What Is a Wifi Printer?
In this blog, we will be discussing what wifi printers are and how they can work wirelessly.
While printers do exist that can print photos and documents directly from memory cards, the majority of printers must be connected to a computer to function. Typically, modern printers use a USB cable to connect to a computer or network location. Some printers do allow wireless connections, however, allowing them to print not only for computers but also for other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Wi-Fi printers don’t connect directly to a computer in the way that USB or other wired printers do. Instead, these printers connect to a local wireless network and become a network asset that is available to any computer or other wireless device connected to the network. Wi-Fi printers do have the option of being connected to a single computer via a USB cable, though doing so typically restricts the availability of the printer as a network asset.
Advantages
Connecting a printer to a Wi-Fi network offers several advantages. You aren’t limited by the length of a USB cable when choosing where to place the printer and also have one less cable connected to your computer. Because Wi-Fi printers are network devices, multiple computers can use the same printer without having to set up printer sharing on any specific computer. It also allows you to print from anywhere within the range of the wireless network, allowing you to move around with a laptop or mobile device instead of only being able to print from a stationary desktop computer.
Installing a Wi-Fi Printer
Installing a Wi-Fi printer usually requires two separate steps. The first step is connecting the printer to the network, a process that involves selecting or entering the network’s broadcast name on the printer’s LCD screen and entering the network password if one exists. Once the printer connects to the network, drivers for the printer must be installed on every computer that will use the printer. Depending on the printer, the drivers may be provided on a disc or may have to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Bluetooth Printers
Though Wi-Fi printers are often grouped together with Bluetooth printers as “wireless” printers, the technologies behind these two printer types are not the same. Wi-Fi printers connect to a central wireless network, while Bluetooth printers connect directly to a computer or device through a Bluetooth signal. Bluetooth adapters are also available that allow standard printers to connect wirelessly to a computer or other Bluetooth-enabled device. Since Bluetooth printers connect directly to computers or devices instead of to a wireless network, they do not become available as network assets, though they may be shared with a network in the same way that a wired printer would be.
How Do Wi-Fi Printers Work?
Although there are printers that can print photos and documents straight from memory cards, the bulk of printers require a computer connection to work. Modern printers typically connect to a computer or network location using a USB cable. However, some printers do support wireless connection, enabling them to print from other Wi-Fi-enabled devices in addition to computers.
Wi-Fi printing
Unlike USB or other wired printers, Wi-Fi printers don’t connect to a computer directly. Instead, by joining a local wireless network, these printers become a network resource that may be accessed by any computer or other wireless device linked to the network. Although Wi-Fi printers can be connected to a single computer using a USB cable, doing so often limits the printer’s usability as a network asset.
There are various benefits to connecting a printer to a Wi-Fi network.
When deciding where to install the printer, you are not constrained by the length of a USB cable, and you also have one less cable attached to your computer. Wi-Fi printers can be shared by several computers without needing to set up printer sharing on any one of them because they are network devices. You can also use a laptop or other mobile device to print from anywhere that is within the wireless network’s coverage, as opposed to only being able to do so from a desktop computer that is stationary.
Setting Up a Wireless Printer
Installing a Wi-Fi printer normally takes two independent processes. The first step in setting up a printer on a network is to pick or input the network’s broadcast name on the printer’s LCD screen, as well as any necessary network passwords. Drivers for the printer must be loaded on each computer that will utilize it after it has connected to the network. The drivers may come on a CD with the printer or they may need to be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website, depending on the printer.
Printers with Bluetooth
Although Wi-Fi printers and Bluetooth printers are frequently referred to as “wireless” printers, the technologies behind these two printer types are different. While Bluetooth printers connect directly to a computer or device through a Bluetooth signal, Wi-Fi printers join a larger wireless network. Standard printers can also wirelessly connect to a computer or other Bluetooth-enabled device using Bluetooth adapters.
Although they can be shared with a network in the same way as a wired printer, Bluetooth printers do not become available as network assets since they connect directly to computers or other devices rather than to a wireless network.
