Wireless Printer Access Point with Spooling Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network printing technologies face challenges in providing easy and secure wireless printer access for visitors while maintaining internal network security, requiring complex setup and posing security risks.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a wireless computing device to connect to a wireless network, download printer drivers, and transmit print jobs through a spooling device, with a printer access point checking packets for authorization, allowing secure printing to specific printers without accessing the entire network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless device users are allowed to access printers in a secure network, then printing convenience for visitors is improved, but network security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print portal server as an intermediary component that sits between wireless device users and the secure network printers. This server receives print jobs from wireless devices, processes them through a web browser interface, and forwards them to the appropriate printers in the secure network. The intermediary architecture allows printing functionality to be accessed by wireless users without granting them direct network access, thus maintaining network security while enabling convenient printing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a public wireless access point is set up for printer access, then user connectivity is improved, but unauthorized access to network devices becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network architecture into distinct functional zones: a public wireless access layer for user connectivity, a controlled print portal server layer for job processing, and a secure printer layer for actual printing. This segmentation allows wireless users to connect to the public access point and submit print jobs through the web interface, while the firewall and access control mechanisms prevent them from accessing other network devices. The segmentation isolates the harmful potential of public wireless access while preserving its connectivity benefits.
3Reliability
If multiple setup steps are required for network printing, then network control is improved, but setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service printing system where wireless device users can independently complete the entire printing setup process through a web browser interface. The print portal server automatically handles driver selection, printer discovery, and job submission without requiring users to manually configure network settings or install software. This self-service approach maintains network control through automated authentication and access management while dramatically reducing setup complexity for end users.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the invention, a method for providing a visitor safe wireless printer access point, includes: connecting a wireless computing device to a wireless network, where the wireless network provides an access point to a print spooling device; determining available printers in a secure wired network; selecting one of the available printers for printing; establishing a print path through the spooling device to the selected printer; sending a print job via the wireless network to the spooling device; spooling the print job on the spooling device; and sending the print job via the secure wired network to the selected printer.