c'est une imprimante réseau qui se doit donc d'avoir une ID
2 méthodes :

Fibre channel loop addressing - hard versus soft IDs

The obvious benefit of using soft IDs is that no scheme of numbering needs to be decided in advance. All devices (as long as there are no more than the maximum number supported) will get an ID. The drawback to this method is that as the loop changes, either by the adding or removing of devices, the loop ID of any particular device might change (for example, after a system is restarted). Since many host adapter drivers will assign a SCSI-like target ID based on the loop ID, the target ID of a device can change.

I think you'll find the ID here stands for 'insulation displacement' (which is a far more likely description for a cable inside a computer than 'ID = identification')

The IDC system (proprietary name?) uses contacts that have sharp-edged V-shaped contacts, so when the wires are merely 'pushed' into them (using a special tool), the edges cut through the insulation and make the connection, thus avoiding the more complex operations of soldering or crimping. These systems are very widespread in computers and telecoms, and are often seen as (usually grey) ribbon cables going into rather 'open' looking compact connectors.

AFAIK, the term 'IDC' is often used in FR, though I have also come across '(auto) dénudant'. I don't think the equivalent abbreviation 'AD' is used, at least, I've never personally encountered it.

IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) Ribbon Cable
IDC Insulation Displacement Connector Ribbon Cable. Gore IDC ribbon cables incorporate PTFE composite insulation. Design options include: ...

www.gore.com/en_xx/products/cables/flat/highflex/ribbon/rib...

etc., etc. ...

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Note added at 1 hr (2007-06-17 16:07:13 GMT)
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Given that the mere fact that it is IDC-type cable is probably wholly irrelevant for the purposes involved in your context (unless this fact distinguishes it from some other type of cable nearby), I'd be sorely tempted to refer to it more helpfully as a 'câble ruban', which is more likely to be useufl information for the reader. Yes, I know it's naughty to over-interpret to "what I THINK the author OUGHT to have said", but in this case I feel it would be justified!

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Note added at 1 hr (2007-06-17 16:42:08 GMT)
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Ah, OK, in that case, I see why they used the word 'soft', to show that it is a round cable, probably with only comparatively few cores. Yes, in that case, of course, 'ribbon' would be totally wrong!

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Note added at 16 hrs (2007-06-18 06:55:53 GMT)
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Isis, your context is not totally clear; if this installation is actually inside the PRINTER itself (and not the accompanying PC, as I'd perhaps wrongly assumed), then I can see the sense of there being a special internal cable for the 'soft ID' feature (though I don't have specialist knowledge about these beasties). So Manu's answer, and Danièle's later repetition of it, could well in fact prove to be right. I think you will have to use other clues from your text in order to be able to decide. For one thing, does this printer even feature 'soft ID'?!