What is a WSD printer port

The printer allows you to print the necessary documents from a computer or laptop. Most often, the connection to an external device is done with a cable. But sometimes one printer must be connected to several personal computers. This is done using the local network.

Windows operating system starting with version Vista can recognize, connect and work with devices on the local network, including printers. This is possible thanks to the Web Services For Devices feature.

What does WSD stand for?

On older versions of the Windows operating system, the TPI protocol was used to work with devices on the local network. But starting with Windows Vista, Microsoft has replaced TPI with WSD.

WSD stands for Web Services For Devices, or a web service for devices. This feature allows you to connect between devices using an IP address. All connected clients communicate wirelessly using HTTP and UPD.

At its core, the WSD protocol is not just a port, but a service that manages them. It fully implements the function of Plug and Play. In addition, Web Services For Devices allows you to define and install a security profile and expand its capabilities when additional security is required. WSD also has a device certificate, which allows it to verify their authenticity when connected.

ATTENTION! This protocol is available only to users of the Windows operating system, released since 2008!

Port Monitor Web Services For Devices provides four basic functions. It:

1. Detect and connect to printers on the network using WSD. The previously used TPI protocol made the connection by manually entering the IP address. Sometimes this led to the fact that the address was lost and the connection between network clients was lost. Web Services For Devices locates devices and connects with them fully automatically. At the same time, each time the job is sent, the correctness of the IP address is checked. This ensures constant communication between network clients.
2. Sending a print job. The TPI protocol sends data to a special port 9100. In this case, the device that received this signal should send a reverse response. This method of transmission does not allow to fully assess whether the printer received the task, in which condition it is located, and from whom exactly this task came. Web Services For Devices works differently. First, he sends a request that there is a task to be completed. After which he gets the opposite answer. If the device is ready to work, the protocol sends the documents to print.
3. Continuous status check and configuration. The protocol receives continuous information about the state of a particular printer. For example, is there paper or toner in the cartridge.
4. The answer to all requests for connected devices.

To enable this feature you need:

• go to the "Network", then go to the "Services" tab and find WSD there;
• in the window that appears, you should enable WSD;
• select the connection to the printer;
• apply and save all changes made and close the window.

WSD protocol is universal. It works not only with printers, but also with other clients on the network. Web Services For Devices not only monitors their status, but also makes the necessary settings and changes in their work.