Parallel Communications - Lexmark Optra W810 Reference

The following diagram illustrates how internal and external print servers relate to a net-
work, client workstations, and the printer:
Network
If the Optra W810 (or any other Lexmark printer that supports NPAP bidirectional proto-
col) is connected to a parallel port of a MarkNet print server, the printer is supported by
MarkVision.

Parallel communications

The standard parallel port on the printer uses a standard 36-pin Centronics interface. In
addition to unidirectional communication, it also supports the Nibble, Byte, and Enhanced
Capability Port (ECP) modes of the IEEE 1284 specification for bidirectional communica-
tions on a parallel port. An optional high-speed parallel 1284-C adapter is also available
to provide an additional 1284-C parallel port.
The Optra W810 supports three modes of parallel communication: unidirectional commu-
nication, reverse channel mode, and full bidirectional communication. The printer can
automatically negotiate with the host computer to select the highest performing
IEEE 1284 mode supported by both devices.
Connectivity and network management
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Internal
print server
External print
server