QMS 860, User Manual, Page: 55 / 398

Introduction
Interface is the point at which two elements connect so they can
work together. Printer-host interface is the way a printer connects
to and works with a host (for example, a microcomputer,
minicomputer, mainframe computer, or a network), and it involves
both hardware and software. The way your printer interfaces with
a host depends on many things, including host type, host ports
available, interface cabling, application software, printer
emulations, and printer drivers.
This chapter first explains your printer’s Simultaneous Interface
Operation (SIO) and Emulation Sensing Processor (ESP)
technology. Both of these resident features enhance printer-host
interface. Then this chapter describes how to connect a host to the
printer’s AppleTalk, parallel, or serial port, and test the
communication on that port.
Optional Network Interfaces
In addition to the three standard interfaces—AppleTalk, parallel,
and serial—the QMS 860 Print System has the option of using
another network interface, such as DECnet, TCP/IP, and EtherTalk
on Ethernet networks, and Novell NetWare on Ethernet and
Token-Ring networks. This additional interface option allows
greater flexibility when working in a complex network
environment. See your QMS vendor for a list of available network
interfaces.
If you have purchased an optional network interface for the printer,
see chapter 8, “Printer Options,” for installation instructions, and
see your network and your interface kit documentation for
Chapter 3
P r i n t e r - H o s t I n t e r f a c e 3 - 1