How to build a Cups Print Server on Ubuntu Mate 16.04


Today we look at how to create a cups print server in Ubuntu MATE 16.04, this will work in all Ubuntu-based distros as well, including 18.04.  

This setup will enable you to do the following.  If you have 2 or more networks in your work or home and you have printers on the one network and you or clients of you are connected to another network in your building and you need to print to your printers on your other networks.

For example, I build this print server at the university where I worked, we recently moved to a different city, we had 3 networks in our network, we had a public network (basically our WI-FI) and a staff network, where all the staff PCs were connected to as well as the printers.  With this setup in mind, I needed a way to print to the printers of the staff network from our public network.

After days of struggling, I got it to work and I made this video, to help others and documentation for me.  A person can use print from Windows, Mac, and Linux workstations.

It can be difficult to set up, but it does work so just keep on trying and follow the video and let me know if you have any questions.

To build this server, you will need it to be connected to both networks.  Your print server also needs a static IP address for both networks.

I have also attached links to other blogs of mine, which is also about printing in Linux if this is not exactly what you are looking for!

Commands Used:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade
sudo apt-get autoremove
sudo apt-get install cups cups-client
sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf
sudo service cups stop
sudo service cups start
sudo apt-get install samba

sudo apt-get install openssh-server

Modify Cups Config File:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SDx41qJWzgajDWL9Gn6KCzpyf6Sc91OQxS8S6CEJEIw/edit?usp=sharing

How to connect to the servers and all printers connected to it:
Linux - as shown in the video
Windows -  http://server-name-or-ip-address:49631/printers/printername

MacOS - http://thelogbox.com/connect-mac-osx-to-cups-printer/

Printer Related Blogs:
How to install USB and Network Printers on Ubuntu 18.04 - https://www.linuxmadesimple.info/2019/01/how-to-install-usb-and-network-printers.html

How to make a USB Printer shareable on a Ubuntu Based Host to your whole Network - https://www.linuxmadesimple.info/2019/02/how-to-make-usb-printer-shareable-on.html

Do you need remote help, setting up your system, installing programs or general troubleshooting?  Hire me on Upwork! Click here!

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