How Does a Wireless Printer Adapter Work?
Functions
A wireless printer adapter makes it possible for a printer to connect to a wireless router. Computers trying to print can connect to the printer through a wireless adapter. This allows multiple devices, such as wireless computer, hand-held devices and other network appliances in the network, to share the print resources. A printer without a wireless adapter cannot work in this shared environment unless one uses an Ethernet cable to connect the printer to the router. Configuration for printing is necessary in order for wireless appliances to connect and print into this one computer. With the influx of wireless capabilities, such as WiFi and Bluetooth connections, it is possible to print without using Ethernet cables.
Features
The 802.11 is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard used for WiFi or wireless connections. Most adapters are compliant with this standard. The most commonly used is the 802.11b and 802.11g. Most wireless printer adapters use the 802.11g, also known as a wireless-G, because it provides faster connectivity at 54Mbps allowing faster data output and transfer.
Types
The wireless adapter comes in different forms. The most common one is the USB wireless adapter, wherein the adapter uses the USB port of the device to connect to it. A wireless adapter can also come in a dongle form, where it plugs into the printer as a serial or parallel connection. Another type can connect to the PCI card slot, which requires opening the printer and installing a wireless adapter card. Most wireless-ready printers have this type of wireless adapter already built into the system.
