Understanding The Requirements Of A Wireless Printer?

Answer 1

A wireless printer is identical to many other types of computer printers with the exception that it has the built in functionality to connect wirelessly to a computer. This can be achieved through a few different methods, but most often the printer will employ a wireless signal, much like wireless internet, or alternately it can use special a Bluetooth interface so that it can be used by computers and other devices that have Bluetooth installed. There are many benefits in using a wireless printer, but there are also a few restrictions that should be understood, especially since the term wireless is not always clearly defined.

One common type of wireless printer uses a wireless signal, also called a Wi-Fi signal, to communicate with a computer. This might seem fairly straightforward, however there are some complications. In most instances, the wireless printer actually needs to be part of a network before it can be used. In order to join a network, the printer will need to have access to a wireless router, or alternately must be plugged into a network router to be available to computers wirelessly. Regardless the final setup, a Wi-Fi capable wireless printer must ultimately be used within a network environment and attached as a network ready device.

Some wireless printers use a special technology known as Bluetooth to communicate. Bluetooth is essentially a radio signal. These printers can talk directly to a computer or other device, but the device must not only support Bluetooth, but must be able to either run a printer driver, or have software installed that understands the different Bluetooth protocols. One complication that can occur with a Bluetooth wireless printer is the strength of the signal since Bluetooth signals are fairly slow, and can be directly affected by physical barriers, so the signal might not travel outside of the room where the printer is located.

The diversity of wireless printers is just as broad as wired models. Some have scanners or other peripherals integrated into the design. Occasionally, a printer can be wireless ready, but not actually wireless straight out of the box. In these cases, a small USB device known as a dongle must be purchased separately and then attached to the printer in order to enable the wireless functionality.