Wireless Printing
Since the advent of wireless internet connectivity, printer manufacturers have been busy developing a range of next-generation printers capable of exploiting wireless technology. Free from hazardous and restrictive cables, today’s printers make it possible to send documents and images to print without the need for a physical wire – the benefits of which are seemingly endless.
But how do wireless printers work, and what benefits can you expect by upgrading to a wireless printer? In this comprehensive buying guide, we’ll investigate the technology behind wireless printing; explore the functionality of such printers; and cite some of the key benefits offered by wireless printing technology.
Wireless Printing: How It Works
Like other devices in the home or office – such as wireless speakers, smartphones and computer hardware – wireless printers feature Wi-Fi connectivity, which enables them to connect to a wireless network via a modem. At the touch of a button, a wireless-enabled printer can connect to a home or office network, where it can be accessed remotely – regardless of the device you’re printing from.
This simple set up process eliminates the need for direct printer to computer connectivity, not to mention the time-consuming installation associated with older printer models. Upon first-use, the required drivers can be downloaded and installed directly on to the device, a process that helps streamline the initial set up and allows for quicker, out-of-the-box printing.
By connecting wirelessly to the same network as your desktop, laptop, smartphone or tablet, Wi-Fi enabled printers offer complete flexibility no matter what device you’re using. Once the printer has successfully connected to a wireless network, it will appear in the list of available printers on your device – much like it would if connected via a USB cable or other wired printer network.
Print Anywhere from a Number of Devices
The flexibility offered by wireless printing is without doubt the greatest benefit of the technology. Whilst older printer models require a USB cable in order to connect to a computer, wireless printers can connect to any device on the same network – whether it be a computer, tablet or smartphone. Not only that, but they can connect to more than one device at a time – making them the perfect choice for business use.
If, like many people, you spend more time on your smartphone or tablet than you do on a traditional desktop or laptop computer, a wireless printer offers complete convenience when printing photographs, text documents, e-mails or webpages from your mobile device.
Recognising the growing reliance on mobile devices, most prominent printer manufacturers have developed specialist apps designed to give users an intuitive platform on which to connect and print directly from their smartphone or tablet. HP, Brother and Epson are just a few of the manufacturers to release a tailored printing app for mobile users – including a version for both iOS and Android devices.
iOS Vs. Android: Which Is Better at Handling Wireless Print Jobs
As alluded to in the above section, it’s possible to print from both iOS and Android devices; either by using a specialist OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or third-party app, or via the device’s in-built operating system.
Currently, iOS devices are considered the best option for wireless printing. Every modern iOS device features Apple’s intuitive AirPrint function; a tool which allows the user to send documents and images directly to any printer on the same wireless network. When using an AirPrint-compatible application – such as Microsoft Word, Pages or the Safari web browser – it’s possible to print text documents, images, e-mails and webpages straight from your iPhone or iPod – with no initial set up required.
Like Apple’s AirPrint application, Android devices also feature a dedicated wireless print service – Google Cloud Print. This service lets you print a number of documents directly from your Android device – provided the application you’re using is Google Cloud Print-compatible. Where the service differs from Apple’s AirPrint however, is the need to have an existing Google account, as well as Cloud Print-compatible printer.
Further Benefits of Wireless Printing
Whilst by now you should have a general idea of the benefits offered by wireless printing technology, here we’ll explore some of the lesser known benefits you’ll enjoy day-to-day should you upgrade to a wireless printer.
Firstly, wireless printing offers complete mobility – whether in the office or at home. Provided the printer is switched on and connected to your wireless network, it’s possible to send documents directly to it regardless of where you are. That’s great news for mobile users, as well as those lounging on the couch lacking the energy to get up.
Secondly, wireless printers ensure a streamlined, safe and hazard-free working environment, something that is particularly important in offices or associated workspaces. As they’re completely cable-free, wireless printers eliminate the need for precarious wiring – reducing the risk of tripping and providing a cleaner, tidier cable-management solution.
For a complete range of wireless printers, visit our dedicated printers page or call the Toner Giant team on 0845 365 3605.