Wireless networking basics, Wireless network basics – HP Deskjet 5850 Color Inkjet Printer User Manual

Page 60

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wireless networking basics

The printer's built-in wireless communications feature allows you to connect the
printer directly to a

802.11b

wireless network without the aid of an external print

server.

To install the printer on a 802.11b wireless network, follow these

instructions

.

802.11b or Wi-Fi

description

802.11b is a wireless communications technology that allows you to connect
computers and other devices (such as printers) to each other and the Internet
without the use of wires.

802.11b works by radio transmission in the 2.4 Ghz range. Devices communicate at a
speed of 11 Mb/s whenever possible. If signal strength is low or interference disrupts
data flow, the speed drops to 5.5 Mb/s, 2 Mb/s, or 1 Mb/s.

other 802.11 standards

802.11g and 802.11a are emerging wireless networking technologies that offer more
processing speed than 802.11b.

If you have an 802.11g wireless network, it is recommended that you use an

Ethernet cable

to connect the printer to the network's

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

in

order to achieve a processing speed comparable to that of the 802.11g network.

If you have an 802.11a wireless network, you must use an

Ethernet cable

to connect

the printer to the network's

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

in order to achieve a

processing speed comparable to that of the 802.11a network. 802.11a and 802.11b
operate on different frequencies, and are, therefore, incompatible.

To connect the printer to an Ethernet network, follow these

instructions

.

adapters and access points

adapters

While some devices, such as the printer, have built-in 802.11b capability, other
devices need an adapter to become 802.11b-enabled.

Examples of common adapters include:

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