Network printers in multiple boxes

This is an update to the previous entry about network printers from multiple linux boxes.

The previous post was correct, but it possible is easier to just install the printers on each linux box. Otherwise it becomes necessary to address the printer with the IP address of the computer where the printers were installed and where CUPS is running.

For example, if the IP of the computer where the printers where installed is 192.168.1.5, to access the MFC5440CN printer you will need to address the printer like MFC5440CN@192.168.1.5 and so you will also need to put the brpcfax command like this (see previous posts about brpcfax) to print from OpenOffice and Firefox:

brpcfax -P MFC5440CN@192.168.1.5

Another obvious disadvantage of this method is that you need to have the computer with IP 192.168.1.5 on when you want to print from another computer. Also, that computer will need a static IP address or you will need to reconfigure the printer name when the IP changes (reboot, power failure, expiry, etc).

To install the printer in another box just follow the standard instructions as in the previous post about the printer installation.