How to Set Up a Wireless Printer

Tap to Read ➤ Stephen Rampur

Because wireless printing uses cutting-edge technology, people assume, setting up a wireless printer connection to be difficult. Here is an easy guide to set up a wireless printer.

Wireless printers have certainly ruled out the need for wires and complex connections.

A majority of the people have a misconception that setting them up 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 such printers is becoming widespread in homes and offices.

As these printers do not need Ethernet or Local Area Network (LAN) cables, it is economical to set them up than setting the complicated cable system that is difficult to maintain and troubleshoot. Once you get the idea by setting its server, you can easily print wirelessly from anywhere in your home without connecting it to the other personal computers.

There are two types of technologies that are used in this type of 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

A wireless router is a very important device for this kind of printing. You may get a variety in the market between USD 50 to USD 100, depending on the make. To assemble the network, you are required to install the CD that comes along with the router and follow the instructions.

As more than one computer would be used for the printing purpose, decide an appropriate location where the printer should be placed, which is accessible to all users. It is recommended that you place it near the main computer, that would be issuing most of the printing commands. Connect it to the main system through the USB port and then, 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 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 get an option to add a local printer or a network, wireless or a Bluetooth printer. Select the second option to allow PC to search available printer. After the search is complete, it gets ready to take any commands.

With Vista, simply let the OS know that a wireless printer is to be used. To do this, access the network setting in the 'Control Panel' and then activate the 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 the same connection in a small office, a Bluetooth wireless printer is more suitable due to its short operational distance.