How do network printers work

However, these network printers feature an Ethernet port , while many newer models incorporate built-in Wi-Fi wireless capability. Network printers typically allow entering configuration data through a small keypad and screen on the front of the printer. The screen also displays error messages that are helpful in troubleshooting problems. For Ethernet-capable printers, connect the printer to a network router using an Ethernet cable.

For Wi-Fi capable printers, associate the printer with a wireless router or another wireless access point. A wireless print server is a special-purpose gadget that bridges these printers to a wireless home network. To use wireless print servers, plug the printer into the server's USB port and connect the print server to a wireless router or access point. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

Use precise geolocation data. Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Bradley Mitchell. Updated on January 05, An unsecured network can make all the information sent to printers vulnerable to security breaches. You can protect the information being sent to your wireless network printers by setting up a secure, password-protected network. If you have a printer serving a network, it is a good idea to set up a printer server.

This will allow your printer network to operate more efficiently, as the server will manage incoming print jobs and reduce the data load. Print servers also allow you to secure your network to prevent security holes. Teddy Wilson is a journalist based in College Station, Texas. He is a reporter covering national security and military issues, as well as a social media marketing and coaching consultant.

Print-server software can be installed on a network file server or locally on your PC. A print server may also be a single-purpose, network-hardware device that connects directly to a printer. Some printers have built-in print-server hardware that enable them to directly connect to a network router or switch.

A printer can be connected to a print server many different ways. It might be connected physically to a file server or client computer by a parallel, serial or USB connection. Dedicated, network, print-server hardware devices connect directly to a printer via a parallel or USB connection and to the network wirelessly or by using an RJ45, Ethernet cable connection. Printers with built-in print-server hardware have wireless or Ethernet connections to the network as well. Before your document is finally printed and ready to be picked up, the print server and your computer's operating system must locate the printer you want to use, establish a network communication path to it, package your document into a data format the printer can directly understand, send the formatted data to the printer and monitor the progress of the printer while it prints your document.