The basic unit of data transfer in the Packet Response Protocol is called a “Transaction.” A Transaction is a two-way communication procedure that consists of information being sent from the Host computer to the Zebra printer, and the printer sending back a response to the Host computer. This response is an indication that the Zebra printer has either accepted or rejected the information sent from the Host computer.
Information is sent in the form of “Packets.” Packets sent from the Host computer are called Request Packets.
When a Request Packet is received, the Zebra printer analyzes the information in the Packet. If the Request Packet is accepted, the Zebra printer will send a positive response back to the Host computer. The Host computer can then send the next Request Packet. If the information is rejected, the Zebra printer will send a negative response back to the Host computer. The Host computer then sends the same Request Packet again.
The Zebra Packet Response Protocol can be used in both single-printer applications, where there is only one Zebra printer connected to the Host computer, and multi-drop systems in which several Zebra printers are connected to the same Host computer.
