System information

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AS/400 IBM Network Station: Techniques for Deployment in a WAN
One technique is to have a server control the printers for your Network
Stations. In Figure 10 on page 59, the AS/400 server can control a LAN
printer, such as Printer 4. If Network Station A and B always sent their print
jobs to the AS/400 server, the AS/400 server can control the flow of print jobs
to the printer. This scenario reduces the work load on the Network Stations
when the printer’s buffer is full because the AS/400 server can negotiate print
jobs with the printer. However, handling these print jobs can likely draw on the
central processing unit (CPU) of the AS/400 server. This technique can
hinder the server’s performance depending on the size and frequency of your
print jobs. Because you can send the print job from a Network Station, to a
server, and then to a printer, this technique also increase network traffic.
A server that controls your Network Station printing is also advantageous in
an environment with mixed printer datastreams. Because Network Station
applications only generate certain datastreams, you may have to send print
jobs to a server, where the print job can be transformed into a datastream that
your printer understands. Depending on which application generates the job,
you may need to transform your print jobs. This can require more
administration in the Network Station Manager program and on the server.
Your end users also need to have a better understanding of printing and
networking. To eliminate confusion, consider sending all print jobs to the
server, regardless of whether the job needs to be transformed. In the end,
you will have fewer printer entries in the Network Station Manager program
and fewer printer device descriptions on the server.
When you have a server that controls the printers for your Network Stations,
you perform less administration, but you sacrifice performance. When a
server controls your print jobs, its CPU works harder, possibly slowing
performance. Your end users will notice that it takes longer for them to receive
their printouts. If you set up your printing strategy to allow your Network
Stations to send their jobs directly to the printer (whenever datastream
transformation is unnecessary), you can reduce printing time. Because the
print job goes directly to the printer, your server does not carry the load of
controlling print jobs. Sending your print jobs directly to the printer also
reduces the chance of the server misinterpreting your print job. When a
server misinterprets a print job, the job may become lost or damaged.