IPP vs Port 9100 for Network Printing

Network printing involves two main protocols: the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and the legacy Port 9100 printing method. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Internet Printing Protocol (IPP)

IPP is a modern, standardized protocol for network printing that operates on TCP port 631. It offers several advantages over Port 9100:

• Security: IPP supports encryption and authentication, ensuring secure transmission of print data.[2]
• Printer Management: Clients can query and manage printer settings, status, and job information.[5]
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: IPP is a vendor-neutral standard supported by most modern operating systems and printers.[2]
• Advanced Features: IPP supports job prioritization, accounting, and advanced finishing options.[2]

IPP defines high-level Printer, Job, and Document objects, allowing clients to communicate with printers more efficiently.[5] It is widely implemented in open-source projects and is the recommended protocol for modern network printing environments, especially in enterprise or security-conscious settings.[2][5]

Port 9100 Printing

Port 9100 printing, also known as Raw TCP/IP or HP Jetdirect printing, is an older and more basic method that operates on TCP port 9100. It works by opening a TCP socket connection and streaming a print-ready file directly to the printer’s input buffer.[1]

The main advantages of Port 9100 printing are:

• Simplicity: It requires minimal configuration and can work without additional software.[1]
• Compatibility: Many older printers and applications support Port 9100 out of the box.[1]

However, Port 9100 has several drawbacks:

• No Encryption: Data is transmitted in clear text, posing a security risk when printing sensitive documents.[3]
• Limited Functionality: There is no way to query the printer’s status, capabilities, or job information.[2]
• Lack of Standardization: Port 9100 is a proprietary protocol with varying implementations across manufacturers.[1]

Choosing Between IPP and Port 9100

When deciding between IPP and Port 9100, consider the following factors:

1. Security Requirements: If you need to print sensitive or confidential documents, IPP is the more secure choice due to its encryption and authentication capabilities.[3]
2. Printer Management Needs: If you require advanced printer management features, such as monitoring status or managing print jobs, IPP is the better option.[2]
3. Compatibility: If you have older printers or applications that only support Port 9100, you may need to stick with that protocol for compatibility reasons.[1]
4. Simplicity vs. Functionality: Port 9100 is simpler to set up but offers limited functionality, while IPP provides more features but may require more configuration effort.[2]

In general, for modern network printing environments, especially in enterprise or security-conscious settings, IPP is the recommended protocol due to its advanced features, security, and standardization.[2][4][5] However, if you have specific compatibility requirements or prefer a simpler setup, Port 9100 may still be a viable option for basic printing needs.[1]

Citations:
[1] https://www.support.xerox.com/en-us/article/KB0095028
[2] https://www.papercut.com/blog/print_tips/printing-over-a-network-you-should-be-using-ipp-printing/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/xk8to7/it_security_question_am_i_asking_too_much_from_a/
[4] https://weberblog.net/a-little-printing-please-packet-capture/
[5] https://www.pwg.org/ipp/ippguide.html