Do you really need a wireless printer?

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Olivetti d-Color-MF-PLUS-Close-up with optional keypad

 Choosing a new printer can sometimes be a bit confusing. You may be left feeling overwhelmed by all the options that are available. One of the most common features that is now widely available is wireless printing. In this post, we are going to look at the pro’s and con’s of using WiFi to print. If you are wondering whether or not you really need a wireless printer, please read on.

 

Wireless Printing

Wireless printing does exactly what it says on the tin. It allows you to print without the need for an ethernet (network) cable. Users can choose from two different methods of WiFi setup. Some smaller devices have the ability to create their own ad hoc WiFi network if one doesn’t already exist within the office- however, this method is not very practical outside of the home-office environment. 

The method that we are interested in works by connecting the printer to your existing WiFi network. This is done via the internal network card which is installed within the printer. Setup is usually quick and simple, much the same process as connecting a laptop or phone to a WiFi network.

 

 Pro’s and Con’s of Wireless Printers

Pro’s

  • WiFi offers flexibility within the office by allowing equipment to be used in virtually any space without running network cables. 
  • You will only need a mains plug socket.
  • Can print from different places in the building as long as you are connected.
  • Print straight from almost any device that can connect to the WiFi.

 

 

Con’s

  • Network speed is usually limited over WiFi, sometimes drastically compared to a wired connection. Typically, a 802.11g WiFi network will have speeds up to 54 Mbps, whereas a wired Ethernet connection can be up to 1000 Mbps.
  • If you are likely to be printing high volumes, scanning large files or have multiple users then you may be limited. 

 

Do I Really Need a Wireless Printer?

Wireless printers work great in many home and office settings, but they aren’t always necessary. Think about why you are considering a wireless printer and what it can do for you that a standard, wired printer can’t. 

 

If people favour connecting phones, tablets, laptops and even cameras to the printer, then a wireless option would be best. Wireless printers are compatible with almost all devices that can connect to the WiFi network and have the ‘send to printer’ functionality.

 

Wireless printers may sometimes be difficult to set up and connect if you aren’t familiar with the technology. Our maintenance services cover repairs and general maintenance, but we also help out if someone is struggling to use a machine! 

 

Want To Go Wireless?

You may think that wireless printing is the best option for you, but you don’t necessarily need to have a wireless printer. There are now devices that can enable any network printer to connect to a wireless network. Using either WiFi adapters or Powerline adapters, there are now easily accessible options for all office environments. Wireless printing is however, always improving and updating. There is now a large range of wireless printers available for different business needs. This technology may be the right fit for your home or office, so it is best to explore your options thoroughly.

 

Contact us

 

If you would like any more information or advice please feel free to get in touch. We are available over the phone, by email or through a contact form. Chat to us today!

About the author 

John Hynes

Working in the printing industry for 35 years (office equipment servicing and maintenance), John - Managing Director of Copy Print Services - started as a hands-on technician repairing all kinds of equipment.

He always kept up to date with the “evolution” of the machinery and worked on the latest equipment that would give the customers the most efficient way of producing a document.

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