Wi-Fi

Definition Wi-Fi is a wireless technology used to connect computers, tablets, smartphones and other devices to the internet. Wi-Fi is the radio signal sent from a wireless router to a nearby device, which translates the signal into data you can see and use. The device transmits a radio signal back to the router, which connects to the internet by wire or cable. What is a Wi-Fi network? A Wi-Fi network is simply an internet connection shared by a wireless router with multiple devices in a home or business. The router is directly connected to your modem and acts as a hub, broadcasting the internet signal to all of your Wi-Fi enabled devices. This allows you to remain connected to the internet as long as you are within your network’s coverage area. What does Wi-Fi stand for? A marketing firm coined the term because the wireless industry was looking for a user-friendly name to refer to some not-so-user-friendly technology known as IEEE 802.11, and it stuck. Wi-Fi is frequently referred to as WiFi, wifi, wi-fi, or wi fi, and the organisation that paid for the marketing firm is sometimes referred to as the Wireless Fidelity Alliance Inc. How does Wi-Fi work? Wi-Fi transmits data from your wireless router to Wi-Fi-enabled devices such as your TV, smartphone, tablet, and computer using radio waves. Your devices and personal information may become vulnerable to hackers, cyber-attacks, and other threats because they communicate over airwaves. This is especially true when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network in public places such as a coffee shop or an airport. When possible, connect to a password-protected wireless network or a personal hotspot. Types of Wi-Fi connections Your options for connecting wirelessly at home are growing as mobile networks expand into the home internet realm. As with internet service, there are advantages and disadvantages to each type of wireless connection, such as speed and strength of signal. We’ve outlined a few of them here. Wireline/router Most homes use a wireless router to access the internet these days. The pros include convenience of setup, mobility within range of the Wi-Fi access point (router) and the ability to connect multiple devices. The cons: limited bandwidth and reduced speed as more devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network, as well as potential interference from other electromagnetic devices in the home. Mobile hotspot or jetpack Mobile and dedicated hotspots are becoming a more popular way of connecting safely on the go. Two common hotspot devices are your smartphone and a jetpack. Most any smartphone or tablet today can be used as a temporary hotspot and is a great option if you occasionally need it. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require buying extra devices, but it can zap your battery life and data pretty fast. On the other hand, a jetpack acts as a dedicated mobile hotspot that picks up a signal from cell towers in your area just like your smartphone. More devices can connect to it and it offers a greater range of Wi-Fi. And because it’s a separate device, your smartphone battery power doesn’t get touched. The downfall is having to buy the jetpack and a separate plan. LTE Home Internet If you live in a rural area with few internet options, 4G LTE Home Internet is an option to consider. It provides high-speed internet access via cell phone towers and mobile networks, with average download speeds of around 25 Mbps. The benefits of LTE over satellite include faster speeds and greater dependability, depending on your carrier. 5G Home Internet 5G Home Internet (Fixed Wireless Access) is now in more places around the country.* Even with multiple devices connected, it’s reliable and fast enough to power your whole home. Fixed wireless access has a simple plug and play setup, which means there are no messy wires and no need to wait for a technician to come to your home for setup. How to get Wi-Fi at home As mentioned, there are several ways to get wireless service at your home and most depend on geographical location and availability. (See what Wi-Fi home internet is available in your area.) The majority of urban and suburban areas offer most of these services, with 5G Home Internet right around the corner. Rural areas will most likely offer satellite and 4G LTE Home Internet. If you have a wired internet service, you’ll be able to set up your own Wi-Fi network at home. By connecting a router to your modem, you can share your internet connection with all your Wi-Fi enabled devices within range. If your home has two levels, concrete walls or random dead zones, adding a Wi-Fi extender that relays the wireless signal to these areas can make a big difference. Keep in mind that as the number of your mobile devices grows, so does the demand for bandwidth. To keep your devices running at top speeds, you may need to upgrade your internet speed plan. Verizon offers several internet services ranging from DSL and fiber to 5G Home Internet, depending on your location. For better reliability and Verizon’s fastest download speeds, check if Fios Internet or 5G Home Internet are available at your address.

List of Printers That Work With the iPhone

With smartphones and tablets becoming more commonplace and affordable, many businesses are opting to switch to products such as iPads and iPhones for their day-to-day computing needs. One concern about utilizing iPhones and tablets in the workplace has been their printing capabilities — or lack thereof. Not to be outdone by competitors, Apple has created a list of printers capable of printing from iPhones and iPads using Apple’s AirPrint technology. AirPrint Requirements Before trying to print to a printer using AirPrint, each of your devices must be upgraded to the most recent version of iOS. You will also need an AirPrint-enabled printer that is connected to your company’s wireless router. Additionally, your iPhone must be connected to the same wireless network as your printer, as opposed to your cellular provider’s mobile Wi-Fi service. Where to Buy AirPrint-enabled Printers Apple’s Online Store and the company’s retail locations offer a variety of AirPrint-enabled printers for sale. Like many retail outlets, Apple does not stock every available printer on the market, so you may be able to find a better deal by looking at other major retailers or by ordering directly from the manufacturer. List of Brother Printers Brother has several printers that are compatible with the iPhone’s AirPrint technology. These printers include models: DCP-J525N, DCP-J525W, DCP-J725DW, DCP-J725N, DCP-J925DW, DCP-J925N, DCP-8110DN, DCP-8150DN, DCP-8155DN, HL-5450DN, HL-5470DW, HL-6180DW, MFC-J280W, MFC-J425W, MFC-J430W, MFC-J432W, MFC-J435W, MFC-J4510DW, MFC-J5910DW, MFC-J625DW, MFC-J825DW, MFC-J825N, MFC-J835DW, MFC-J955DN, MFC-J955DWN, MFC-8510DN, MFC-8515DN, MFC-8520DN, MFC-8910DN and MFC-8950DW. List of Canon Printers Not to be outdone, Canon has several dozen models of AirPrint-enabled printers available that will print from your iPhone. These models include: Canon MG3210, MG3220, MG3255, MG3260, MG3270, MG4210, MG4220, MG4240 Canon MG4250, MG4260, MG5310, MG5320, MG5330, MG5340, MG5350, MG5370, MG5380, MG6210, MG6220, MG6230, MG6240, MG6250, MG6270, MG6280, MG8220, MG8230, MG8240, MG8250, MG8270, MG8280, MX431, MX432, MX434, MX435, MX436, MX437,MX438, MX511, MX512, MX513, MX514, MX515, MX516, MX517, MX518, MX711, MX712, MX714, MX715, MX892, MX893, MX894, MX895, MX897 and the Canon MX898. List of Epson Printers Epson too has several dozen choices in printers for anyone interested in printing from their iPhones or iPads. These printers include the Epson Artisan 730, Artisan 837, EP-775A, EP-775AW, EP-804A, EP-804AR, EP-804AW, EP-805A, EP-805AR, EP-805AW, EP-904A, EP-904F, EP-905A, EP-905F, ME Office 940FW, PX-1600F, PX-1700F, PX-504A, PX-535F, PX-605F, PX-675F, PX-B700, PX-B750F, PX-435A, Stylus NX430, Stylus NX530, Stylus NX635, Stylus Office BX535WD, Stylus Office BX630FW, Stylus Office BX635FWD, Stylus Office BX935FWD, Stylus Photo PX730WD, Stylus Photo PX830FWD, Stylus SX440W, Stylus SX445W, Stylus SX535WD, Stylus TX435W, Stylus Photo TX730WD, WorkForce 545, WorkForce 645, WorkForce 7510, WorkForce 7520, WorkForce 845, Workforce WF-7011, Workforce WF-7511, Workforce WF-7515, Workforce WF-7521, Workforce WF-7525, WP-4010, WP-4011, WP-4015, WP-4020, WP-4022, WP-4023, WP-4025, WP-4090, WP-4091, WP-4092, WP-4095, WP-4511, WP-4515, WP-4520, WP-4521, WP-4525, WP-4530, WP-4531, WP-4532, WP-4533, WP-4535, WP-4540, WP-4545, WP-4590, WP-4592, WP-4595, XP-200, XP-205, XP-207, XP-302, XP-303, XP-305, XP-306, XP-400, XP-402, XP-405 and finally the Epson XP-406. List of HP Printers While not as extensive a list as Epson and Canon, Hewlett-Packard’s printers are often bundled with scanning and faxing functions, making them heavy-hitting multitaskers in any office. Hewlett-Packard’s AirPrint-enabled printers include the: HP Deskjet 3050A J611, HP Deskjet 3054A J611, HP Deskjet 3070A, HP Envy 100 e-All-In-One D410, HP Envy 110 e-All-In-One D411a, HP Envy 114 e-All-In-One D411a, HP LaserJet P1102w Printer, HP LaserJet P1606dn Printer, HP LaserJet Pro 100 color MFP M175nw, HP LaserJet Pro 300 Color MFP M375nw, HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color M451nw-M451dn-M451dw, HP LaserJet Pro 400 Color MFP M475dn-M475dw, HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fn Color MFP, HP LaserJet Pro CM1415fnw Color MFP, HP LaserJet Pro CP1025nw Color Printer, HP LaserJet Pro CP1525nw Color Printer, HP LaserJet Pro M1212nf MFP, HP LaserJet Pro M1213nf MFP, HP LaserJet Pro M1214nf MFP, HP LaserJet Pro M1216nf MFP, HP LaserJet Pro M1217nfw MFP, HP LaserJet Pro M1536dnf MFP, HP Officejet 4620 e-All-In-One, HP Officejet 6100 e-Printer H611a, HP Officejet 6500A e-All-In-One E710a, HP Officejet 6500A Plus e-All-In-One E710n, HP Officejet 6600 e-All-In-One H711a, HP Officejet 6700 e-All-In-One H711n, HP Officejet 7500A Wide Format e-All-In-One E910a, HP Officejet Pro 8100 e-Printer N811a, HP Officejet Pro 8500A e-All-In-One A910a, HP Officejet Pro 8500A Plus e-All-In-One A910g, HP Officejet Pro 8500A Premium e-All-In-One A910g, HP Officejet Pro 8600A e-All-in-One Printer N911a, HP Officejet Pro 8600A Plus e-All-in-One N911g, HP Officejet Pro 8600A Premium e-All-in-One N911g, HP Photosmart 5510 e-AiO B111a, HP Photosmart 5514 e-AiO B111h, HP Photosmart 6510 e-AiO B211a, HP Photosmart 7510 e-AiO C311a, HP Photosmart e-All-in-One D110a, HP Photosmart eStation C510, HP Photosmart Plus e-All-In-One B210a, HP Photosmart Premium e-All-In-One C310, HP Photosmart Premium Fax e-All-In-One C410a, HP Photosmart Wireless e-All-In-One B110—Europe and Asia-Pacific and HP TopShot LaserJet Pro M275. List of Lexmark Printers The Lexmark family of printers offers several options to choose from, ranging in price and functionality. The following Lexmark printers are equipped with AirPrint technology: Lexmark C734, C736, C746, C748, C792, C925, C950, E460, E462, OfficeEdge Pro4000, OfficeEdge Pro4000c, OfficeEdge Pro5500, OfficeEdge Pro5500t, Pro715, Pro915, S315, S415, S515, T650, T652, T654, W850, X460, X463, X464, X466, X548, X652, X654, X656, X658, X734, X736, X738, X748, X792, X860, X862, X864, X925, X950, X952 and the X954. List of Dell, Lenovo and Samsung printers As of the date of publication, Dell has four printers capable of printing from your iPhone — the Dell B1260dn, B1265dnf, V525w and V725w. Lenovo’s three AirPrint-enabled printers include the Lenovo LJ3700DN, LJ3800DN and LJ3800DW. Finally, a total of six printers by Samsung are capable of printing from your iPhone — the ML-1865W, ML-1865WK, ML-1866W, SCX-3205W, SCX-3205WK and SCX-3206W printers.

Printers With Ink Types That Are Dye-Based

While laser printers are traditionally thought to be the preferred business printer, dye-based inkjet printers are also very popular. They combine a low acquisition cost with the ability to print extremely vivid colours, allowing printed business presentations to stand out from the crowd. Simultaneously, dye-based ink technology has advanced to the point where it has rendered most of the advantages of competing pigment-based ink printing systems obsolete. How Ink Works Printer ink is made up of two types of ingredients: a colourant and the solvent in which it is dissolved or suspended. Colorants in dye-based inks completely dissolve in the water-based solvent fluid. When ink is applied to paper, the coloured water sinks into the page and evaporates, leaving the dye behind. Pigment-based inks, on the other hand, use a solid colourant suspended in a solvent and caked onto the paper as the solvent evaporates. Benefits of Dye Ink Dye-based inks offer two significant advantages. Dyes produce more vibrant colours than pigments, so a dye-based presentation slide print, for example, will be especially vibrant. In addition, the ingredients in dye-based inks are less expensive than pigments. In two important ways, dye-based ink is catching up to pigmented inks: fading resistance and smudging resistance. Modern dye-based inks can now withstand reasonable water exposure, such as being highlighted with a highlighter, and some dye-based prints can be stored for up to 300 years without fading. Dye-Based Office Printers Dye-based inkjet printers are available in virtually any configuration and price range. Dye-based inks are especially popular in the type of low-cost all-in-one printers that are ideal for small workgroups or single users. These printers frequently have fast enough print speeds and are small enough to fit in an existing work area. In some cases, printers are so inexpensive that they are less expensive than a set of replacement ink cartridges. This makes them affordable enough to put one on each desktop if desired. Using Dye-Based Inks While dye-based inks can and should be used in more demanding applications, they are almost always used for casual printing. While a laser printer is ideal for printing a sales letter on company letterhead, the inkjet next to you is ideal for generating a draught that you can review before printing your final copy. Dye-based inkjet printers are also excellent for producing quick, low-cost colour prints.

Copier Vs. Risograph

From the outside, risographs and copiers appear identical. They even print identical single-color pages. Photocopiers and Risographs, on the other hand, function differently. Risographs use a stencil-and-ink system, whereas photocopiers, like laser printers, use electrostatically charged toner particles. Each machine is best suited to a specific job type and volume. Function In 1938, Chester Carlson invented the photocopier. In 1959, he and the Xerox company created the first commercial photocopier. This machine and its descendants attract toner in the shape of the image to be printed using a charged drum. The toner is transferred to the paper by the machine, where heat and pressure rollers permanently melt it to the surface. Risographs, also known as RISO digital duplicators, work with a master sheet that has voids that correspond to the image burned into it. The machine injects ink into the master and onto the paper. Strengths Photocopiers print pages quickly and precisely. They require no drying time or special handling after printing, and each print looks identical to the previous ones. Photocopiers are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes, capacities, and prices. They are suitable for small jobs and single prints, and some models are colour capable. Risographs can print at even faster speeds than photocopiers and can handle large print jobs at a much lower cost per print. They are best suited for large jobs in single colours where each image must be identical. Weaknesses Although photocopiers are less expensive to set up than Risograph prints, the cost per print remains relatively constant, making them an expensive option for large print jobs. Toner cartridges are also expensive to replace. Risograph machines work well for large jobs, but they are expensive to operate for a few prints. In addition, they can only print one colour at a time. To add two colours to a print job, the operator must remove the ink drum and replace it before rerunning the job through the printer. Risographs are more difficult to obtain than photocopiers because they are manufactured by a single company. Considerations Risographs and copiers excel in two distinct printing markets. The photocopier performs best when producing copies for daily use or low-volume print jobs. It is simple to use, making it ideal for public copiers in libraries, schools, and copy shops. Risograph machines were created to fill the void left by photocopiers and high-volume offset printing. They are ideal for medium-volume book and flyer printing, particularly when only one colour is required at a time. They do require some training to use, so they are best suited for small print shops and nonpublic areas.

Is Magnetic Inkjet Paper Safe for Printers?

Is Magnetic Inkjet Paper Safe for Printers? If you use refrigerator magnets or magnetic business cards to help with marketing, it may be more convenient and cost-effective to print these items yourself rather than purchase them. Magnetic inkjet papers can help with that, but they should be used with caution. While magnetic inkjet papers are compatible with most inkjet printers, they require special storage and handling, and they do not work with laser printers. The MediumMagnetic inkjet paper consists of a laminate that combines paper with magnetic sheeting. Although most products in this category come in letter-sized sheets pre-cut to feed through a desktop output device, some manufacturers produce roll-fed magnetic paper in widths suitable for use in a wide-format inkjet printer. You can cut the material with scissors, a razor-blade knife or a cutting plotter. Additionally, some sheet-fed media incorporate scoring to trim out a set of 10 business cards from each page. AdvantagesMagnetic inkjet paper quickly produces short-run promotional magnets that can be incorporated into a client mailing or a presentation. The sheets are compatible with most standard desktop inkjet printers manufactured after 1999, but you should double-check compatibility with your specific printer. The soft, flexible material is easy to cut with standard scissors and can hold text, graphics, and photos printed from any software, including word processors and graphics applications. DisadvantagesBecause magnets attract other magnets, you won’t be able to load multiple sheets of this special substrate into your printer at the same time. The sheets would stick together and fail to load correctly. Likewise, the thickness of these sheets mandates feeding them one at a time. They require special storage away from recordable, erasable items such as audio or data tapes, whose contents they may damage. Magnetic inkjet paper doesn’t accommodate outdoor use, moisture or light exposure. For the best chances of printing success, your output hardware needs a straight, simple paper path from the feeder to the output tray, avoiding the prospect of curling the sheets or dislodging pre-scored items such as business cards. Finally, because of their cost, save these sheets for after you’ve proofed and verified your design on plain paper. RisksMagnetic paper poses significant risks to your hardware when fed through a laser printer rather than an inkjet device. The material, like most specialty media designed for inkjet use, cannot withstand the heat of the fuser assembly, which bonds toner to paper. Magnetic paper, despite its designation as an inkjet-friendly medium, requires caution in inkjet devices as well. Some hardware controls parts of its operation with electromagnets, which can be disrupted by magnetic media. Other devices contain ferrous metals, which attract and hold the magnet.

Can You Put a Transparency Into a Printer?

Desktop printing technologies support a variety of output media, such as decorative and translucent papers, labels, and cards. In addition to traditional and non-traditional papers, overhead transparency film that is ready to print and present is available. To use these clear sheets in your printer, select the appropriate stock to ensure trouble-free output. Media Selection Transparency film manufacturers create versions that are optimised for use with specific output technologies. Products are packaged for laser and inkjet printers, as well as colour copiers. Always match the media to the method for the best results, both in terms of output and hardware health. Transparencies designed for laser printers can withstand the fusing heat inside these machines while still properly accepting the toner bond. Inkjet transparencies accommodate the dyes and pigments sprayed onto output surfaces by these machines, as well as the drying requirements of the technology. Impact printers, such as dot matrix and daisy wheel devices, are the only printer types that do not use these media because they cannot withstand the printer-head hits that these devices require. Loading Techniques Transparency film feeds best when it is placed in the printer tray by itself. Removing paper and loading transparencies separately, or designating a specific tray in a multi-tray printer for these media, best suits the low-friction surface they present to your device’s feeding hardware. Transparencies can slip and skew when mixed with paper, resulting in a jammed sheet. If your device has a manual-feed tray with adjustable sliding guides, snug them up against the stack of transparencies just enough to hold and support them – but not so much that the sheets curve up in the middle. Uses Transparencies, in addition to their traditional use as presentation materials, can be repurposed to create a variety of useful printed items, such as special section dividers for documents, exhibits that show multiple elements of a design or timeline on separate overlays, and design alternatives placed on a floor plan or map to show alternative ways to build. You can achieve relatively good registration among the various elements of your printed sandwich because you can print on transparencies using the same applications you use to create the base art onto which you set these overlays. Other Considerations Store unused transparencies away from sources of light, heat, and dust, and avoid unnecessary handling that can scratch their surfaces, to keep them in good ready-to-print condition. Because they are made of plastic, they generate static electricity that can cause them to stick together, so carefully inspect your stock as you load it into the printer. If your office has a variety of printers, keep the consumables – paper and transparencies – for each one separate from the others to avoid potential mixups.

How To Use a Photocopier in 7 Easy Steps

Photocopiers are an essential part of most offices, and using one for the first time can be intimidating. It can be difficult to know what does what with so many buttons and functions. However, once you’ve successfully photocopied something, you’ll be an expert in no time. Because each photocopier is unique, we always recommend reading the manual before attempting to copy, print, or scan anything. To make your life easier, we’ve created a general step-by-step guide on how to use a photocopier to assist you in mastering this common office machine. 1. Turn on the Photocopier The first and most important step is to ensure that the power cable is properly connected before turning on the machine by pressing the power button. The power button is usually on the machine’s face, but it can also be found on the side. It’s also worth noting that most copiers now have a power-saving mode. If you notice that the machine is turned on but not responding, press the sleep mode button to wake it up. It’s also a good idea to check the paper tray, which is usually located at the bottom of the machine. Fill the empty paper tray with paper by carefully placing it on the tray. Overfilling it will result in jams and problems later on. 2. Let the Photocopier Warm Up If your office photocopier has a lot of different components and features, it will probably need a few minutes to warm up before it can work properly. The same is true for older machines, as their warm-up rate is much slower. Although newer and smaller machines can warm up quickly, it’s still a good idea to wait at least 2 minutes for it to fully wake up. 3. Place Your Document on the Photocopier Lift the photocopier’s cover to reveal a glass surface beneath. Place the document on the glass, with the front facing downwards. Typically, there will be some guidelines on the copier that you can follow to properly place the document. Close the lid once the placement is correct. 4. Choose the Number of Copies The machine’s screen will then display an instructional menu, prompting you to select the number of copies required. Some photocopiers will display this as a list, while others will require you to enter the number manually. 5. Choose the Colour Preferences The following step is to select your colour preferences. Whether the copies should be colour or black and white. If the option does not appear on the screen right away, click the menu button and then select settings. There, you can choose your preferred colour and save it for future copies. However, keep in mind that not all copiers have this feature. 6. Choose the Paper Size The final option is to select the paper size. Most advanced copiers have multiple paper trays that can all hold different paper sizes in case you need envelopes, posters, or other items in a variety of sizes. The standard paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, also known as A4 paper. If your copier lacks multiple trays, you can select the paper size from the settings menu and then feed the appropriate sized paper into the tray. 7. Hit the Copy Button Finally, hit the copy button to start printing your copies! Again, this button can usually be found on the top of the machine.

How to keep your printer in tip top condition

A printer is an essential add-on to your office set up, but when it decides to have a funny five minutes just as you’re about to send a document to print, it can cause lengthy delays and unnecessary stress and hassle. At Bizcopier Solution Sdn Bhd, we believe continual maintenance is the backbone of product longevity, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ve collated some useful steps for you to take to keep your inkjet or laser printer in good working order. -Turn the printer off Turn off your printer if you don’t expect to need it for a few days, such as over the weekend or a bank holiday. Printers can overheat if left on for extended periods of time, which is especially damaging for inkjet printers because the ink cartridges tend to dry out, causing the header to clog. Even if the printer is turned on but not in use, it can wear out other parts of the printer. -Give the insides a clean Wipe down the insides of your printer every few months. Toner, dust, and grime that has accumulated over time can form layers that affect the printer’s performance. To remove toner and dust, use lint-free cloths that have been slightly dampened, and soft-bristled tools like a toothbrush. Even if it’s a tough spot, don’t use too much pressure when cleaning! -Keep the printer head clean We recommend cleaning your printer’s head once a month. Many printers will self-clean with a few button presses, but they can also be cleaned manually if desired. Simply remove the ink cartridges from your inkjet printer and clean the head with warm water. Wet wipes and cleaning products containing alcohol should be avoided. Allow the head to dry completely before returning the ink cartridges after cleaning. -Check under the hood Lift the printer’s hood every now and then to check for any damaged or worn parts. Toners and ink cartridges aren’t the only parts that need to be replaced; also check the condition of the printer’s rollers and fuser. -Use the printer regularly It is not uncommon for printers to fail simply due to insufficient use. In addition, leaving your printer untouched for days can cause the printer head to clog, resulting in severe damage. We recommend printing in full colour every 10 days to keep your printer and cartridges in good working order. -Choose the right refill cartridges Because refill cartridges can be costly, you may be tempted to choose the cheapest option, regardless of quality. Although branded, high-quality cartridges are more expensive, they help to keep your printer in good working order, preventing breakdowns and functionality issues in the future. They also have higher printing quality. -Keep it up to date The printer’s software is one of the most important factors that many users overlook. When an update is due, the printer’s manufacturer will notify the system, which helps to keep your printer in good working order. -Replace the ink cartridges before they run out A dry ink cartridge can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your printer head, making it even more important to replace them before they cause problems. When the ink cartridges or toner in your printer run out, your printer software will notify you. -Locate the printer in a suitable area Heat and dry air can contribute to inkjet printer heads clogging and laser toner degradation. Place printers away from radiators and other heat sources to avoid unnecessary printer repair costs. Other common printer issues include being knocked and barged as office workers walk by. To avoid further damage, keep the printer away from busy corridors and walkways.

How Far Can Wireless Work?

Many offices and commercial buildings come at least partially cabled for computer networking, offering a convenient connection from your servers to the routers in individual work areas. Those routers are often wireless, an option that provides greater flexibility and easier installation than traditional networking with Ethernet cables. Relatively inexpensive wireless routers and bridges offer options for most range requirements, from a few yards to several miles. The Standard The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, or IEEE, defined the standard protocols for wireless networking in the mid-1990s. This standard, referred to as 802.11, has been revised several times to accommodate improvements in the technology. The first commercial products, released in 1999, adhered to the 802.11a and 802.11b standards. The first offered higher speeds, while the second was slower but had longer range. The first 802.11g devices entered the market in 2003, combining the speed of wireless a devices with the range of 802.11b. Speed and range increased further with the 802.11n standard in 2009, and 802.11ac in 2012. Maximum Range The maximum range of each standard varies, depending on environmental factors such as obstructions and interference from other sources of radio frequency signals. The maximum range of 802.11a wireless was approximately 95 feet with throughput of up to 54 megabits per second, while 802.11b was capable of transmitting up to 150 feet at 11 Mbps. The 802.11g standard extended that range to 170 feet at the same speed as 802.11a; 802.11n extended the maximum range to 230 feet and throughput to a maximum of 600 Mbps. 802.11ac routers provide similar range but increase throughput to a theoretical maximum of 1.33 gigabits per second. Practical Considerations 802.11b and 802.11g routers work on the relatively crowded 2.4 GHz band of radio frequencies, where there are relatively few channels to choose from and a significant potential for interference from other electronics and wireless devices. Devices using 802.11a used the less-crowded 5 GHz band, while 802.11n and 802.11ac use both as needed. Choosing an 802.11n or 802.11ac router will provide better performance to all workstations on your network, especially those furthest from the router. With the older wireless technologies, throughput tails off drastically as you approach the limits of their range. Extended-Range Wireless Conventional consumer and office wireless products can provide adequate range for most business use, but companies occupying large spaces or with facilities spread over a wide area sometimes need more. In large buildings or compounds, you can address this by installing additional routers set up to function as repeaters. They receive a signal wirelessly from your primary router, then rebroadcast it. If your wireless network needs extend beyond a few hundred feet, you’ll need to upgrade to a wide-area product. These connect to your network as a router or network bridge, but can transmit over distances of up to 20 miles.

How to Network a Photocopier

Connect your photocopier to your network so that other devices in your home or office can use it. When you network your photocopier and other peripheral devices like printers, scanners, and external hard drives, you can use them without having to connect them directly to your computer. Windows is designed to work with a variety of network devices without the need for additional software programmes to be installed on your computer. 1.Switch off the photocopier. Connect the Ethernet cable to the “LAN” port on the photocopier’s connection panel. 2.Connect the opposite end of the cable to an open port on your network switch or router. Start the photocopier. 3.Connect to your network and turn on your computer. Click Start, then Control Panel. To open the “Network and Sharing Center,” type “Network” into the search field and press “Enter.” To access the photocopier on your network, click “View Network Computers and Devices” and then the name of the device.