VPN and printing
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I have a client that has their program in a data center and they need access to the files via Windows file explorer to view and print. I almost know nothing about VPN and could use a few pointers.
The printers in the office are a Sharp MF and HP p203o LaserJet.
Both have static IP on the LAN and the Sharp uses the Sharp software/driver set where as the HP is using the Universal Driver set.
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Are the users accessing these documents on the same network the printers are on?
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Not really sure what the question is. Is the program they are accessing located in the datacenter, and that app on the remote system needs to print to the local printers? Please clarify.
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Certain users will not be using the program, they will be accessing files via Windows Explorer that is on the cloud server. These same files that they will be accessing they need to print locally.
Files and program on cloud server.
Users and printers on LAN in office.
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@technobabble How are they accessing the program?
Realistically if there is a full VPN (client or site-to-site) then you should be able to add printers to the remote server which would access the printers on the local LAN. Is this the best way of doing it? Depends on your environment and the bandwidth between sites.
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@coliver Program is accessed by RDP app.... however, they have a different RDP desktop login so they can see the remote desktop and see Windows Explorer.
Also nothing is in place...basically the datacenter guys said...oh...to print from Windows Explorere you need VPN...and tell your IT guy.
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Do you have full access to the remote machine? You can install things on it?
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Ok...Ok...hold the phone...if they are using RDP...why aren't the printers redirecting?
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@coliver I have access to a RDP desktop when the customer is not using it.. I presume I have privileges.
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A VPN will make everything into a single network. That one site is local and one is remote will be invisible. All applications should work exactly the same as when everyone is in one place. It literally turns everything into a single LAN.
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@scottalanmiller said:
A VPN will make everything into a single network. That one site is local and one is remote will be invisible. All applications should work exactly the same as when everyone is in one place. It literally turns everything into a single LAN.
Exactly. This.
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@technobabble said:
Ok...Ok...hold the phone...if they are using RDP...why aren't the printers redirecting?
There is a check box in the RDP shortcut options to connect local printers to remote session. Make sure that box is checked.
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It's usually checked by default, but maybe it isn't. In the remote session, it'll show as "redirected" under Printers and Devices.
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@thanksaj Thanks, this I know...I originally setup all their servers a few years ago and all of their "clients offices" were able to print from those servers via printer redirection.
Since they decided to move the servers offsite, I have not be included in anything until they asked about printing and VPN.
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@technobabble said:
@thanksaj Thanks, this I know...I originally setup all their servers a few years ago and all of their "clients offices" were able to print from those servers via printer redirection.
Since they decided to move the servers offsite, I have not be included in anything until they asked about printing and VPN.
The VPN is just connectivity. As Scott had said, it really should have no bearing on printing. Once the VPN is in place, it's all one logical network, despite being different physical networks.
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@thanksaj I understand, I'm just thinking out loud...there is no need for VPN to print if they have a full RDP desktop...
Now if some users have only the RDP app then they would not have access to RDP desktop.
Easiest fix...give RDP desktops to those who need to access files as well as the program.
Why make it more difficult adding technology.
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@technobabble said:
@thanksaj I understand, I'm just thinking out loud...there is no need for VPN to print if they have a full RDP desktop...
Now if some users have only the RDP app then they would not have access to RDP desktop.
Easiest fix...give RDP desktops to those who need to access files as well as the program.
Why make it more difficult adding technology.
That would make the most sense. KISS
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Is printing through RDP redirection working now?
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@Dashrender Yes, that is how they print from the program. So I think it's a misunderstanding between the data center and the client.
