HP LaserJet 1320nw Wireless - Manual (Page 9)

ENWW Wireless networking basics 3
Wireless networking basics
The HP LaserJet 1320nw printer has an internal HP Jetdirect wireless print server that supports
both wired and wireless connectivity. To connect to a wireless network, the printer uses wireless
protocol IEEE 802.11b/g that communicates data through radio transmission. After installing the
printer to a wireless network, cables are not required to communicate with the computers or
devices that are part of the network.
Note The printer is compatible with 802.11b/g-compliant devices.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a collection of two or more computers, printers, and other
devices linked by radio waves. A WLAN uses high-frequency airwaves (radio) to communicate
information from one point to another.
To connect a computer or device to a wireless network, the computer or device must have a
wireless network adapter. The HP LaserJet 1320nw printer uses an internal networking
component that contains a wireless network adapter and radio. No cabling is necessary between
networked devices that use wireless technology, although it is possible to use a cable to configure
your printer for a wireless network. This is the recommended installation method.
The following sections contain overview information about wireless channels and communication
modes, networking profiles, and network security.
Channels and communication modes
The band of radio signals used for IEEE 802.11b/g wireless networking is segmented into specific
frequencies, or channels. For IEEE 802.11b/g wireless networks, 14 channels are available. But
each country/region specifies the channels that are authorized for use. For example, in North
America, only channels 1 through 11 are allowed. In Japan, channels 1 through 14 can be used. In
Europe, except for France, channels 1 through 13 are allowed. Because existing standards
change frequently, you should check with your local regulatory agencies for authorized channel
use. In most countries/regions channels 10 and 11 may be used without restriction.
Channel selection depends on the communication mode of the network. The communication
mode defines how devices, such as computers and printers, communicate on a wireless network.
There are two primary types of wireless communication modes: infrastructure and ad-hoc.