WLAN Printers
A WLAN printer is just like any other printer. The big difference is that a wireless printer works without a cable connection to the device that sends the print job. Both devices (e.g. WLAN printer and PC) must be located in the same wireless network, also known as Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). WLAN printers have the significant advantage that no cables need to be used. The radio waves, which a WLAN printer can receive can penetrate walls and have an average range of 20-30 meters. A disadvantage is that WLAN printers tend to work slower compared to printers which are connected by cable. Furthermore WLAN printers are more likely to be at risk of cyber-attacks.
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Purchasing a WLAN Printer
In modern businesses highly technical WLAN printers are becoming increasingly popular. This is partly because of the convincing advantages WLAN printers have to offer. With a WLAN printer, you benefit from having no cable clutter around the device. However, a disadvantage of the wireless connection technology is that WLAN printers usually work slowly. The more devices are in the network, the slower the transmission speed becomes, because the available bandwidth has to be shared by all devices within the network. In theory transmission rates of 54 MBit/s or even 600 MBit/s per second are possible, but in practice and even under optimal conditions only 20 to 22 MBit/s or 100 to 120 MBit/s can be achieved. Optimal conditions are the smallest possible distance between the access point and the WLAN adapter as well as a direct line of sight between the two devices (e.g. printer and PC). With larger distances between the WLAN printer and the computer or walls between the two devices, users must expect much lower transmission rates. Furthermore, with WLAN technology there are significant security risks that can only be ruled out when state-of-the-art encryption methods are used.
Advantages:
- No cables at the printer
- You can print easily from your smartphone or tablet
- Greater range (it is possible that several PCs on several floors of a building can connect to one printer)
Disadvantages:
- Lower data transmission rate
- Higher security risk
Printing made Simple - without cable clutter
A WLAN printer is perfect for smaller businesses or home use, because it provides a high degree of flexibility. Cable clutter under tables or behind cabinets are a thing of the past. With a WLAN printer you do not have to spend time on complicated cable connections. You simply integrate the printer into a home network and you're ready to print. A WLAN printer can by reached from multiple locations, there is no need to reconnect a cable or to set up a USB printer in the WLAN network. All family members in a household or employees in an office can quickly and wirelessly use the printer. It is not necessary to purchase additional equipment and money can be saved. In addition you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet. In addition you can easily print from your smartphone or tablet.
WLAN Printers - a good idea for businesses
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A WLAN printer might be a good alternative for large companies which have multiple departments with multiple printers. The transmission speed of the wireless network is mostly sufficient enough for the vast majority of print jobs, but high-quality color printouts are rather slowed down. There is a degree of flexibility regarding the choice of location for the WLAN printer. The printer can be placed in a different location than the computer or computers. Especially for larger busisnesses this advantage is very convenient.
Upgrading Printers with a WLAN Adapter
Laser printers and even inkjet printers can be upgraded with a WLAN adapter. For an older printer model, you can use upgradable WLAN components or a print server that can establish contact with the wireless network. Before buying an upgrade component it is important to make sure that the printer model is mentioned on the compatibility list of the component. Especially GDI printers often cause problems when upgraded. When a printer model can be upgraded with a WLAN Adapter, it is a low-cost and easy way to implement the benefits of a WLAN printer.
Disadvantages of WLAN Printers
Although the advantages of a WLAN printer are clearly high, there are also some disadvantages. One of the disatvatages is that a WLAN printer is dependent of an functioning network. If there is a problem with the router, the printer will not be able to receive a signal and will no longer print. Data security is also an important aspect. It is recommended to use encryption methods with a WLAN printer, especially for companies that work with sensitive customer data. In addition to encryption, it is also an option to choose a combined solution: a WLAN and USB printer. With this combination users can take precautions for all cases of unauthorized access or data loss.
Do you have further questions or would you like a personal buying recommendation?
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