Types of Network Connections

Wired network connection example

Peer-to-Peer printing using TCP/IP

In a Peer-to-Peer environment, each computer directly sends and receives data to each device. There is no central server controlling file access or printer sharing.

1.	Switch or Router
2.	Network printer (your machine)

•	In a smaller network of 2 or 3 computers, we recommend the Peer-to-Peer printing method as it is easier to configure than the Network Shared Printing method. (See Network Shared Printing.)
•	Each computer must use the TCP/IP Protocol.
•	The Brother machine needs an appropriate IP address configuration.
•	If you are using a router, the Gateway address must be configured on the computers and the Brother machine.

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Network Shared Printing

In a Network Shared environment, each computer sends data via a centrally controlled computer. This type of computer is often called a “Server” or a “Print Server”. Its job is to control the printing of all print jobs.

1.	Client computer
2.	Also known as “Server” or “Print Server”
3.	TCP/IP or USB (where available)
4.	Network printer (your machine)

•	In a larger network, we recommend a Network Shared printing environment.
•	The “Server” or the “Print Server” must use the TCP/IP Print Protocol.
•	The Brother machine needs to have an appropriate IP address configuration unless the machine is connected via the USB interface at the server.

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