IBM provides the definitive resource for this information on their website, see Information on Printers from Various Manufacturers. Their values are accurate and up-to-date and should take precedence over any values in the examples below.

Using Host Print Transform

There are two methods of configuring LAN attached printers on the IBM i when using CPPD with Host Print Transform:-

1.Creating a Device Description for the remote printer

2.Creating an Output queue for the remote printer

A Printer Device Description should be used wherever possible. This is because a Printer Device Description (*LAN) uses the IBM or HP System Driver Program (depending on whether the printer is IBM or HP compatible). The System Driver Program (SYSDRVPGM) uses the appropriate Printer Job Language thus maintaining contact with printer and maintaining the status of printing on the IBM i output queue.

Using an Output Queue and defining the IP address of the printer uses the LPR/LPD printer daemon resulting in control over the spooled file being lost once it has been sent to the output device, and therefore no status is retained on the IBM i output queue.

Significant performance problems may be experienced printing to an output queue. This is because at least 6MB of memory is required per LPR/LPD printer job. Sufficient amount of memory may not be allocated to the spool subsystem QSPL. See System Value QPFRADJ for details of auto-tuning (if you are short of IBM i memory the best solution is to get some more!

Note: IBM recommend QPFRADJ Option 3). Use WRKSYSSTS to check on memory usage, QSPL is usually the third entry down (Use F11 to confirm). A symptom of lack of memory is the spooled file goes to status PND and stays there (no message is produced).

The following device description HP4DEV has been created for an HP4 Laserjet. When creating a Device Description the page size A4 can be specified, otherwise the default is 'Letter'. If the printer is a Lexmark use the IBM System Driver Program. If you are using a non IBM, HP or Lexmark printer try both System Driver Programs, if neither work you will need to use an output queue.

•Example Create Printer Device - HPT

•Example Create Output Queue - HPT

Using PDF Direct

If you wish to print PDF direct to your printer then the best way is to create a Device Description for the printer. You need to make sure that the TRANSFORM parameter is set to *NO. Click on the link below to see an Example

•Example Create Printer Device - PDF Direct