Wireless networking, Types of wireless networks – Lexmark 9500 Series User Manual
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Finding a printer/print server located on remote subnets
The printer software CD can automatically find the printers that are located on the same network as the computer.
If the printer and print server are located on another network (called a subnet), you must manually enter an IP address
during printer software installation.
Wireless networking
Types of wireless networks
Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc.
In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through a wireless router
(wireless access point). Devices on the wireless network must have valid IP addresses and share the same SSID and
channel as the wireless router (wireless access point).
In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a
wireless print server. The computer must have a valid IP address and be set to ad hoc mode. The printer's wireless
print server must be configured to use the same SSID and channel that the computer is using.
The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks.
Infrastructure
Ad hoc
Characteristics
Communication
Through wireless access point
(wireless router)
Directly between devices
Security
More security options
Range
Determined by range and number
of access points
Restricted to range of individual
devices on network
Speed
Usually faster
Usually slower
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each device
Yes
Yes
Mode set to
Infrastructure mode
Ad hoc mode
Same SSID
Yes, including the wireless access
point (wireless router)
Yes
Same channel
Yes, including the wireless access
point (wireless router)
Yes
Lexmark recommends setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with
the printer.
Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it has:
•
Increased network security
•
Increased reliability
•
Faster performance
•
Easier setup
Connecting the printer to a network
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