LPS CONNECTIONS
Application software
Application software packages are used in both mainframe and
workstation environments and are necessary to create the
documents printed on the 4890. Each software product provides
its own means of placing color within a document.
Connecting the printer and the environment
Connectivity
Connectivity permits the transport of a document from the
application software and the platform it runs on to the printer.
Interface hardware and cables are typically required. Modems
may be included for remote connections. Additional hardware
and software, communication protocol converters, and data
stream converters may be required for certain platforms and
applications. The “Connectivity overview“ section provides an
overview of the types of connectivity hardware required for 4890
systems.
Connectivity overview
Connectivity includes hardware and software that translates the
output from the application software into a format the printer
understands. This translation process may require conversion of
electrical signals, communication protocols, and data streams.
A functional connection between an environment and the 4890
LPS may require one or more of the following types of
connectivity products:
•
Optional interface. A hardware and software solution that
enables a platform to be directly connected to a 4890
printer.
•
Communication module. A bridge or gateway. A bridge
converts communication protocols and connects similar
hardware paths. For example, a communication module that
converts TCP/IP on Ethernet to XNS on Ethernet is a bridge.
A gateway converts communication protocols and connects
two different hardware paths. An example of a gateway is a
communication module that converts Novell protocol on
Token Ring to TCP/IP on Ethernet.
•
Front end. Hardware and software that converts data streams
not supported by the printer into a format that can be
printed.
Primary connectivity concerns
To determine what connectivity hardware you need for your
system, consider the following:
•
The interface options available for your system
•
The communication protocols used by your platform
•
The data streams output by your application software.
XEROX 4890 HIGHLIGHT COLOR LPS PRODUCT REFERENCE
4-3