Plain English

Selects **which network interface acts as the primary print server** on a multi-interface Zebra printer. On models with both wired Ethernet and wireless 802.11 (or with optional secondary print servers), `^NP` decides which interface accepts incoming print jobs and is reported as the active network identity. The single-letter selector is **model-dependent** — the universally-supported value is `P` (Primary print server, whichever the firmware considers default); newer ZebraNet print servers also accept `W` (force Wired) and `I` (force Internal/wireless), and historically `E` (External print server) on models with the optional ZebraNet 10/100. **Not a TCP port command** — for the print listening port use `^ND`'s 5th parameter.

When to use

For printers fitted with both wired and wireless interfaces where you need to deterministically pin the print path (e.g. force `^NPW` on a wireless-capable printer permanently cabled in to avoid roaming-to-wireless under interference). Read the printer's Programming Guide for the exact letter set on your model — sending an unsupported value is silently ignored or returns an error depending on firmware. Persists in NVRAM; takes effect on next reboot (`~JR`). Cross-reference `^ND` (wired IP) and `^WA`/`^WS`/`^WP` (wireless setup).

Syntax

^NPi

Parameters

ParameterDescription
iInterface selector — model-dependent: `P` Primary (default), `W` Wired, `I` Internal/wireless, `E` External print server (legacy). Unsupported values silently ignored or return error per firmware

Example

^XA
^NPP
^XZ
~JR

Selects the firmware-default primary print server (`P`). On a dual-interface printer this is whichever the firmware designates default (usually wired if both are configured). Followed by `~JR` for the change to take effect. For wireless-only operation on a dual-interface model use `^NPI` instead; for wired-pinned use `^NPW`.

Try it in the playground View all ZPL commands