Working With IPDS

IPDS is a printer device data stream (specific to IBM) that contains the information necessary to identify, monitor, and control the functions of the printer. This information includes the characteristics of the printer, its resolution, what resources it has, whether it has sufficient memory, and whether it receives and prints a job.

IPDS enables a two-way dialog between the printer and the printer driver to create a cooperative print management system. IPDS is device dependent and is unique for each printer.

Printing IPDS jobs

This is the general procedure for setting up the printer for printing an IPDS job. The procedure assumes that the correct IPDS options have been entered using Set Option , and that a virtual printer with appropriate attributes for the job, including a media list, has been created. It also assumes that printing and queuing are started.

1. Enter Show IPDS Status so that you know the current system state and virtual printer state.

2. Enter Set Channel Online , if needed.

3. Enter Set IPDS Virtual Printer , if needed.

4. Load the required paper stock in the printer.

5. Set up the paper trays using Set Tray or Set Tray from Virtual Printer Media .

6. Enter Start IPDS Printing , if needed.