Types of network connections

Wired network connection example

Generally there are two types of network connections: Peer-to-Peer and Network Shared environment.

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.	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 described on the following page. See Network Shared printing.
•	Each computer must use the TCP/IP Protocol.
•	The Brother machine needs to have an appropriate IP address configuration.
•	If you are using routers, the Gateway address must be configured on the computers and the Brother machine.
•	The Brother machine can also communicate with Macintosh (TCP/IP compatible operating systems).

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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, USB or parallel¹ (where available)
4.	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 or the parallel interface at the server.

¹	Available for DCP-8085DN and MFC-8880DN

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