How To Connect to a Shared Printer on a Network with CUPS or Terminal

The ability to share a printer across a network is a powerful tool that can enhance productivity in both home and office environments. This article will guide you through the process of connecting to a shared printer on a network using the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) or the Terminal.

Introduction to CUPS

CUPS, short for Common Unix Printing System, is a modular printing system for Unix-like operating systems that allows a computer to act as a print server, enabling other computers on the network to use a connected printer.

Sharing a Printer Locally with CUPS

Step 1: Access the CUPS Web Interface

Open your web browser and enter http://localhost:631/ in the address bar. This will lead you to the CUPS web interface.

Step 2: Add Printer

Click on the “Administration” tab and then select “Add Printer”. You will be prompted to enter your username and password.

Step 3: Configure Printer Settings

Follow the prompts to select your printer and configure its settings. Once the printer is added, it will be available for printing on your local machine.

Sharing a Printer Over a Network with CUPS

Step 1: Install CUPS Server

Ensure the CUPS server is installed on the machine that has the printer connected.

Step 2: Access the CUPS Web Interface on the Server Machine

Open the CUPS web interface on the server machine by entering http://localhost:631/ in a web browser.

Step 3: Add and Share Printer

Click on the “Administration” tab and then “Add Printer”. Follow the prompts to select your printer and configure its settings. During the setup, ensure to enable printer sharing and set the appropriate permissions. Once the printer is added and shared, other computers on the network can connect to it.

Connecting to a Shared Printer on the Network

Using CUPS Web Interface

1. Find New Printers: Open the CUPS web interface on the client machine by entering http://localhost:631/ in a web browser. Click on the “Administration” tab and then “Find New Printers”. CUPS will search for available printers on the network and display them.
2. Select and Add Printer: Select the shared printer you want to connect to and follow the prompts to add it to your system.

Using the Terminal

1. List Available Printers: Open a terminal on the client machine. Use the lpinfo -v command to list available printers on the network. The -v parameter in this command stands for ‘verbose’, which means it will provide detailed information about each printer.
2. Add Printer: Look for the printer URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the shared printer you want to connect to. Use the lpadmin command to add the printer to your system:

lpadmin -p printer_name -v printer_uri -E

In this command, -p specifies the name you want to assign to the printer, -v specifies the printer’s URI, and -E enables the printer.

3. Set Default Printer: Set the added printer as the default printer using the lpoptions command:

lpoptions -d printer_name

The -d parameter sets the specified printer as the default.

Remember to ensure that the CUPS server is properly configured for printer sharing and that the necessary permissions are set. Additionally, make sure the client machine is on the same network as the server hosting the shared printer.

For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting, you can refer to the CUPS documentation.

In conclusion, whether you opt to use the CUPS web interface or the Terminal, connecting to a shared printer on a network is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your printing capabilities.