Welcome to Wireless printing basics. With the convenience and widespread availability of wireless technology, printing no longer requires a tether between a computer or handheld device to a printer. Plus, the wireless industry keeps introducing new products that make wireless connectivity–and wireless printing in particular–a reasonably priced option for almost any user.

This quick lesson covers wireless printing solutions for the home and home office user. Whether you need to print quick emails and office documents, or larger files such as photos and full-color presentations, you can do it all without cables.

Discovering connection types for in-home wireless printing

To print wirelessly, you can use one or both of the following technologies:

• Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi): This is a common wireless technology used in home and business networks, coffee shops, airports, libraries and other public places. Wi-Fi networks are referred to as wireless local area networks (WLANs), and public WLANs are often called hotspots. Wi-Fi standards include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g and 802.11n.
• Bluetooth: This short-range wireless technology is built into many modern desktop computers, portable laptops, handheld devices and a variety of printers. It requires you to put the devices into discoverable mode, and then pair the devices. After that, you can transfer files, print files, synchronize contact lists and much more.

One of the main differences between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection is the range of access. Wi-Fi connections are generally available up to 150 feet between devices. Bluetooth connections have a more limited range of up to 30 feet.

• Infrared: This is another type of short-range wireless connectivity found on many portable computers, printers and handheld devices in addition to wireless keyboards and mice. Infrared connections use an infrared light to communicate between devices. Although infrared is a viable wireless option, this lesson focuses on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Selecting devices for in-home wireless printing

Once you choose a connection type, here are your hardware options:

• Wireless-enabled computer or handheld device: Most current computers and handheld devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smartphones, come with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interfaces.
• Wireless printer: This type of printer comes with a built-in Wi-Fi connection, and many include a Bluetooth interface as well. You can buy color or black and white printers (laser or inkjet); all-in-one units that include scanning and faxing capabilities; or wireless portable printers that go with you on the road.
• Wireless print server: This is a small appliance that enables wireless printing to wired printers. In addition, a print server buffers print jobs, which frees resources on your computer or handheld device. This is a real time saver for large print jobs and photos. Most print servers include a mix of Ethernet and universal serial bus (USB) ports on the back, and some still include a parallel port.

You connect a USB or parallel cable between the print server and the printer, and usually connect an Ethernet cable between the computer and printer server for setup purposes.

• Wireless upgrade kit: If your computer and printer aren't wireless-enabled, you can buy a kit that includes a wireless printer adapter and a USB adapter for your computer. This is usually a less expensive option than buying a new wireless printer or a higher-end print server.

You may also purchase separate adapters for a computer or printer. These are usually USB adapters, or add-in cards that slide into a special slot on a printer.

• Wireless router: This is an access point that creates a wireless network. Many home and home office users already have a wireless router in place for internet and email access. You can connect a computer directly to the router, and then connect a wired printer to the computer, creating a "print server" through that computer. No additional hardware or special software is needed.

Understanding the numbers: wireless standards

Get used to seeing the number 802 followed by a decimal point and more numbers and letters. You don't need a secret decoder ring to understand what they mean–basically, they're all wireless standards.

• The 802.11a and 802.11b standards are somewhat older technologies, each with its own drawbacks.
• The 802.11g standard is currently the most popular, offering a relatively fast 54 megabits per second (Mbps) connection.
• The 802.11n standard is the latest in the lineup and offers an even higher connection rate—well over 100 Mbps. There are many 802.11n devices on the market, which are backward-compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b.

Now that you understand the types of connections and devices you need to print wirelessly, take a look at how to set up wireless printing at home. That's covered next.