Network Printer Detection via Management Service Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environments, configuring printer settings on managed devices is challenging due to frequent changes in printer additions, removals, and IP addresses, and the lack of directory service binding makes it difficult for devices to detect and access available printers without assistance.
Innovation Solution
A remote computing environment that automatically detects printer additions or removals, allows administrators to specify device access to network printers, and manages print operations remotely, including authentication, without requiring devices to be bound to an enterprise domain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If devices are bound to enterprise domain for printer access, then printer detection and access is enabled, but device complexity and deployment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management service as an intermediary between devices and printers. This service runs on a separate server and handles printer detection, authentication, and configuration remotely, eliminating the need for devices to be domain-bound while maintaining printer access capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The management service enables devices to automatically detect and configure printers without manual intervention. The system performs self-service by automatically discovering printers on the network, retrieving their configuration details, and applying appropriate settings to devices remotely
2Ease of operation
If manual printer configuration is performed, then printer access is established, but time consumption and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The management service performs preliminary actions by pre-detecting available printers, retrieving their configuration details, and preparing configuration profiles before devices need to access them. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual configuration when devices are deployed or moved
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs printer detection and configuration without requiring administrator intervention. The management service continuously monitors the network for printers, retrieves their settings, and automatically applies configurations to devices, freeing up administrative time
3Ease of operation
If printer settings are manually configured on each device, then printer access is enabled, but device management complexity and security control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The management service acts as a centralized intermediary that controls all printer configurations. Instead of configuring each device individually, the service remotely manages printer settings for multiple devices from a single point, simplifying administration and improving security control
Solution Approach 2:
The management service provides universal functionality by handling printer detection, authentication, and configuration for multiple devices simultaneously. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate manual configuration processes for each device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various examples for network printer detection and authentication for managed device deployment. In one example, a computing environment can access a listing of network printers received from a printer discovery service executed in an enterprise device in an intranet behind a firewall. A user group associated with a client device enrolled with a management service can be identified as well as at least one of the network printers assigned to the user group. The client device can be remotely configured to access the at least one of the network printers assigned to the user group.