cups-browsed

cups-browsed [options]

--help
    Display usage information and exit

--version
    Output version number and exit

--debug
    Enable debug logging to stderr

--debug-all
    Enable full debug logging

--config-file FILE
    Specify alternative configuration file (default: /etc/cups/browsed.conf)

--cupsd-config-file FILE
    Specify CUPS server.conf path

--dnssd-socket PATH
    Path to Avahi DNS-SD socket

--resolve-printers-via-hostname
    Resolve printers using hostname instead of IP

--no-autoshutdown
    Disable automatic shutdown when idle

--autoshutdown MINUTES
    Idle time before autoshutdown (default: 30)

--autoshutdown-timeout MINUTES
    Timeout after last printer use before shutdown

--stay-in-foreground
    Run in foreground (for debugging)

cups-browsed is a background daemon that automatically discovers and manages network printers advertised via protocols like Avahi (mDNS/DNS-SD), CUPS browsing packets, and LDAP. It creates local CUPS print queues as proxies to these remote printers, enabling seamless printing without manual setup.

Key features include support for IPP, AirPrint, IPPS, LPD, and SMB printers. It resolves printer information via SNMP and generates PPD files for driver selection. Queues are named descriptively (e.g., 'Office-Printer (IPP)') and removed when printers disappear.

Primarily used on Linux systems with CUPS, it runs as a systemd service (cups-browsed.service). Configuration occurs via /etc/cups/browsed.conf, allowing control over BrowseLocal, CreateIPPPrinters, and more. Ideal for dynamic environments like offices or schools where printers join/leave networks frequently.

It enhances CUPS by handling complex discovery beyond basic Browse protocols, but requires avahi-daemon for mDNS. Security note: auto-created queues may expose systems if not firewalled.

Auto-creates queues which may pose security risks from untrusted networks; disable BrowseRemote if needed. Requires root or cups privileges. Not compatible with old CUPS BrowsePoll.

Edit /etc/cups/browsed.conf for options like BrowseLocal (10), CreateIPPPrinters (Any), OrderIPP (make,location). Restart service after changes.

Enable with systemctl enable --now cups-browsed. Logs via journalctl -u cups-browsed.

Developed by OpenPrinting project around 2012 as cups-filters component to modernize CUPS browsing. Integrated into major distros (Ubuntu, Fedora) from CUPS 1.6 era; active maintenance via GitHub till recent versions.

cups(8), avahi-daemon(8), systemctl(1), lpadmin(8)