Editing JetDirect (section)

==History==
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 | caption2 = External print server JetDirect 170X with [[LAN]] and [[IEEE 1284|parallel]] printer ports
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HP JetDirect was first introduced in March 1991 (code named QuickSilver) with the [[LaserJet]] IIIsi network printer (code named Eli). JetDirect is based on HP's MIO (Modular Input/Output) interface, which was designed from the ground up with the IIIsi to create a mainstream full function high performance networked printer. The initial MIO interface card had [[Ethernet]] and [[Token Ring]] physical layer variants and used various [[networking protocols]] over an [[Attachment Unit Interface|AUI]]/[[BNC connector|BNC]] connection. Initially, a printer needed a separate card for each protocol, such as [[TCP/IP]], [[IPX/SPX]], [[AppleTalk]], or [[Data Link Control|DLC]]/[[Logical Link Control|LLC]]. The following year, the team applied the technology to the legacy accessory slot on the LaserJetIIs and IIIs [[XIO]] (Extended Input/Output). MIO type JetDirect cards were also used for network connectivity on some HP/Agilent laboratory equipment, such as the 6890A and 6890 Plus series of gas chromatographs. These included unusual network connection types such as HPs I-Net, which was used as an interconnect between various pieces of hardware that controlled the 58xx and 68xx series gas chromatographs. Not until 1994 would MIO interface cards be released that could support more than one protocol per card.

The next development releases added connection interfaces. In 1992, a card with both [[8P8C|8P8C modular telephone]] and [[BNC connector|BNC]] connectors for Ethernet was released, and in 1993, the first external JetDirects were introduced with a [[parallel interface]]. This enabled JetDirect cards to connect to almost any printer, making that printer network-capable. In 1995, the Ex plus 3 was released, with 3 parallel ports on one network interface, allowing 3 printers to share 1 network address.

1997 saw the new numbering format for both internal and external JetDirect servers. Internals began the 6xx series with the release of the 600n, multiprotocol card that supported TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, DLC/LLC, and AppleTalk over a Token Ring network; along with the 1760x series external [[print server]] - also multiprotocol.  An Ethernet version of the 600n was released in 1998.  In 1999, the JetDirect autoswitch was introduced.

1998 also saw the release of 170x, the first value-line print server aimed at smaller companies that did not necessarily need full networking - only TCP/IP or IPX/SPX support. This was followed in 2000 by the JetDirect 70x home print server.