Accessing the HP Laser Printer Embedded Web Server Features
Most everyone has heard the term “embedded Web Server”, but how many actually use it on a day-to-day basis? What is the Embedded Web server and how can you utilize it to improve your overall effectiveness in servicing and troubleshooting HP LaserJet printer problems?
The embedded Web server is just what it implies: a Web-based interface that is embedded within the firmware of the printer that can be accessed directly through a network connection. No special software is required to access the embedded server; simply a network connection or cross connect cable and a browser.
Once accessed, the printer status information, change settings, and management options can be seen from the computer. Essentially, the entire control panel is resented in an easy to read, graphical format that can be monitored, and manipulated remotely.
This article is not meant to be an instruction manual on using the embedded Web server, but a brief overview of some of the features available to technician in the field.
HP Laserjet printers will display varying information, depending on installed features and capabilities. With the embedded Web server, you can perform the following tasks:
• View control panel messages and product status information
• Determine remaining life for all supplies
• Gain access to the printer’s technical support page
• View and change tray configurations
• View and change configuration
• View and print product information, such as configuration page
• View and change network configuration
Accessing the embedded Web server is very simple. Typing the I.P. address of the printer into a browser's address line will open the server. For example, for this printer, type: http:\\10.32.66.16 and the device status is displayed.
The server interface is organized into 3 main categories:
1. Information,
2. Settings and
3. Networking.
Each category has a sub-menu of items or information. The Information segment provides a list of options:
The Configuration Page shows the entire configuration of the printer as shown below.
Note that the page also shows part numbers of components installed in the machine:
The Supplies Status page shows the current status of all supplies in the printer.
The Event Log will show up to the last 50 events that occurred on the machine, including page count, error code and description.
The Control Panel option shows the CURRENT status of the control panel display.
All of the information shown from the embedded Web server is current information. Anytime the browser is reloaded or refreshed the information shown is current.
The remaining options on the Information tab are self explanatory and will not be depicted in detail here.
The Settings tab has many features that can be configured to notify users, set alarm levels, and establish security parameters. The most important option for the technician in the field is the Configure Device option.
This option provides access to the printer's entire control panel menu. All menu options may not only be seen in an organized fashion, but may also be executed remotely.
Configuration pages, paper path tests, demo pages, can all be printed from here.
Diagnostics can be run and the configuration can be viewed, and changed, all from the convenient interface of the Web server.
How clumsy is it to configure a NIC?
Navigating through all the network settings and options is not only time consuming, but often confusing due to the limitations of what can be seen on the display panel. One slip of the finger on the control panel buttons means starting over. On the control panel, very limited information is available, but with the Web server, all network settings and options can be viewed and modified, all from one screen. Using this feature will leave no doubt about what features or settings are in place and current.
Notice that each tab addresses various network types and protocols (TCP/IP, IPX,SPX, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC, SNMP). Only the options that pertain to the current network need to be considered.
There is no need to navigate and disable all the options that aren't needed for a particular network environment. Please note, that if the I.P. address is changed from this screen, the Web server will need to be restarted in order to reflect the new I.P. Address.
The Embedded Web Server is a powerful and convenient tool that provides a technician a wide range of functions as well as extensive information about various conditions of the printer.
The ability to see all reports, configurations and supplies, provides a complete overview of the printer and its current status. Combine this with the ability to change settings, reconfigure, and execute any menu items remotely, makes the embedded
Web server a great addition to any technician’s skill set.
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