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One benefit of having this convenient Wireless printer is that it will eschew the need for a connection cable. Moreover, if you’re using the best printer for Cricut, don’t skip out on the wireless capability, as it will make printing easier.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
A wireless printer is a printing device that can print wirelessly via numerous methods. This makes them the perfect choice for printing from a laptop, a smartphone, or a tablet. The technology involved with wireless printers has improved significantly recently, with modern printers (like the best Epson printer) working as quickly as their wired counterparts. Read our article on how to connect a wireless printer to a network if you want to jump ahead.
Insider Tip
If you are using a number of other Wi-Fi devices, we recommend setting up a unique wireless network to be exclusively used by the printer.
When it comes to the printing of documents, a wireless printer works similarly to a wired printer. In other words, it receives digital information and works to reproduce this data on paper, resin, or related materials. This is why you need to secure your wireless printer before you start using it. And you can read our secure printers article to help identify useful printer security features. However, there are numerous different methods by which a wireless printer receives information wirelessly.
The most common wireless communication standard found with a wireless printer is traditional Wi-Fi. A Wi-Fi-enabled printer connects to the wireless network that you have instituted in your home or office. This method tends to be efficient and fast enough for most consumers. However, the printer will be sharing a wireless network with other connected devices, which could impact overall printing speed. Check out our article on network printers to learn more. If you are using a number of other Wi-Fi devices, we recommend setting up a unique wireless network to be exclusively used by the printer. You can learn how the inkjet printer works if you are looking for a printer that does not cost a lot to run and maintain. Additionally, we have a great article on how to convert any printer to a Wi-Fi printer if yours is not already wireless.
Alternatively, you might want to work on security if your printer is wireless. In that case, read our what is WPA/WEP printer guide.
Other popular options for wirelessly transmitting data to a printer include Bluetooth and near-field technology (NFC.)
Other popular options for wirelessly transmitting data to a printer include Bluetooth and near-field technology (NFC.) These are relatively old transmission protocols, so printing speed may be on the slower side. However, if your printer is equipped with a Bluetooth receiver, it will be easy to connect the device to a smartphone, tablet, or another mobile device. The range of a Bluetooth-enabled printer will be shorter than a Wi-Fi printer. The HP Sprocket Studio is a great example of a portable photo printer that supports both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Additionally, NFC technology requires that the data be inputted to the printer manually, typically by revealing a photo of an NFC code.
Printing from a cloud server has become a popular option for many consumers, especially for those using the best black and white printer. The cloud has some significant advantages over other forms of wireless connectivity, as the technology allows users to make prints remotely using their smartphone and a dedicated smartphone app. Numerous well-regarded cloud services exist, including Google Cloud, iCloud, and Amazon Cloud. As a warning, the printer itself will likely have to be connected to a wireless network via Wi-Fi to access a cloud printing service. While not a standard printer, you can check out our Monoprice Voxel review for a 3D printer that can use cloud printing.
Warning
As a warning, the printer itself will likely have to be connected to a wireless network via Wi-Fi to access a cloud printing service.
What if my device or computer reconnects to the printer instead of my local network when in Wi-Fi range?
If you are having trouble connecting to the Internet after installing a wireless printer, confirm that you are connected to the name of your local wireless internet connection in your network via the wireless settings.
Does a wireless printer have to have a router to link to my laptop?
Not typically, though results may vary depending on your model. Wireless printers can usually connect to your home router.
Do wireless printers affect Wi-Fi speed?
Yes. Any device that is connected to a Wi-Fi network will impact wireless speed. In other words, more connected devices will translate to a lower overall speed.
STAT: Wireless printers in reality are not 100% wireless since they still need to be plugged into a power socket, but other than that there are no wires involved. (source)
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