Find out the differences between different types
of networks, assess which suits your printing needs, and learn about HP products
to get your printer connected.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networking can free you from printer cable
clutter—and give you more options when deciding where to put your printer in
your home.
Networking describes the process of
connecting computers to one another and to additional peripherals such as
external drives for data storage, servers, and, of course, printers. Networking
enables these components to communicate, as well as share files and information.
There are three primary types of networks: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and
Bluetooth. Each has its advantages and uses for which it’s best-suited.
Wi-Fi connections have a range of up to 300 feet, while Bluetooth can
extend up to 30 feet.
Wi-Fi networking allows computers
within about 300 feet access to a network—without wires. That means that laptop
computers running on batteries can surf the Internet from the couch or the
porch!
Flexible: No longer does the length of the printer cord
determine the layout of your home office. Printers can even be kept
out-of-sight, clearing up valuable desk and office real estate.
Speedy: For most home users, Wi-Fi, at 54 Mbps, is amply fast,
allowing the streaming of movies, music, and other file downloads quickly.
Economical: Multiple people in a home or office can share a
single printer, saving on energy and hardware costs.
Look for this logo to help you identify Bluetooth products.
Bluetooth connections set up what is
called a P-LAN (Personal Local Area Network), which is useful for sending
smaller files shorter distances—up to 30 feet. Bluetooth connections shine when
used for photo printing from a cell phone or PDA.
Convenient: Enjoy the immediacy of printing photos directly
from a phone or PDA without the need to get a computer involved.
Simple: Most newer cell phones, smart phones, and PDA’s have
built-in Bluetooth capabilities. For those HP printers that don’t have the
capability built-in, a simple, plug-in adapter creates an instant connection.
Printers with built-in Ethernet will have a port in the back that looks
like a phone jack—but slightly bigger.
The Ethernet port accommodates this “RJ45” connector, whose 8-pins make
it wider than a phone cord’s 4-6-pin connector.
Most offices take advantage of this
quick and inexpensive networking technology, which requires only a cable (CAT5e
is the cable type, and it needs to have an RJ45 connector at the end), a port,
and in some cases, a hub (or switch) to connect.
Fast: Ethernet networking remains the quickest way to transmit
large files. Most current Ethernet hardware uses the 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
standard (which is nearly twice as fast as Wi-Fi’s maximum 55 Mbps).
Inexpensive: All other factors being equal, built-in Ethernet
is a less expensive feature than built-in wireless capability on routers,
computers and printers, even while allowing for faster connections.
This office-ready black and white LaserJet
networks multiple users at lightning speed
with its built-in Gigabit Ethernet printer
server. Starting at $399.99
Make sure you know how to
Download and install a printer driver. This simple maintenance step allows
your printer and computer to “speak the same language,” assuring that your
connections run smoothly.
Printable
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