Understanding the Virtual Printer Gateway

The InfoPrint Manager for AIX Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) is a specialized utility that enables the submission of raw print jobs to an InfoPrint Manager destination over a TCP/IP connection. This functionality is particularly useful when integrating InfoPrint Manager with other operating systems or software that generate raw print data.

The Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) listens for incoming TCP/IP connections on port 9100. When a client sends a print job, Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) receives the raw data and forwards it directly to an InfoPrint Manager destination, bypassing the AIX print subsystem entirely. This allows for seamless job submission from non-AIX systems or custom printing applications.

Only one instance of Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) can run at a time on a given InfoPrint Manager server. Attempting to run multiple instances may result in conflicts or failure to bind to port 9100.

Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) can use a mapping file to interpret and translate PJL commands embedded in the data stream. These PJL commands are mapped to corresponding InfoPrint Manager attributes, ensuring that job parameters like paper size, input trays, and duplex settings are correctly applied. A sample mapping file is provided with the InfoPrint Manager installation. This file must be reviewed and customized to align with your specific print environment and job requirements before submitting any jobs to the Virtual Printer Daemon (VPD) Gateway.

For more information on modifying the mapping file and submitting print files through the VPD, see RICOH InfoPrint Manager for AIX: Procedures.