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A wireless network where each device communicates with others through a wireless access point (wireless router)
is set up in infrastructure mode. All devices must have valid IP addresses and share the same SSID and channel.
In addition, they must share the same SSID and channel as the wireless access point (wireless router).
A simple type of wireless network is one where a PC with a wireless adapter communicates directly with a printer
equipped for wireless networking. This mode of communication is called ad hoc. A device in this type of network
must have a valid IP address and be set to ad hoc mode. The wireless print server must also be configured with the
same SSID and channel.
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 on the network
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
Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it has:
• Increased network security
• Increased reliability
• Faster performance
• Easier setup
Finding the signal strength
Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the
printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect
the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or even other devices such as microwave
ovens. Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the
communication signal will be weaker.
Networking the printer
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