Wireless technology has quickly become an everyday part of modern business. The Internet has been at the forefront of this development, with networking available between numerous devices from just one hub. One such device to take advantage of this wireless freedom is the printer.
Wireless printers are much the same as their more regular cabled counterparts, although with one obvious exception. As the technology is still in its infancy, it does cost a little more than a conventional equivalent. Whilst the difference might only be fractional, this does mean that it is largely only adopted in laser and multifunction printers.
This probably doesn't come as much surprise, particularly as inkjet printers tend to be more compact and cost less. In fact, they are more of a desktop printer for those looking to do shorter print runs. Anyway, laser printers and multifunction laser printers are the larger, high capacity devices you tend to find in offices of all size. They use a powdered ink, which is transferred quickly to the page after the image is magnetically plotted. It sounds complicated, but is a far speedier process than using liquid inks - like those found in inkjets.
The wireless functionality works in much the same way as a standard Internet modem router. It transmits a signal between the device (in this case the printer) and the sender (a computer or laptop) via a hub. So rather than connecting to the network through a conventional network cable, this is done with WiFi.
Of course the difference in performance is negligible. The task is the same, it's just a slightly different way of transmitting the data. The one major advantage though is that you don't have to have dozens of cables trailing across the office, connecting each individual terminal to the printer or network hub. Plus, if you are already working with WiFi Internet throughout your building, then this will slip in seamlessly and negate the need for any cabling.
A wireless laser printer, as previously alluded to, works in exactly the same way as the fully wired equivalent. More advanced models will include better features. This might include larger paper trays, duplex printing option (where the paper is printed on both sides) as well as improved printing speed, image quality and cost effectiveness. These printers rely on a powdered ink which is contained within a large toner cartridge - very different to the smaller ink cartridges for inkjets.
When it comes to a wireless multifunction laser printer, the options are far more diverse. Firstly, they all include additional features. These usually include a fax, copier and scanner functionality. Whilst even basic models tend to be of a reasonable specification, the more advanced you get, the better quality you can expect.
The scanner plays an integral part in the effectiveness and standard of copier prints and of course the scanned images themselves. Larger multifunction printers tend to resemble more traditional copiers, mostly due to the larger frame and the added paper capacity within. As a result of the various levels and standards of multifunction printers, the costs can be equally varied. You can spend as little as £100 and as much as £1,000 to get the perfect WiFi multifunction printer for your needs.
So to briefly surmise what you can expect to from a WiFi printer, they can:
Complete printing jobs wirelessly
Connect with your wider network
Multifunction devices can also be entirely controlled remotely
Basically they do everything that you would expect from a fully wired model, just without the hassle of having to run wires right throughout the building. Whilst they may not be in all offices just yet, the popularity of the WiFi technology and the need to remove the excess clutter that clogs up many modern offices could well see a much improved take up rate in future months and years. Wireless technology is developing all the time, as are printers. So to take advantage of both, you need to consider a WiFi printer.
