Printers

Wireless Printers

Wireless printers used to be a luxury item, but they are quickly becoming affordable for even the most modest business. Find out whether a wireless printer is right for your company and learn how to turn a wired printer into a wireless printer.

The wireless revolution has led to innovative developments for a number of common workplace devices.

Wireless printers represent a significant portion of the wireless business market, eliminating the need for users to tether their printer to a laptop, desktop or other computing device.

The current generation of wireless printers and wireless printer technology offers business users a quick and easy way to connect to office printers. It also gives businesses the ability to share a single printer without the requirement of a network server. For many companies, this benefit alone is enough reason to explore the possibility of a wireless printing solution.

Wireless printers are designed for average business users and usually don't require complex programming or set up. Even so, you'll need to understand how the technology works and what you will need to turn wireless printing into a reality in your workplace.

Wireless Printer System Requirements

Before you can even consider implementing a wireless printer, you will need to have a wireless network installed in your workplace. Wireless networks consist of a broadband Internet connection, a wireless router and a computer with wireless capability. The router acts as a hub for communication between your computer, printer and the Internet. If you don't currently have a wireless network, you can get a very affordable wireless router from Linksys or other manufacturers.

Wireless Printer Setup

Setting up a wireless printer can be one of the easiest things you'll ever do. Some routers are equipped with a button that you can push to quickly connect your wireless printer to the network. If your router doesn't have a one-button connection feature, you can use the printer's connection wizard to walk you through the process.

Wireless Printer Range

Most wireless printers offer a generous, but limited range. Look for products with a range of at least 300 feet -- more than enough for the typical small business workplace.

Wireless Adapters

If your printer does not have a built-in wireless future, you may still be able to convert it to a wireless connection using a wireless printer adapter. These adapters connect to the printer through a USB port and provide performance and features that are similar to built-in wireless models.

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