Chapter 2: Network Topologies; Overview; Network Interface And Cabling; Types Of Network Topologies - NEC SuperScript 1800 Network User's Manual

CHAPTER 2
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
O
VERVIEW
A network topology describes how a network interconnects
computers with other equipment such as a printer. This
chapter describes three topologies that can be used as
solutions for networking your SuperScript 1800 printer.
Note:
In this user's guide, the term "print client" means
a computer the can send a print job to the printer.
N I
ETWORK NTERFACE AND
There are two characteristics that define an interface to your
network—the physical and electrical.
Physically, the interface to your network must be an RJ-45
socket. Electrically, the interface must be Ethernet 10Base-TX
or 100Base-TX.
A network cable is used to interconnect the printer with the
network interface. The cable must be a Category 3, 4, or 5
cable with RJ-45 plugs fastened to both ends. If connecting to
a 100 Megabit Ethernet network, use a shielded Category 5
cable.
RJ-45 Plug
The RJ-45 plug is fastened to both ends
of a Category 3, 4, or 5 network cable.
Use this type of cable to interconnect
the printer with the network interface.
A network cable is not supplied with the printer.
T
YPES OF
Three networking topologies can be used for networking
your SuperScript 1800 printer.
•

Peer-to-Peer Topology

• Printer Server Topology
• Printer Sharing Topology
This chapter describes each topology. The following chapters
describe how to configure the printer and your computers to
C
ABLING
use each topology, except for the Printer Sharing Topology.
Please refer to your computer's documentation for
instructions on how to configure your computer to share a
printer.
P
EER
The Peer-to-Peer topology is the simplest way to network
your printer. It involves print clients, a printer, and a network
to interconnect everything. The Network Operating System
(NOS) can be Windows NT Server 4.0 or Novell NetWare
3.12, 4.x, or 5.x.
In this scenario, print clients use the network to send print
jobs directly to the printer. There is no intermediary
computer that gets involved between the printer and the
print clients.
Each client must compete with other clients for printer
availability. If the printer is busy processing a print job, each
client must hold their jobs until the printer is ready to accept
them. To help alleviate congestion, the printer can be
upgraded with more memory to temporarily store multiple
jobs until they are printed. Shown on the next page is an
illustration of the Peer-to-Peer topology.
N
ETWORK
- -P T
TO EER OPOLOGY
T
OPOLOGIES
5