The Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) is a communication protocol that enables the printing of documents over the Internet or an intranet. IPP allows clients (devices or computers) to send print jobs to printers, query the status of printers, and manage print jobs remotely. This protocol was designed to provide a standard way for devices to communicate with printers, regardless of the manufacturer or model.
Key features of IPP include:
Print Job Submission: Clients can submit print jobs to printers by sending IPP requests. These requests include information about the document to be printed, such as the format, print settings, and number of copies.
Status Inquiry: Clients can query the status of printers to determine whether they are online, available, or currently processing print jobs. This helps users make informed decisions about where to send their print jobs.
Job Management: Clients can manage print jobs after they have been submitted. This includes canceling print jobs, querying the status of specific jobs, and requesting additional information about completed jobs.
Printer Capabilities: IPP allows clients to discover the capabilities of printers, such as supported document formats, supported print resolutions, and available paper sizes. This information helps clients format print jobs appropriately.
Security: IPP supports various security mechanisms to protect the confidentiality and integrity of print jobs. This may include encryption and authentication features.
Compatibility: IPP is designed to be platform-independent and supports a wide range of printing devices. It promotes interoperability between different devices and ensures that printers from different manufacturers can work with IPP-compliant clients.
IPP is often used in combination with other printing protocols, such as the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol and the Print Job Language (PJL). It has become a standard protocol for network printing, allowing users to print documents from their computers, tablets, or mobile devices to network-connected printers.
