What the IPP and IPPS print protocols do behind the scenes
Quick definition
IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) is the modern standard for sending print jobs from computers to printers over a network. IPPS is the encrypted variant of IPP, running over TLS to protect job contents in transit. Both protocols run on standard ports (631) and form the backbone of how Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android send print jobs in 2026.
What IPP replaced
IPP replaced older protocols (LPD/LPR, raw socket on port 9100, SMB print) as the standard print transport. The older protocols still work for compatibility but produce less reliable behaviour, less visibility into print status, and weaker security. Modern Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile OSes all use IPP by default unless legacy compatibility is specifically required.
Why IPPS matters
IPPS adds TLS encryption to IPP. Without IPPS, print job content travels the network in clear text — any network capture between workstation and printer reveals the printed document. For most office printing this exposure is acceptable, but for sensitive documents (legal, medical, financial records) the unencrypted protocol creates real risk. IPPS closes the gap with negligible performance overhead.
What IPP enables beyond basic printing
IPP supports rich features the older protocols cannot: bidirectional status reporting (the workstation sees job progress and outcomes), driverless printing (AirPrint, Mopria, IPP Everywhere all build on IPP), authentication integration, finishing option specification per job, and accounting metadata. The protocol's depth is why modern print frameworks build on it.
The driverless print connection
IPP Everywhere (a stricter profile of IPP) enables truly driverless printing — workstations send print jobs to printers without any vendor-specific driver installation. The printer advertises its capabilities through IPP, the workstation discovers them, and printing works without configuration. Most modern office MFPs support IPP Everywhere; the resulting simplicity is among the most useful operational improvements in office printing over the past decade.