27
Printer Setup
Select a Data Communication Interface
6/15/09 S4M User Guide 13290L-004 Rev. A
Select a Data Communication Interface
Table 5 provides basic information about data communication interfaces that you can use to
connect your printer to a computer. You may send label formats to the printer through any data
communication interface that is available. Select an interface that is supported by both your
printer and your computer or your Local Area Network (LAN).
Table 5 • Characteristics of the Data Communication Interfaces
Interface
Standard or
Optional on
Printer
Characteristics
RS-232 Serial Standard • Maximum cable length of 50 ft (15.24 m).
• You may need to change printer parameters to match the host
computer.
• You need to use a null-modem adaptor to connect to the printer
if using a standard modem cable.
IEEE 1284
Bidirectional Parallel
Standard • Maximum cable length of 10 ft (3 m).
• Recommended cable length of 6 ft (1.83 m).
• An Ethernet print server (if installed) takes up or covers this
port on the printer.
• No printer parameter changes required to match the host
computer.
USB Standard • Maximum cable length of 16.4 ft (5 m).
• No printer parameter changes required to match the host
computer.
Internal wired
Ethernet print server
Optional • Can print to the printer from any computer on your LAN.
• Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web
pages when in ZPL mode.
• Computer must be equipped with an Ethernet board.
• The printer must be configured to use your LAN.
Wireless Ethernet
print server
Optional • Can print to the printer from any computer on your Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN).
• Can communicate with the printer through the printer’s web
pages when in ZPL mode.
• The printer must be configured to use your WLAN.