A network printer includes a communication unit for carrying out transmission/reception of data via a network and a recording unit for printing out received print data. The communication unit includes a priority level determination unit, when second print data is accepted during reception of first print data, for determining priority between the first and second print data, and a first persistent connection control unit for executing a persistent connection control that prohibits a transmission source of print data determined as lower priority data from transmitting the print data while a session is being connected with the transmission source, and for permitting a transmission source of print data determined as higher priority data to transmit the print data.