Network your printer via Ethernet Printing

Look for a port like this on your computer and/or printer to see if they are Ethernet-network-ready. Notice that the Ethernet port is wider than the phone-sized fax ports on the bottom.

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.

Reliable: With an Ethernet connection, there are fewer network interruptions and less potential for interference than there can be with wireless.

The orange part of this picture is the CAT5e cable; the part at the end that resembles a phone jack is the RJ-45 connector.

Network
A network with a broadband router, switch, or hub.

Computer
Plug the computer into to the network using a Cat5 or Cat5e cable with RJ-45 connectors at the ends.

(The cable type describes the inner twists of the wiring within the cable housing; the connector is the part at the end that has 8 pins—or connectors—rather than the 2-6 that a phone cable has. You can ask for these cables at any electronics or computer store.)

Printer
You’ll need one with built-in Ethernet networking capability. Find an HP printer with built-in Ethernet.

1. On your computer, open the Control Panel. Select Hardware and Sound on the toolbar.

2. Select Add a printer under Printers. The Add a Printer Wizard will appear.

3. Select Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer. A list of available printers will appear. Select the printer you are trying to connect to the network.

4. Install the printer driver on your computer when prompted and the Wizard will guide you through the rest.

You can repeat this process with as many computers on the network as you want to share a single printer.