In Microsoft Windows print services, how do you correctly configure a printer pool to increase availability and throughput?

Introduction / Context:
Printer pooling in Windows allows a single logical printer to distribute jobs across several identical printers. This improves availability and reduces wait times without requiring users to choose among many device names. Understanding the correct association is key to configuring a reliable print pool.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Printers are functionally identical and use the same driver.
• Clients submit jobs to one shared logical printer.
• The print server controls job routing to available devices.

Concept / Approach:
A printer pool is configured by creating one logical printer object and binding it to multiple ports, each port corresponding to a separate physical print device. The operating system automatically dispatches queued jobs to the first available device, balancing load and tolerating individual device outages.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Pause one device or unplug it; print jobs continue on the remaining devices, demonstrating higher availability. Check the print queue details to see routing decisions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• One device with multiple logical printers creates user confusion and does not pool capacity.
• Multiple devices with multiple logical printers is not pooling; it is parallel but manual selection.
• One port with multiple logical printers is still a single physical device; no pooling occurs.

Common Pitfalls:
Pooling printers with different models or drivers can cause rendering issues; always use identical devices and drivers. Also verify that finishing options (duplex units, trays) match across devices.

Final Answer:
Associate multiple physical print devices with one logical printer