Secure Print Release - Hardware

Streamlined and Low Profile Print Release Controllers (Printing Terminals): 

Sentinel won't clutter up your office with bulky additional equipment.
Print release controllers are small and can be placed on a table or shelf, or mounted on a wall to save space. There are several models of Sentinel print release controllers poduced by ePaper Ltd, compatible with any printer, MFP, MFD, copier or scanner.

Sentinel external print release controllers are compatible with all printing devices by all printer manufacturers, such as Epson, Lexmark, Samsung, Ricoh, Toshiba, Konica Minolta, HP, Sharp, Brother, Xerox, Develop, Kyocera etc.

Sentinel embedded print release controllers are supported by Lexmark, Brother, Toshiba, Develop, Konica Minolta, Samsung, HP, Xerox MFP printers. Support for Ricoh and Sharp coming soon.

All print release controllers support the same system functions, but the touchscreen and built-in models provide additional features. The models can be used together within in the same Sentinel system. All device types can work together on the same print server. 

The Sentinel external controller (printing terminals) comes in two versions, both of which are streamlined and low profile:

• Sentinel Touch Controller
• Sentinel Light Controller

The table below indicates the differences between the two versions of print release controllers: 

*Specific to each printer manufacturer

External Touch Controller	External Light Controller	Integrated Internal Controller
Configured through the SNT Manager or directly through the device controller itself	No panel or keypad No copy control (only print control) Users simply swipe their cards to collect their print jobs	Supported by Lexmark, Brother, Toshiba, Develop, Konica Minolta, Samaung, HP, Xerox MFP printers. Support for Ricoh and Sharp coming soon. Control is via the printer panel

Benefits of Both Types of External Controller

• Users can access with ID card or code
• For multifunction device, users can select Print or Copy
• When printing, users can select multiple queued jobs
• Jobs can be deleted through the Web-based interface or directly from the device controller
• When copying, users see their username, the device name, the number of copies remaining in their quota, and the number of copies in the current request
• A configurable timeout keeps user information from remaining on the screen (users can reset if more time is needed)

Sentinel in the Network

The Sentinel system is composed of the server software, the database (local or SQL), and a device controller that sits between the server and each physical device (printer, copier, or multifunction device).
The server software is installed on the organization's print server.

Internal Sentinel Device Structure

Internal Sentinel Device StructureThe connection to the printer can be performed via an internal switch that does not interrupt communication with the printer (such as sending print jobs or communication and control protocols). This means that a Sentinel device controller can be located next to a printer without requiring an additional network outlet. 

However, companies that do not allow connecting switches to the network can still work with the Sentinel solution as there is a logical connection between the Sentinel device and the printer in the print server. 

The Sentinel device controller requires a unique fixed IP address, and the default communication protocol to the Sentinel server is UPD via the 7001, 7002, and 7003 ports. This means that the printer keeps working with the server as usual (with the standard Windows port).

Hardware Controllers Enable Top Pull-Printing Features 

User authentication, document security and print job management are all key functions of the Sentinel hardware controller. It can be used with leading printers (including Multi-Function Printers - MFPs), which do not have their own built-in interfaces, or in conjunction with MFPs that do not yet support embedded software. In both cases the Sentinel controller provides a secure environment that allows users to manage their print jobs via a simple and attractive touchscreen. 

To receive a complete list of supported MFP models, or additional information about Sentinel's hardware solutions, contact us.

Card Reader Authentication

In the interests of security, the Sentinel USB-attached card reader enables authentication by card. Readers are useful for Sentinel embedded implementations which, although they may not require a controller, would benefit from this way for users to authenticate themselves.

The controller also supports barcode scanners and special third-party party readers. For example, Sentinel supports the following contactless smart card and proximity card readers: HID, HID iCLASS, MIFARE, indala, MAGNETIC STRIPE readers TK 1 and TK 2.

For even greater security, Sentinel supports two-factor authentication, for example, card and PIN, or card and username/password. In addition, users can register their new cards independently in the Sentinel system at the MFP themselves, reducing the need for IT resources.

Streamlined Printer Management for In-house and Outsourced Services Options

Organizations with more than one brand of MFP will appreciate the ability of the Sentinel hardware controller to provide the same interface, features, and management capabilities for all MFPs in the enterprise. If a managed print services provider handles the organization’s printing, the Sentinel hardware controllers greatly simplify their efforts. All management and maintenance is streamlined because the entire printer fleet can be managed and maintained as a whole, without having to address each MFP’s individual requirements.

Sentinel controllers are developed, produced, and tested for the leading standard and Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) in direct cooperation with their respective manufacturers.

Direct Development Cooperation for Partner Certification

ePaper LTD has partnered with these leading manufacturers via development agreements and business partner programs to create partner-certified interfaces for their printers:

                         

More Ways Sentinel Will Benefit Your Organization

Click here to view additional printing management benefits provided by Sentinel, including features and special applications.