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Networking a Thermal Label Printer


There are multiple ways to network a thermal printer in Descartes ShipRush Web.


Quick Printer Networking

Use the ShipRush Web Toolbox for networking the printer. Confirm that the printer is powered up. Also, confirm that the PC or Mac to which the printer is connected is powered up and has Internet access.


Power Networking: Using an Ethernet-Enabled Printer

A solid way to network a thermal printer is to use a Zebra printer that has built-in Ethernet. This allows multiple computers and different software apps to share the printer.

For example, Zebra models ZP450, ZP500, ZP505, and GK420d are each available with built-in Ethernet. These models are both easy to set up and reliable.


Note: If you are not comfortable setting up network printers, retain a PC technician or consultant. Descartes does not provide technical support for networking.


Alternate Method: Hardware Print Server

There are small print servers available that allow USB printers to be attached directly to the network (e.g., Linksys and IOGear make those types of devices).

Another option is to connect the printer to a computer, install a print driver on the computer, and then share the printer on the network.

The printer will have an IP address if it is attached to the Ethernet or print server. There are multiple ways to set up Windows to communicate with a networked printer. One way is shown in the walk through steps below.


Windows Printer Sharing

If the printer is physically attached to a computer, connect to it by its share name (e.g., \computer-nameprinter-name). Do the following:

  1. Attach the thermal printer to a PC on the network.

  2. On the PC, install a print driver of type: (Manufacturer) Generic (Model) Text Only.

  3. During printer installation, choose to share the printer. Assign the printer an obvious name, such as "Zebra450".

  4. In Descartes ShipRush Web on the same PC, perform a test print:

    • Go to SETTINGS, and then click Printer: Shipping Label.

    • On the Printing Method dropdown, click ShipRush Cloud Print.

    • On the Printer Type dropdown, select the thermal printer.

    • Click Print Test Label.

    • Confirm printing was successful.

  5. On a PC that you want to share the same printer, start the wizard to install a new printer. Select the network printer created above.

  6. Repeat the above step for each PC that you want to share the same printer.

You should now be able to print to this printer over the network.

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