by Alexander Darracott

Created on: July 21, 2011

Whether it is an inkjet, a laser, a photo printer, or a multifunctional device, printers are becoming a part of a network in the home.  Before this, users who wanted to print had to purchase a separate printer and attach it to their computer through serial connection or USB.   Wireless connectivity, however, is becoming a popular choice of connecting to printers and it is important to understand why this is better than previous types of connectivity.

Reduce wires and cables

Wireless connectivity replaces the need for the printer to be connected to a router using an Ethernet cable.  Additionally, it eliminates the need for a computer to be connected to it using USB because all computers would access the printer wirelessly.   This reduces clutter, gives a tidy appearance and reduces cost.

Because of the wireless connectivity, the printer does not need to be next to any specific computer so can be placed elsewhere as long as the printer and computers are within the wireless range so that they can all communicate with each other.

Printing independence

All computers connect to the printer wirelessly, therefore can be accessed from anywhere within the range of the wireless signal.  People could send print jobs from other rooms, whilst sitting on the sofa, or doing anything else without needing to be near the printer. Additionally, more printers are supporting Bluetooth, which allows mobile phones to connect to it wirelessly though does not have the same coverage as wireless. However, there is a lot of potential for more devices such as iPads, mobile phones, iPods, digital cameras and other portable devices to connect and send print jobs to a printer via Bluetooth.

Multiuser connectivity

One of the greatest advantages to wireless printers is that it is a cost effective method of printing for a group of general users.  This is assuming that the users have very similar printing requirements.  For example, a group of users printing text documents, websites, images or photographs on a not so frequent basis and are not concerned about high quality would find the inkjet suitable.  Another example is where they all have quite heavy text based printing requirements, therefore requiring a wireless laser printer.

A single use of a wireless printer would be useless for a group of users having different printing requirements.  An example would be where a user has high quality and professional photographic printing requirements and another user having high quality professional printing requirements.  In these cases, separate wireless printers would have to be purchased for each user.

Reduce cost

There is no need for USB connectivity between individual devices and the printer, and no need for Ethernet connectivity between printer and router.  Further costs are made if a single printer was made wireless for all users, except for where printing requirements differ between each member the network.  If a single printer is used, this leads to further savings in terms of running costs.

A single wireless printer is a convenient and cost effective way of allowing multiple users with general printing requirements to access and print from a printer.  This is as long as the users have general printing requirements.  Those with specific printing requirements might be required to purchase separate wireless printers.

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