Printing from a remote server via LPR/LPD instead of RDP

Printing via LPR/LPD protocols (Line Printer Remote / Line Printer Daemon) allows jobs to be sent from a remote server without using standard RDP printer redirection. The server prints directly to the store’s local printer as a network device.

When it is worth switching from RDP printing to LPR/LPD

• Printing from a remote server via RDP works unstably.

• The quality of receipts or labels deteriorates (blurred barcodes).

• Jobs disappear from the queue or do not reach the printer.

• Stable printing is required, independent of the RDP session.

How to understand that the problem is specifically with RDP printing

• The printer is visible in RDP, but it does not print.

• There is a delay of 5–10 seconds before printing starts.

• Barcodes are unclear, and the scanner cannot read them.

• The print queue on the server clears, but nothing comes out of the printer.

Why printing through RDP works unstably

• RDP Easy Print sends print jobs as a graphic image (XPS), not as native commands.

• Printing depends on the state of the RDP session.

• Universal drivers distort ZPL/EPL commands for receipt and label printers.

What needs to be prepared before configuration

Step 1. Preparing the local PC (store)

1. Enable Windows components:

•    LPD Print Service

•    LPR Port Monitor

2. In the printer properties:

•    Enable sharing.

•    Assign a short printer name in Latin letters without spaces (for example, Zebra).

•    Remember the letter case (it is case-sensitive).

3. Reserve the local IP address of the PC in the router settings (DHCP Reservation).

Step 2. Configuring the router

1. Enable Port Forwarding:

•    Protocol: TCP

•    External port: 515

•    Internal port: 515

•    Internal IP: the address of the PC with the printer

2. If there is no static IP:

•    Configure DDNS (for example, no-ip / dyndns).

•    Use the DDNS domain name instead of the IP.

Step 3. Configuring the remote server

1. Add a new printer manually.

2. Create a Standard TCP/IP port.

3. In the port settings:

•    Protocol: LPR

•    Queue name: the exact resource name (case-sensitive).

•    Enable LPR byte counting.

4. Install the same native driver as on the local PC.

•    It is prohibited to use Easy Print or universal drivers.

Step 4. Protection (mandatory)

1. Create a rule in Windows Firewall on the local PC:

•    Inbound connections → TCP → port 515.

2. In the Scope tab:

•    Allow connections only from the IP address of the remote server.

3. Do not allow other addresses.

How to check that printing works correctly

• Print a test page from the server — printing should start instantly.

• Check the barcode with a scanner.

• Restart the router and repeat printing (DDNS check).

Prevention

• If printing disappears — check the external IP or DDNS.

• Do not enable printer redirection in RDP settings.

• Do not change the queue name after configuring LPR.