HP LaserJet 1022nw Printer - Manual (Page 9)

Wireless networking basics
The HP LaserJet 1022nw printer has an internal HP wireless print server that supports both
wired and wireless connectivity. However, the printer does not support simultaneous wired
and wireless connections. 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 1022nw 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.
Common wireless network adapters include the following:
● USB adapter: An external device that connects to a USB port on the computer (typically
has a PCMCIA card attached to one end).
● Notebook adapter: A PCMCIA card that plugs directly into one of the PCMCIA slots on
your laptop or other portable computer.
● Desktop computer adapter: A dedicated ISA or PCI card, or a PCMCIA card with a
special adapter, that plugs into your desktop computer.
● AirPort adapter: A wireless card that plugs directly into the AirPort slot on your
Macintosh laptop or desktop computer. AirPort adapters eliminate the need for cable
connections to the computer.
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.
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