN print servers which makes it possible to share the LAN connected print resources. Many printing problems are then solved using just one print server. 

Q: I have read that the AXIS 570/670 has Web management capabilities and that a regular browser may be used to install and configure the print server. How does that work and how do I use it?

A: The AXIS 570/670 series support the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) which is used for transporting WWW information over Internet. This enables the AXIS 570/670 to be accessed through a standard Web browser e.g. like Netscape. After basic installation (assigning an IP address to the print server), you simply access it as a normal server by typing the print server name or the IP address on the 'Location' or 'URL' line in your Web browser (e.g. http://192.036.253.080/ ) and it will respond with it’s own home page. From the home page you are able to: 

• Change the print server parameters
• Monitor job progress
• Get on-line help information
• View printer status of the 10 latest print jobs
• Fast links to the AXIS 570/670 product page located on Axis WWW site with all product information including latest software release and user manuals

Q: What is AXIS NetPilot^TM?

A: It is a easy and user-friendly graphical installation/configuration/control program, which guides the user through the installation of the AXIS 570/670. It offers remote management, enabling possibility to: turn protocols on and off, test printer ports, troubleshoot, and reboot all selected print servers. It also has "Wizards" which guides the user through the installation in both NetWare 3 and 4 environments. The Upgrade Wizard helps the user to upgrade the print server software. 

Q: How do I upgrade my AXIS 570/670 with new software?

A: Upgrading over the network may be done using FTP, AXIS ThinWizard or AXIS NetPilot. 

Q: The AXIS 570/670 supports DHCP. What is it and what benefits will it give me? 

A: DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol and it’s purpose is to enable network attached devices on an IP network to extract their configuration from a server (the DHCP server). Such information is e.g. IP address, default router and subnet mask that will automatically be assigned at start-up. Another feature is the handling of lease times for IP addresses. When a lease expires, the AXIS 570/670 will automatically request the DHCP server to extend the duration or send a new IP address. The overall purpose of DHCP is to reduce the work to administer large IP networks.  

Q: How can the throughput be as high as 400 kbytes/s printing with NetWare and LAN Server or LAN Manager?

A: It is enabled by the 32-bit RISC processor, ETRAX (Ethernet Token Ring AXis), specifically designed for AXIS LAN attached ThinServer products. When having more than one printer connected, handling several protocols simultaneously or printing files with heavy graphical information, the extra power is needed for maintaining high throughput. In addition, AXIS 570/670 has all three ports active simultaneously and serves the different network protocols impartially. The data transfer is controlled by one DMA channel for each port giving the excellent performance. The AXIS 570/670 MIO has a maximum throughput of 300 kbytes/s.

TN5250E questions 

Q: We are using TN5250 for our AS/400 display sessions and Host Print Transform combined with LPR/LPD for printing. What would we gain by switching to TN5250E for printing ? 

A: TN5250E specifies a number of new important features. The main advantages by using this print method and Axis print servers are: 

• SNA-like control of the print jobs is achieved as bidirectional communication is built into the protocol making error recovery and end-of-job notification possible
• Excellent throughput is achieved as the 32-bit RISC processor of the print server handles the conversion to ASCII. The AS/400 system does not have to spend resources or processor cycles on this task
• Improved reliability. This protocol is built for AS/400 communication, not UNIX
• A regular AS/400 printer device is available making it possible for the user to monitor print job progress and status
• User definable printer name and TCP/IP port number
• The 570/670 series support automatic configuration on the AS/400 system making installation and set up an easy task
• Flexibility through AXIS IBM printer emulation and ASCII drivers. The printer drivers are open for customization 
• AXIS 570/670 Extended Emulation and transparency features available. No need to change host applications

Q: The TN5250E print method introduced with OS/400 V4R2 appears to be able to solve all our current problems with LPR/LPD TCP/IP printing. We are using OS/400 V3R7. Can we use this technology with your print servers anyway ?

A: Yes, you can. You will need to install the latest enhancements to the OS/400's Telnet server. IBM has made PTFs available for OS/400 versions V3R2 and later enabling this technology for a majority of the installed AS/400 base.

Q: We are using twinax attached laser printers for AS/400 printing and LAN attached laser printers for Windows and Netware print jobs. We want to be able to direct print jobs from any system to any LAN attached printer. Some of our AS/400 reports are 198 columns wide. Is it possible to print this kind of documents with your print server ?

A: Yes, the 570/670 series offer full IBM 3812 SCS emulation using the TN5250E print method. With the extensive support for Windows, Netware and Unix printing provided with the print server, you will be able to reach the LAN attached printer from all your systems. 

Q: We have a need for printing both AFP and non-AFP documents from our AS/400 system. What is your recommendation ? Can we use TN5250E ?

A: The IPDS data stream is not defined within the TN5250E protocol. We recommend that you use the PPR/PPD (TCP/IP) protocol for IPDS printing and the TN5250E protocol for SCS printing. The Axis 570e/670e series support both print methods concurrently. 

Q: We want to do TN5250E printing from all of our three AS/400 systems to one 570 print server. Is that possible ?

A: Yes, the AXIS 570/670 and 570e/670e series do support up to eight concurrent TN5250E host sessions. As the 570/670 currently has only one SCS IBM printer emulator, only one TN5250E job is printed at the time. The 570e/670e series do support one IPDS and one SCS print job concurrently. 

Q: We are using both AS/400 and mainframe host systems. Is it possible to do TN5250E printing from the mainframe systems as well ?

A: No, it is not. We recommend using TN3270E (TCP/IP), PPR/PPD (TCP/IP) or SNA for mainframe printing.  

Q: We are using 670 print servers running SNA to our AS/400. We are considering to switch to TN5250E. As we are using the extended emulation and transparency features of the product, this is a critical requirement for us. We do not want to change our host system applications. Will the current extended emulation and transparency features still be available when running TN5250E ?

A: Yes. 

Q: We have two different networks, one SNA/SDLC and one based on TCP/IP. We want to use one single TCP/IP network for data transfer from our AS/400 as well other systems. Can we use our existing TCP/IP routers for TN5250E traffic without modifications ?

A: Yes, you can. The TN5250E datastream created by the AS/400 system looks just like any telnet packet to the router. Regular TCP/IP routers may be used to route the data. 

Q: We have a mixed TCP/IP and SNA network using both laser and matrix printers. We would like to run TCP/IP only but have run into limitations for matrix printers in some TCP/IP based printing solutions. Will your product support both laser and matrix printers ?

A: Yes, although the IBM 3812 emulation is the only emulation allowed with TN5250E, any of our laser or matrix printer drivers may be used. The ASCII printer drivers available include PCL, Proprinter, 2 flavors of Epson and Generic. You may even customize your own printer driver using the "User Driver". 

Q: We have a number of AXIS 570 Print Servers running SNA locally attached to our AS/400 systems. We  are setting up new offices now that will use TCP/IP when communicating with our main shop. Your new TN5250E feature seems to fit nicely. Can we take advantage of this feature in our existing 570 print servers ?

A: The original AXIS 570/670 print server was designed, marketed and sold as a pure SNA device considering IBM host system printing options. The unit was originally produced with 1 Mbyte flash memory. A change to 2 Mbyte flash in production has been made. 570 units with serial number 00408C1B1430 and higher are equipped with 2 Mbyte flash. 670 units with serial number 000231B80C22 and higher are equipped with 2 Mbyte flash. The 5.58 release does require 2 Mbyte flash memory. A trade in program for 1 Mbyte units will be offered. Although AXIS will continue to deliver upgrades for the 1 Mbyte platform, no added features should be expected.

IPDS questions 

Q: We print both AFP and non-AFP documents from our AS/400 systems. What are the requirements on the printer when using your solution ? 

A: The AXIS 570e/670 series convert IPDS to PostScript. SCS is converted to PCL, Proprinter or Epson. This means you will need a laser or inkjet printer capable of doing both PostScript and PCL. All professional laser printer models offered from the main printer vendors can do this today.

Q: We are using Host Print Transform and LPR/LPD to print AFP reports from our AS/400 system. It works fine most of the time but long reports takes forever before the actual printout even starts to print. The conversion to ASCII on the AS/400 is a pain. Can you help us ?

A: Yes, our solution is based on shipping the original IPDS datastream over PPR/PPD (TCP/IP) or SNA LU6.2. The conversion to ASCII is handled by the custom built ETRAX 32 bit processor of the print server. No translation is required on the host system and high throughput is achieved. 

Q: We are using both AS/400 and mainframe host systems. Is it possible to do IPDS printing from both systems over an IP network ?

A: Yes, using the PPR/PPD (TCP/IP) print method multiple host connections is supported.

Q: We currently use TN3270E to print SCS data from our corporate mainframe located at our remote main office. We want to print IPDS over TCP/IP from our two AS/400 systems here at the production plant. Can we use the 570e to print from all systems ?

A: Yes, the AXIS 570e can maintain simultaneous connections with up to eight different hosts using any of the TCP/IP based print methods. It supports simultaneous printing to one IPDS and one non-IPDS session.

Q: We have seen your ads about IPDS over TCP/IP support. We are using an SNA network and we are happy with it. Does your product support IPDS over SNA as well ?

A: Yes, the 570e/670e series offer full support for IPDS and non-IPDS printing over TCP/IP and SNA. For mainframe SNA environments, our product emulates an IBM 3174 Control Unit running SNA PU 2.0. In an AS/400 network, the 570e/670e will support SNA LU 6.2 emulating an IBM 5494 Control Unit. 

Q: Can we use matrix printers with the AXIS 570e ?

A: The 570e/670e series offer both non-IPDS and IPDS emulation. Matrix printers may be used with non-IPDS printing but not IPDS. The 570e/670e products convert IPDS to PostScript.

TN3270E Questions:

Q: How is the 570 connected to the mainframe when using the TN3270E protocol ? The mainframe can't speak TN3270E by itself can it ? 

A: The TN3270E datastream is created by a TN3270E server. This server may be implemented as a software package running on the mainframe itself, a router or other server hardware. A wide range of TN3270E server solutions are available from IBM, Cisco, Bay Networks, Microsoft, Novell, OpenConnect Systems, Interlink, Attachmate, Hummingbird, Eicon Technology, Bus-Tech Inc, Data Interface Systems Corporation, Apertus Technologies Inc, ...  

Q: We are using TN3270 for our mainframe display sessions and LPR/LPD for printing. What is the difference between TN3270 and TN3270E and what would we gain by switching to TN3270E for printing ? 

A: TN3270E specifies a number of new important features including standards for 3270 Attention and System Request keys as well as 3270 printing.
The main advantages with TN3270E printing are:  

• SNA-like control of the print jobs is achieved as bidirectional communication is built into the protocol 
• The host system processor is off loaded the task of translating print data to ASCII as this is done in the print server yielding better throughput
• Regular off-the-shelf TCP/IP routers may be used to route the IBM data 

Q: We have two different networks, one SNA/SDLC and one based on TCP/IP. We want to use one single TCP/IP network for data transfer from our mainframe as well as other systems. Can we use our existing TCP/IP routers for TN3270E traffic without modifications ? 

A: Yes, you can. Once the TN3270E datastream is created by the TN3270E server, regular TCP/IP routers may be used to route the data.  

Q: We have a mixed TCP/IP and SNA network using both laser and matrix printers. We would like to run TCP/IP only but have run into severe limitations for matrix printers as well as some laser printer models in TCP/IP based printing solutions. How about your TN3270E solution. Will your print server support both laser and matrix printers ? 

A: Yes, our solution offers both IBM laser and matrix printer emulation. The ASCII printer drivers include PCL, Proprinter, 2 flavors of Epson and Generic. You may even customize your own printer driver using the "User Driver". Any emulation may be combined with any driver using firmware version 5.58 or later. 

Q: The PC based TN3270E client software we are using support display as well as printer sessions. We just connect a printer to the PC. What is the advantages of your solution ?

A: The main advantages with the AXIS 570/670 solution compared to the scenario above are: 

• High speed printing is achieved. The AXIS ThinServer technology combined with optimized firmware deliver excellent throughput
• True distributed printing. The printer may be located anywhere on the network without the need for a PC
• Reliability. The print server will not be switched off or used for other purposes. It contains very few parts compared with a PC
• Flexibility. One print solution for all systems. With the wealth of protocols supported, ranging from Netware to SNA to TCP/IP, you will be able to reach the printer from any system
• Management. The print server is easily managed using a standard Web browser or ThinWizard from anywhere on the network
• Economy. The need for software licences on a dedicated print server PC is eliminated. Free firmware upgrades are available at the Axis Web site. Maintenance and electricity costs are also reduced.
• Ease-of-use. Easy installation and management using a regular browser. Easy upgrade using FTP or ThinWizard.

Q: We want to do TN3270E printing from all of our three mainframes to one 570 print server. Is that possible ? 

A: Yes, the AXIS 570/670 does support up to eight concurrent TN3270E host sessions. As the 570/670 currently has only one IBM printer emulator, only one TN3270E job is printed at the time.  

Q: We are using both mainframes and AS/400 systems. Is it possible to do TN3270E printing from the AS/400 systems as well ? 

A: Yes, it is. However as the AS/400 system needs to be set up printing to a 3270 device (3287), advanced 5250 formatting features will not be available. We recommend using the TN5250E protocol with AS/400 systems.  

Q: We are using 670 print servers running SNA to our mainframe. We are considering to switch to TN3270E. As we are using the extended emulation and transparency features of the product, this is a critical requirement for us. We do not want to change our mainframe applications. Will the current extended emulation and transparency features still be available when running TN3270E ? 

A: Yes.  

Q: We have a number of AXIS 570 Print Servers running SNA locally attached to our IBM Mainframe system. We  are setting up new offices now that will use TCP/IP when communicating with our main shop. Your TN3270E feature seems to fit nicely. Can we take advantage of this feature in our existing 570 print servers ? 

A: The original AXIS 570/670 print server was designed, marketed and sold as a pure SNA device considering IBM host system printing options. The unit was originally produced with 1 Mbyte flash memory. A change to 2 Mbyte flash in production has been made. 570 units with serial number 00408C1B1430 and higher are equipped with 2 Mbyte flash. 670 units with serial number 000231B80C22 and higher are equipped with 2 Mbyte flash. The TN3270E, TN5250E and DBCS features do require 2 Mbyte flash memory. A trade in program for 1 Mbyte units will be offered. Although AXIS will continue to deliver firmware upgrades for the 1 Mbyte platform, no added features should be expected.    

SNA Questions:

Q: What are the main advantages with AXIS 570/670 compared to using software alternatives, such as NetWare for SAA, or Windows NT SNA Server, and a "regular" (SNA incapable) print server?

A: The main advantages are: 

• Throughput - The dedicated ETRAX 32-bit processor yields high speed printing. Other applications will not be competing for processor resources
• Installation - Only one unit needs to be configured for the installation, and the procedure is identical to defining a standard 3174/5494 Control Unit on the network. A software is often a complex task to set-up and configure.
• Use - The use of AXIS 570/670 is transparent to host applications. 
• Manageability - Since AXIS 570/670 directly supports the SNA data stream, there is a direct connection between the host and the unit, which enables monitoring of host print jobs handled by the AXIS 570/670.
• Reliability - The print data goes directly from the host to the unit, without being spooled or converted on various units, also reducing network traffic. The hard- and software of the unit is specifically designed to handle complex networks.
• Flexibility - The AXIS 570/670 supports virtually all other LAN protocols, such as TCP/IP and IPX, which means that integration and sharing with LAN printing is easy.
• Migration - Many systems work today in a combination of SNA and TCP/IP host traffic. AXIS 570/670 support both principles, so no equipment needs to be changed or re-configured when migrating.
• Reduces fileserver load, from the resource demanding protocol conversion. 

Q: The unit claims SNA support, what does it mean and what will it look like in our network ?

A: For the IBM 3270 mainframe environment, the AXIS 570/670 appears as an IBM 3174 Control Unit supporting the 3270 (LU3) and SCS (LU1) data streams. In an AS/400 environment, the AXIS 570/670 appears as an IBM 5494 Control Unit supporting SCS and IPDS over SNA LU6.2/LU4. This means that the IBM coax/twinax printers and in many cases the control unit itself is no longer needed. Instead it is possible to choose an inexpensive and up-to-date LAN printer, connect it to the print server and have the advantage of trouble-free migration to LAN printing from IBM systems as well as other PC/UNIX systems.

Q: What advantages does the AXIS 570/670 give me in an AS/400 environment?

A: The AXIS 570/670 can appear either as an IBM 3174 or as an IBM 5494 Control Unit when connected to the AS/400. When connected as an IBM 5494 Control Unit full printing functionality is achieved through IBM 5219/3812 emulation with word-processing applications like the OfficeVision/400. When connected as an IBM 3174 Control Unit, the printing functionality is limited to plain text such as system listings. The AXIS 570/670 emulates the IBM 3174/5494 and it is installed in exactly the same way as such units. When emulating an IBM 5494, the AXIS 570/670 supports the user friendly AS/400 ‘Autoconfiguration’ feature. From the AS/400 user application, the AXIS 570/670 will be addressed just like a normal AS/400 twinax printer.  

Q: What type of LAN printers can I print to from my IBM system?

A: Any parallel/serial printer supporting the printer drivers in the AXIS 570/670 and also plotters bar code and label printers that use the generic printer driver. ASCII LAN printers can not understand the IBM printer data streams and therefore the AXIS 570/670 converts the IBM printer data stream into printer languages like PCL 4/5, IBM Proprinter and Epson (FX, DFX, LQ) or Generic. IPDS is converted to PostScript. The following IBM printers are emulated: 

• Mainframe coax: 4028, 3812/3816, 4224, 4230, 4214, 3268, 3287 and 3262.
• AS/400 twinax: 4028, 3812/3816, 4214-2, 5224, 5225, 5256 and 4230. 

Q: Does the AXIS 570/670 allow high speed printing from my IBM system?

A: Yes, the product is based on a 32-bit RISC processor, allowing high speed printing on three ports (AXIS 570/670 MIO has one port only). Through the AXIS 570/670 one host can make use of all three printers, but only one printer at the time. Simultaneously the other printer ports can be used for printing via other network transport protocols like IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, NetBIOS/NetBEUI or EtherTalk. 

Q: How do I configure the AXIS 570/670 for use with languages like Russian, Thai, Japanese? 

A: In non-IBM environments like UNIX, Netware etc. the AXIS 570/670 is transparent for the print data and support all languages. In IBM environment the AXIS 570/670 translate the IBM printer data stream to ASCII and currently the AXIS 570/670 has character translation tables for western languages. For other languages, the character translation tables can be edited. Arabic and Hebrew can also be printed if the host system handles right-to-left printing. Standard Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Korean is available with HP PCL printers only. The AXIS 570/670 does not contain any fonts, which means that your printer must have the characters used in your country.  

IBM printer emulation Questions

Q: Does the product support COR?

A: Yes. Computer Output Reduction is a function that is used for emulating typical matrix print jobs on laser printer. The text is reduced in size and orientation and is changed to landscape to fit on a page. Margins are also adjusted. The AXIS 570/670 automatically detects if a print job does not fit on a page and makes the appropriate changes. In IBM 3812/5219 printer emulation, page orientation and COR is supported as on the original IBM printer.

Q: Does the AXIS 570/670 support bar code printing with the same syntax as the AXIS Cobra+?

A: Yes, firmware version 5.58 or later does support AXIS Cobra style Extended Emulation barcode printing.

NetWare Questions

Q: How can I use standard NetWare tools to manage my Axis print server?

A: AXIS 570/670 allows extensive management via NWAdmin and Pconsole. They can be used to add, delete, or modify print queues and printer objects that are accessed by the print server. In addition, print server/printer/job status together with the print server model and software version are all visible through the tools. Advanced notification allows smart distribution of error messages. Job owner or a list of users (specified in the printer object with NWAdmin/Pconsole) can receive messages when printer problems occur.  

Q: Does AXIS 570/670 support NetWare Directory Services (NDS)?

A: Yes, they have full support for NDS, allowing System Administrators to easily manage Axis’ print servers in a multi-server network independently of which file server they are physically connected to. 

Q: What is the difference concerning printing in a Novell 4.10 NDS network compared with using bindery emulation? 

A: Using earlier versions of NetWare, versions 2 and 3, limits printing to bindery mode, that gives access only to those print services available on the file server the AXIS 570/670 are logged onto. With the availability of NetWare 4 with NDS, all print services on the network become available to the users, within their context (i.e. the network resources they have permission to access). 

Q: Will the print utilities in NetWare 4.10 recognize print servers, print queues and printers that are created with the AXIS NetPilot^TM installation/configuration tool?

A: Yes, all objects can be read by e.g. NWADMIN and in addition the AXIS NetPilot^TM can read configurations made by another software as long as the NWADMIN method is followed (e.g. NWADMIN compatible software). 

Q: Can I use PCONSOLE, NWADMIN, or in NPRINTER the NetWare LOAD/UNLOAD (PSERVER.NLM) command to take down the print server and bring it back up again?

A: To be honest there is actually no reason for doing it with Axis print servers. Novell’s NLMs have an updating procedure forcing the System Administrators to make LOAD/UNLOAD on NLMs to see changes in the NDS tree. Axis print servers updates dynamically the changes which deletes the need for the LOAD/UNLOAD procedure. This is a unique feature for Axis print servers. 

Q: What are the differences between printing in PSERVER and NPRINTER mode?

A: Having the AXIS 570/670 installed in PSERVER mode means that it logs in to a file server(s) and polls the print queues for print jobs. This method provides high printing speed and low network load. Each print server in PSERVER mode will occupy one NetWare license. 
The NPRINTER mode means that the AXIS 570/670 connect itself to a NetWare Print Server program running on the file server, and will automatically receive print jobs from the file server. Printing speed is lower compared with PSERVER mode, but it only occupies one network license. The AXIS 570/670 permits to use all printer ports in PSERVER mode and NPRINTER mode simultaneously.  

UNIX and TCP/IP Questions

Q: How do I integrate the AXIS 570/670 in a spool system?

A: The automatic integration is performed by uploading the AXINSTALL shell script from the print server to the host using FTP. The script is resident in the print server and therefore no disks or tapes are needed. An automatic detection function recognize what kind of UNIX system used and the user will then be guided through the installation. More than 20 different UNIX systems are supported. 

Q: What print methods can I use to print in TCP/IP environments?

A: Several print methods are supported e.g.: LPD, FTP, Reverse Telnet and the more advanced PROS method, which provides named pipe and filter functions. One big advantage with PROS is the possibility to read back status from the printer. PROS also enables use of different printer models for advanced control of e.g. selecting paper bins and printing on both pages on the paper 

Q: What UNIX systems are supported?

A: More than 20 systems: 

• BSD systems: BSD 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, SunOS, DEC Ultrix etc.
• System V systems: V.3, V.4, AT&T, Interactive, SCO, Solaris, HP-UX, IBM AIX, Silicon Graphics, IRIX, DEC Alpha OSF/1, BULL(BOS, AIX).
• Other systems: IBM (MVS, VM, VSE, OS/400), DEC VMS, and guidelines for other systems.

Windows Questions

Q: How do I install and use AXIS 570/670 in my Windows network?

A: The simplest method is to use AXIS Print Utility for Windows, which supports Windows NT, WfW, and Windows 95 using NetBIOS/NetBEUI protocol. It is a client/server software, which means that it can be installed both on a server (WfW only) or on a client for peer-to-peer printing. The utility has both installation, printer status information and printing capabilities. Another method to print in Windows NT is to use the TCP/IP protocol in the NT server. 

Q: Do you need to install AXIS Print Utility for Windows on every Windows PC ? What about Windows NT 3.5 ?

A: Yes, if you want the peer-to-peer functionality you have to install the utility on every PC. If you want a client-server installation it is only necessary to install the utility on the server. This is applicable both for Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 and Windows NT. Printing via LPD in Windows NT is also supported. 

Q: What does it mean to have the possibility of installing 250 printer ports? Is it possible to do it on a PC or a file server, and how ?

A: A printer port is a destination of print job. The Axis’ print utilities takes the print jobs from that port and send it to the printer it is connected to. It is possible to install up to 250 ports either on a PC or a server using Axis Print Utilities for Windows or OS/2. It's the number of ports (= printers) you can connect to the PC or server. 

Apple Questions

Q: What benefits do I have with bi-directional support in AXIS 570?

A: Bi-directional support, which means that the printer-driver in the Macintosh can directly communicate with the printer, enables faster printouts. The Mac will get information about which fonts that are stored in the printer preventing all fonts to be down-loaded for every print job. However, if a font is missing it will be down-loaded automatically.

Q: Is it still possible to use older printers without bi-directional support?

A: Yes it is. To be able to support printing in an AppleTalk environment with the NPS series, Axis used spoofing, e.g. questions from the Macintosh to the printer are answered correctly, but the answers are derived from parameter settings and not by passing the question on to the printer. This functionality can still be selected in AXIS 570, maintaining backwards compatibility with old printers and Macintosh computers. 

Q: AXIS 570 supports BCP and TBCP. What does it mean?

A: Binary Communication Protocol and Tagged Binary Communication Protocol are communications protocol for the serial and parallel ports of a printer. TBCP, in contradiction to BCP, allow printing of binary encapsulated PostScript data streams to PostScript printers. This means that 8-bit binary data can be handled concurrent with use of control characters for communications and print job control. Originally BCP was developed by Adobe and later on TBCP was developed by Adobe and Hewlett-Packard together. To be able to support printing with a binary data stream on HP printers (and some others) it is necessary to support TBCP.