How Does a Wireless Printer Adapter Work?

Functions

Bluetooth parallel dongle
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.

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 802.11a 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.

USB wireless printer adapter
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.

Dell wireless Printer adapter Set-up
A wireless printer adapter should be installed into an installed printer. If the printer is not yet configured, complete the printer configuration first prior to installing the wireless adapter card. Install the wireless printer adapter by plugging it onto the USB port, serial, parallel or PCI cable slot. Make sure to connect your PC to the wireless network first, and then install the software installation CD that comes with the wireless printer adapter package. Follow the installation prompts, such as a prompt to "Install WiFi-connected Device," and then follow the instructions on the screen. When asked for the "Connection Type," choose "Through the Network." The computer will search for printers already on the network. If you are still installing a printer connection for the first time, it should not find the printer. Click on "Next," and then follow the instructions to establish the network connection to the new printer connection. Follow the remaining instructions to complete the wireless printer installation. Once installation completes, you can send a test print to see if it works.