How to Build a Raspberry Pi Print Server for Network Printer Sharing

Introduction to Raspberry Pi Print Servers

Building a Raspberry Pi print server offers an affordable and flexible way to share printers across a home or office network. Using CUPS (Common Unix Printing System), the Raspberry Pi acts as the central point for managing printer drivers, queuing print jobs, and allowing multiple devices to access one or more USB or Wi-Fi printers. By installing Samba, printers can also be shared with Windows and other devices supporting the SMB protocol. This guide will outline how to set up your Raspberry Pi as a print server, including network configuration, printer setup, and remote printer management.

Key Takeaways

• Raspberry Pi Setup: Ensure you use a reliable model, like the Raspberry Pi 4, and configure a static IP for consistent network access.
• CUPS Installation: CUPS handles print job management and allows easy setup through its web interface.
• Samba for Printer Sharing: Samba enables printer sharing with Windows and other devices using the SMB protocol.
• Network Configuration: Use static IP addresses and configure Avahi for AirPrint support on Apple devices.
• Security: Set up SSH access, firewall rules, and CUPS authentication to secure the print server.
• Troubleshooting: Check CUPS logs for errors and use systemd for automated service recovery.

Step-by-Step Raspberry Pi Setup for a Print Server

Choosing the Right Raspberry Pi Model

For a reliable print server, the Raspberry Pi 4 is recommended due to its processing power and network capabilities, but models like the Raspberry Pi 3 or Raspberry Pi Zero W can also handle basic print tasks. Ensure your Raspberry Pi has enough processing capacity to manage multiple print jobs, especially if you’re sharing a USB printer or several network printers.

Installing Raspberry Pi OS

To begin, install Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian), the official operating system for Raspberry Pi. Use the Raspberry Pi Imager tool to write the OS image to a microSD card. For print server tasks, the Lite version is recommended as it provides a command-line interface with fewer system resources required. After installation, connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor or access it via SSH.

Network Configuration

Once Raspberry Pi OS is installed, connect your Raspberry Pi to the same network as the devices that will use the printer. You can choose between a wired Ethernet connection or configure Wi-Fi by editing the /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf file for your network credentials. A static IP address is highly recommended to ensure the Raspberry Pi’s IP doesn’t change, which could disrupt printer access.

Installing and Configuring CUPS for Your Print Server

Installing CUPS

To turn your Raspberry Pi into a print server, you first need to install CUPS (Common Unix Printing System). CUPS is responsible for managing printers and handling print jobs. Install it by running the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install cups

CUPS includes everything necessary to add and manage printers on the network. After installation, the CUPS service will automatically start.

Adding Your User to the lpadmin Group

For administrative tasks in CUPS (like adding printers), ensure your user has the correct permissions. Add your user to the lpadmin group with the following command:

sudo usermod -aG lpadmin pi

Configuring CUPS for Remote Access

By default, CUPS is configured for local access only. To allow remote devices to use and manage printers, you need to edit the CUPS configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

Find the following lines and update them to allow remote access:

# Restrict access to the server...
<Location />
  Order allow,deny
  Allow @local
</Location>

# Restrict access to the admin pages...
<Location /admin>
  Order allow,deny
  Allow @local
</Location>

This ensures that any device on the local network can access the print server. Save the changes and restart the CUPS service:

sudo systemctl restart cups

Accessing the CUPS Web Interface

You can now manage the print server through the CUPS web interface. Open a web browser on any device in your network and navigate to:

http://<Raspberry Pi IP>:631

This interface allows you to add, remove, and configure printers.

Setting Up Printer Sharing with Samba

Installing Samba

To allow Windows and other devices that use the SMB protocol to access printers shared by the Raspberry Pi, you need to install Samba. Samba enables file and printer sharing between Linux and devices that support SMB/CIFS, like Windows. Install Samba with the following command:

sudo apt-get install samba

Once Samba is installed, you’ll need to configure it to share the printer.

Configuring Samba for Printer Sharing

To share printers with other devices on the network, edit the Samba configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add the following section at the bottom of the file to enable printer sharing:

[printers]   comment = All Printers
   browseable = yes
   path = /var/spool/samba
   printable = yes
   guest ok = no
   read only = yes
   create mask = 0700

[print$]
   comment = Printer Drivers
   path = /usr/share/cups/drivers
   browseable = yes
   read only = yes
   guest ok = no

This configuration will make all printers shared by CUPS available over Samba. After making these changes, restart the Samba service to apply the new settings:

sudo systemctl restart smbd

Testing Printer Sharing

From a Windows machine, open the Network section in File Explorer, and you should see your Raspberry Pi listed. Double-click the Pi and navigate to the Printers section. You should now see the shared printer available for use.

On Linux systems, you can use the SMB protocol to connect to the shared printer via the Print Settings interface or manually configure it using the printer’s IP.

Network Printer Configuration

Assigning a Static IP

To ensure stable and consistent access to the Raspberry Pi print server, it’s essential to assign a static IP address. A static IP prevents your Raspberry Pi from changing its IP each time it reboots or the router resets, which would disrupt printer access.

You can set a static IP by editing the DHCP configuration. Open the following file:

sudo nano /etc/dhcpcd.conf

Add the following lines, replacing the placeholders with your network’s specific values:

interface eth0  # or wlan0 if using Wi-Fistatic ip_address=192.168.1.100/24  # Replace with desired static IP
static routers=192.168.1.1          # Replace with your router's IP
static domain_name_servers=192.168.1.1  # Replace with your DNS server

Save the file and restart the Raspberry Pi to apply the changes:

sudo reboot

Wi-Fi Configuration

If you’re using Wi-Fi to connect your Raspberry Pi to the network, configure the Wi-Fi settings in the wpa_supplicant.conf file. You can do this by editing the following:

sudo nano /etc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf

Add the following configuration for your network:

network={    ssid="Your_SSID"
    psk="Your_Password"

Save and exit the file, then restart the network service:

sudo systemctl restart networking

Enabling Avahi for Printer Discovery (Bonjour)

For automatic printer discovery on macOS and iOS devices, you can enable Avahi, which is an implementation of Bonjour (mDNS). This allows printers shared by the Raspberry Pi to be discovered on the network without manually entering the IP address.

To install Avahi, run:

sudo apt-get install avahi-daemon

Avahi works out of the box without further configuration. Once installed, printers shared through CUPS will be discoverable by Apple devices as AirPrint printers.

Testing Network Printer Access

After setting up the static IP and Avahi, test the network printer from other devices:

1. On Windows, use the Add Printer Wizard and search for printers by name or IP.
2. On Linux, add the printer using the Print Settings interface or manually enter the static IP.
3. On macOS or iOS, the printer should automatically appear as an AirPrint printer.

Managing Printers and Print Jobs

Accessing the CUPS Web Interface

You can manage printers and print jobs via the CUPS web interface. Open any web browser and navigate to:

http://<Raspberry Pi IP>:631

From this interface, you can add new printers, manage existing ones, and handle print jobs. You can also adjust printer queue settings and view detailed logs for troubleshooting.

Adding a Printer in CUPS

To add a new printer, follow these steps:

1. In the CUPS web interface, click on Administration and then select Add Printer.
2. CUPS will list the available USB or network printers. Choose the printer you want to add.
3. Select the appropriate driver for your printer. If your printer model isn’t listed, use a generic PostScript Printer Description (PPD) file or install a specific driver (e.g., HPLIP for HP printers).
4. Configure default options such as paper size, print quality, and whether the printer should be shared.

After adding the printer, it will be accessible from all devices on the network.

Managing Print Jobs

From the CUPS web interface, you can view and manage print queues. This includes pausing, canceling, or restarting print jobs. Additionally, you can set up printer classes to group multiple printers for efficient load balancing. Here’s how to manage jobs:

• Pause/Resume a Printer: Temporarily stop or restart a printer.
• Cancel a Print Job: Cancel a stuck or unwanted job from the print queue.
• Prioritize Jobs: Adjust the priority of specific jobs in the queue if multiple print requests are waiting.

Monitoring Printer Status

The CUPS status page displays the current state of each printer, including whether it is online, out of paper, or experiencing an error. You can also access detailed logs by navigating to /var/log/cups/:

• error_log: Contains details about any issues CUPS encounters.
• access_log: Records all print job requests and accesses.

Remote Access to Printer Management

If you need to manage printers remotely, use SSH to access the Raspberry Pi’s command-line interface. You can use commands like:

• lpstat -p to list the printers.
• lpq to view the print queue.
• lpadmin to configure printers.

Advanced Configuration and Security

Setting Up Firewall Rules

To secure your Raspberry Pi print server, you should configure the firewall to restrict unnecessary access and open only the required ports for CUPS and Samba. The most important ports for a print server are:

• Port 631 for CUPS (Internet Printing Protocol)
• Ports 139 and 445 for Samba (SMB protocol)

You can use UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall) to manage the firewall. First, install UFW if it’s not already installed:

sudo apt-get install ufw

Next, allow the necessary ports:

sudo ufw allow 631/tcp  # Allow CUPSsudo ufw allow 139/tcp  # Allow Samba
sudo ufw allow 445/tcp  # Allow Samba

Enable the firewall with:

sudo ufw enable

This ensures only the required services for printing are accessible, reducing potential security vulnerabilities.

SSH Access and Security

To remotely manage your Raspberry Pi print server, SSH provides a secure way to access the terminal from any computer. By default, SSH is installed, but it may not be enabled. To enable SSH, run the following command:

sudo systemctl enable ssh
sudo systemctl start ssh

For better security, change the default password of the Raspberry Pi using:

passwd

You can also restrict SSH access to specific IP addresses and disable password-based login in favor of SSH key-based authentication for a more secure setup. To configure SSH key authentication, follow these steps:

1. Generate an SSH key pair on your local machine:bashCopy codessh-keygen
2. Copy the public key to your Raspberry Pi:

ssh-copy-id pi@<Raspberry Pi IP>

CUPS Authentication

If you’re concerned about unauthorized access to the CUPS web interface, you can enable authentication for administrative tasks. This requires users to enter a username and password when adding printers or managing print jobs.

Edit the CUPS configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

Under the <Location /admin> and <Location /admin/conf> sections, add:

AuthType DefaultRequire user @System

This will prompt users for a password before they can make changes to printer settings. Restart CUPS to apply the changes:

sudo systemctl restart cups

System Updates and Maintenance

Keeping your Raspberry Pi and the software up to date is important for security and performance. Periodically update your system with the following commands:

sudo apt-get updatesudo apt-get upgrade

Regular updates will ensure that your Raspberry Pi OS, CUPS, and other software remain secure and functional.

Printer Drivers and Compatibility

Choosing the Right Printer Driver

One of the key steps in setting up your Raspberry Pi print server is ensuring that the correct printer drivers are installed for each printer. CUPS uses PostScript Printer Description (PPD) files to define how printers communicate with the system. Some printers require proprietary drivers, while others can work with generic or open-source drivers.

• HP Printers: For HP printers, use the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) package. Install it with:bashCopy codesudo apt-get install hplip HPLIP provides support for most HP printers, including multi-function devices.
• Brother Printers: Brother offers Linux drivers for their printers. Visit the Brother website to download and install the appropriate drivers for your specific model.
• Canon and Epson Printers: Canon and Epson printers may require drivers that can be downloaded from their official sites or installed via the OpenPrinting database.
• Generic Drivers: For unsupported or older printers, CUPS can often use generic PPD files to provide basic functionality. These drivers are included in the CUPS installation and can be used when specific drivers aren’t available.

Adding Printer Drivers in CUPS

When adding a printer through the CUPS web interface, CUPS will automatically detect the printer and prompt you to select the appropriate driver. If a driver is not available for your printer, you can upload a custom PPD file manually:

1. Download the appropriate PPD file for your printer model.
2. In the CUPS web interface, select the Add Printer option, choose your printer, and upload the PPD file when prompted.

Gutenprint Drivers for Inkjet Printers

For a wide range of inkjet printers, you can install Gutenprint, an open-source package that supports many older models not covered by proprietary drivers. Install it with:

sudo apt-get install printer-driver-gutenprint

This package provides high-quality print drivers for a large number of Epson, Canon, and HP printers, improving print quality and feature support for these devices.

Testing Printer Compatibility

After installing the necessary drivers and adding the printer, test the setup by sending a test print through the CUPS interface. If the printer responds correctly, the setup is complete. If you encounter issues, check the printer logs at /var/log/cups/error_log for troubleshooting information.

Troubleshooting and Logs

Checking CUPS Logs

If your printer is not functioning as expected, the first place to check for errors is the CUPS log files. These logs provide detailed information on printer status, job processing, and errors. The two most important log files for troubleshooting are:

• Error Log: This file contains details about any errors encountered by CUPS. Check this log if a print job fails or if the printer isn’t responding.

sudo nano /var/log/cups/error_log

• Access Log: This file logs all requests to the CUPS server, including print job submissions and printer status queries.

sudo nano /var/log/cups/access_log

Look for any recent errors or warnings that could indicate a misconfiguration or hardware issue. Common problems include incorrect driver selection, connectivity issues, or unsupported printer models.

Restarting CUPS Services

If the printer stops responding or CUPS isn’t behaving correctly, restarting the CUPS service can resolve many issues. To restart CUPS, run the following command:

sudo systemctl restart cups

This will reload the configuration files and reinitialize the printer drivers.

Printer Not Detected

If your printer is not being detected by CUPS, especially after a reboot or network change, check the following:

1. Connection: Ensure that your printer is properly connected to the Raspberry Pi via USB or is reachable over the network if it’s a network printer.
2. Driver: Make sure the correct driver is installed and selected in the CUPS interface. Try re-adding the printer if necessary.
3. Network: If using a network printer, ensure that the Raspberry Pi and the printer are on the same network and that the printer’s IP address is correctly configured.

Testing Network Connectivity

If you’re using a network printer or sharing the printer over the network, test connectivity by pinging the printer’s IP address:

ping <printer_ip_address>

If the printer responds, the network connection is functioning correctly. If it doesn’t respond, check the network settings and ensure the printer is powered on and properly connected.

Firewall Blocking Printer Access

If devices are unable to access the print server, it’s possible that the firewall is blocking the necessary ports. Review the UFW firewall settings to ensure the correct ports (631 for CUPS, 139/445 for Samba) are open:

sudo ufw status

If the ports are not open, use the following commands to open them:

sudo ufw allow 631/tcpsudo ufw allow 139/tcp
sudo ufw allow 445/tcp

Print Jobs Stuck in Queue

If print jobs get stuck in the queue and aren’t printing, you can manually clear the queue. First, list the print jobs using:

lpstat -o

Then, cancel a specific job with:

cancel <job_id>

If needed, you can also clear all jobs from the queue:

sudo cancel -a

Enhancing the Print Server with Additional Features

Setting Up Multiple Printers

CUPS supports managing and sharing multiple printers from a single Raspberry Pi print server. To add additional printers:

1. Connect the new USB printer or configure the network settings for a Wi-Fi or LAN printer.
2. Use the CUPS web interface to add the new printer just as you did with the first one.
3. Each printer can be individually configured with its own driver and default printing settings.

Managing multiple printers allows you to set up a network printing environment where different printers serve different needs, such as color versus monochrome printing or laser versus inkjet printing.

Creating Printer Classes in CUPS
A printer class in CUPS groups multiple printers together, allowing print jobs to be sent to the class rather than a specific printer. CUPS will then route the job to the first available printer in the class. This is useful in environments where multiple printers are connected to the network, as it provides redundancy and load balancing.

To create a printer class:

1. Open the CUPS web interface.
2. Navigate to the Administration tab and select Add Class.
3. Choose the printers to include in the class.
4. Once created, the class will appear as a single printer option on the network.

Enabling AirPrint for iOS and macOS Devices

With Avahi installed, printers shared by your Raspberry Pi print server can be automatically discovered by iOS and macOS devices via AirPrint. This allows Apple devices to print without needing additional drivers.

To ensure your printer is AirPrint-compatible:

• Verify that Avahi is running by using the following command:

sudo systemctl status avahi-daemon

1. Check if the printer appears in the print dialog on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. If Avahi and CUPS are properly configured, the printer should show up automatically under AirPrint printers.

Monitoring Printer Status via SSH

For remote administration, you can manage the print server via SSH. This allows you to check printer status, manage print jobs, and configure settings without accessing the CUPS web interface. Common SSH commands include:

• List Printers:

lpstat -p

• Check Print Queue:

lpq

• Restart CUPS:

sudo systemctl restart cups

SSH access is particularly useful if your Raspberry Pi is running headless (without a monitor), or if you’re managing the server from another location.

Automating Maintenance with Systemd

You can automate the management of your Raspberry Pi print server by configuring systemd services to handle automatic restarts or monitoring. For example, you can configure CUPS to restart automatically if it crashes, ensuring that the print server remains operational:

1. Create a new systemd service override:

sudo systemctl edit cups

2. Add the following configuration to automatically restart CUPS on failure:

[Service] Restart=on-failure

3. Save the changes and reload systems:

sudo systemctl daemon-reload sudo systemctl restart cups

This will ensure that your print server remains stable and recovers automatically from service failures.

Conclusion

Building a Raspberry Pi print server is a versatile and cost-effective solution for sharing printers across your home or office network. By installing and configuring CUPS, you can manage multiple USB or network printers, share them with various devices, and control print jobs through a simple web interface. For integration with Windows and other devices using the SMB protocol, adding Samba provides seamless printer sharing. With advanced features like AirPrint for iOS and macOS devices, and enhanced management through SSH and systemd, your Raspberry Pi can efficiently handle all your network printing needs.

Whether you’re managing a single printer or multiple devices, the Raspberry Pi offers the flexibility to create a robust, stable, and secure print server. Regular system updates, careful network configurations, and troubleshooting tools like the CUPS logs and firewall rules ensure smooth operation. By following these steps, you’ll have a powerful print server that fits perfectly into your network environment.

References

• OpenPrinting: Printer Drivers and Information
• Ubuntu Documentation: Network Printing
• Avahi Project (Bonjour for Linux)
• Samba Official Website

These resources provide detailed guides and additional information to help you set up, manage, and troubleshoot your Raspberry Pi print server.

FAQ

Can any Raspberry Pi model be used to set up a print server?

Yes, most Raspberry Pi models can be used as a print server, including the Raspberry Pi 4, Raspberry Pi 3, and even the Raspberry Pi Zero W for smaller setups. However, more powerful models like the Raspberry Pi 4 are recommended for better performance, especially if managing multiple printers or handling larger print jobs.

What types of printers can be connected to the Raspberry Pi print server?

The Raspberry Pi print server supports various types of printers, including USB printers, Wi-Fi printers, and network printers. Compatibility depends on the availability of the appropriate printer drivers, which can be installed through CUPS.

How can I add a printer to the Raspberry Pi print server?

Printers can be added through the CUPS web interface. After installing CUPS, open a browser and go to http://<Raspberry Pi IP>:631, then follow the steps to add a printer. Make sure the printer is connected to the Raspberry Pi (via USB or network) and select the correct driver.

How can I share the printer with Windows devices?

Install Samba on the Raspberry Pi to share the printer with Windows devices. Samba allows the printer to be accessed via the SMB protocol. After configuring Samba, Windows devices can discover the printer on the network and connect to it like any other shared printer.

5. How do I enable AirPrint for Apple devices?
To enable AirPrint for iOS and macOS devices, install Avahi, which provides Bonjour (mDNS) service. After Avahi is installed, any CUPS-shared printer will automatically appear in the print dialog on Apple devices as an AirPrint-compatible printer.

6. How do I troubleshoot printer issues on the Raspberry Pi print server?
Check the CUPS error logs located at /var/log/cups/error_log for any detailed error messages. If the printer isn’t responding or isn’t recognized, verify the network settings, driver installation, and check whether the CUPS service is running. You can also restart CUPS by using sudo systemctl restart cups.

7. Can I manage the print server remotely?
Yes, you can manage the Raspberry Pi print server remotely using SSH. This allows you to access the terminal, check printer status, and manage print jobs without physically accessing the Raspberry Pi. Additionally, the CUPS web interface can be accessed remotely for administration.

8. How do I set up a static IP address for the Raspberry Pi print server?
To assign a static IP, edit the /etc/dhcpcd.conf file and add the static IP configuration for either the Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface. This ensures that the Raspberry Pi always uses the same IP address, making it easier to access the print server.

9. What should I do if print jobs are stuck in the queue?
You can view and manage the print queue using the CUPS web interface or via the command line. Use lpstat -o to list print jobs and cancel <job_id> to cancel a specific job. If necessary, clear all jobs in the queue by using sudo cancel -a.

10. How do I secure the Raspberry Pi print server?
To secure the print server, enable SSH authentication, configure CUPS authentication for printer management, and set up firewall rules to restrict access to necessary ports (e.g., 631 for CUPS, 139/445 for Samba). Regularly updating the system and software also helps maintain security.

Glossary

1. CUPS (Common Unix Printing System)

• A printing system for Unix-like operating systems that allows a computer to act as a print server. It manages print jobs and provides network printing functionality.

2. GPIO (General Purpose Input/Output)

• GPIO pins are programmable hardware pins on a Raspberry Pi used for interfacing with other electronics, sensors, and modules.

3. SSH (Secure Shell)

• A cryptographic network protocol used to securely operate network services over an unsecured network. SSH allows secure remote access to your Raspberry Pi’s command line.

4. SMB (Server Message Block)

• A network file sharing protocol that allows applications or users to access files, printers, and other shared resources. Samba implements the SMB protocol on Linux and Unix systems for Windows compatibility.

5. IPP (Internet Printing Protocol)

• A protocol used for network printing and managing print jobs across the network. IPP is widely used by CUPS for sending jobs to printers over the network.

6. LPD (Line Printer Daemon)

• A protocol for submitting print jobs to a printer on a network. It’s one of the oldest network printing protocols, typically used in Unix systems.

7. PPD (PostScript Printer Description)

• A file format used to describe the features and capabilities of a printer. PPD files allow the printer driver to understand how to communicate with the printer.

8. DNS (Domain Name System)

• A hierarchical system for naming computers and services on a network. It translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses required for locating and identifying devices on the network.

9. mDNS (Multicast Domain Name System)

• A protocol that resolves hostnames to IP addresses within small networks without a central DNS server, used for local network service discovery. Avahi implements mDNS on Linux for services like Bonjour.

10. NFS (Network File System)

• A protocol for file sharing over a network, allowing files to be accessed on remote systems as if they were on local disks.

11. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)

• A network management protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses to devices on the network. It eliminates the need to manually configure IP addresses for each device.

12. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

• A secure network that allows users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing devices were directly connected to the private network.

13. HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing)

• A collection of drivers and tools developed by HP to allow Linux users to print, scan, and fax using HP printers.

14. UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall)

• A simple firewall management tool that is used in Linux to configure firewall rules easily. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing iptables.

15. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)

• A protocol used for network management. SNMP is commonly used to monitor and configure network devices such as printers, routers, and switches.

16. NAT (Network Address Translation)

• A method of remapping IP addresses by modifying network address information in the IP header while in transit across a traffic routing device, typically used in routers.

17. CIFS (Common Internet File System)

• A protocol used for file and printer sharing in Windows environments. It is the default mode for Samba to provide interoperability with Windows.

18. SDR (Software Defined Radio)

• A type of radio communication system where components that have typically been implemented in hardware (e.g., mixers, filters, amplifiers) are instead implemented by means of software.

19. SD (Secure Digital) Card

• A type of removable memory card used for storing data in devices such as Raspberry Pi, cameras, and mobile phones.

20. NAS (Network-Attached Storage)

• A file storage device connected to a network that allows data to be accessed by authorized users from different locations.

21. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

• A type of display technology used in screens for devices like monitors, televisions, and Raspberry Pi accessories.

22. LAN (Local Area Network)

• A network of computers within a limited area such as a residence, school, or office building, typically using Ethernet or Wi-Fi technology.

23. LPR (Line Printer Remote)

• A network protocol for submitting print jobs to a remote printer or print server.

24. SDN (Software-Defined Networking)

• An approach to networking that uses software-based controllers to direct traffic on the network, often used in advanced networking solutions.

25. IoT (Internet of Things)

• A network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet.