How to Set Up a Wireless Printer

Wireless printers have certainly ruled out the need for wires and complex connections to get any required matter printed. A majority of the people have a misconception that setting up a wireless printer is an unmanageable task, and it can only be done by a computer technician. However, if you just have a little understanding of wireless technology, you can do it without any hassle.

The use of wireless printers is becoming widespread in homes and offices. As they do not need Ethernet or Local Area Network (LAN) cables, it is more economical to set them up instead of laying out complicated cable systems which are very difficult to maintain and troubleshoot. Once you have an idea of setting up a wireless printer server, you can easily print wirelessly from anywhere in your home without the need of carrying a printer around to connect to other personal computers.

There are two types of technologies that are used in wireless printing; 'Bluetooth technology' and 'Wi-Fi'. Most PCs and printers nowadays come equipped with either of these technologies. You also have the option of using a wireless card which can be connected via the USB port. Bluetooth printers have a shorter range as compared to Wi-Fi enabled ones.

Tips on Setting Up a Wireless Printer Network

For the purpose of wireless printing, a wireless router is a very important device. You may get a variety of wireless routers in the market for around $60, or even cheaper, depending on the make. To assemble a wireless network, you are required to install the CD that comes along with the wireless router, and follow the instructions.

As more than one computer would be used for the printing purpose, it is suggested to decide an appropriate location where the printer should be placed. It should be positioned at a location which is accessible to all users. It is recommended that you place it near the main computer which would be issuing most of the printing commands. Connect it to the main system through the USB port, and switch it on.

Click on the 'Start' button, go to 'Control Panel', and select 'Printers'. Choose the printer that is to be used, right-click on it, and select 'Properties'. After doing so, click on the 'Sharing' option, check the 'Share this Printer' option, and click on 'Apply' and then the 'OK' button. If you have other PCs in your home, you need to configure each one in a way which would allow them to locate the wireless printer within the network that you just set up.

In all individual PCs, go to 'Start', 'Control Panel', 'Hardware and Sound' (In Windows Vista), 'Printers', and select 'Add a Printer'. You will then be asked whether you want to add a local printer or a network, wireless, or Bluetooth printer. You need to select the second option, after which the PC will search for the available printer. After the search is complete, the printer will be ready to accept any printing commands.

With Vista, simply let the OS know that the printer to be used in a wireless one. This can be done by accessing the network setting in the 'Control Panel', and then activating file and printer sharing in the LAN setting. With Windows XP, follow the same procedure, but you can directly view the 'Printers' option instead of 'Hardware and Sound' in the 'Control Panel' section.

If you want to set up a wireless printer connection in a small office, a Bluetooth wireless printer is more suitable due to its short operational distance.