Introduction
In today's world, technology has been becoming omnipresent with each passing day. The rise of wireless technology has brought about a new era of convenience and efficiency. The convenience is not just limited to electronic devices, but also extends to managing our printers. However, there can be confusion regarding which type of wireless connectivity would be best for a printer: Wi-Fi or cellular. Well, buckle up for an informative ride as we compare Wi-Fi and cellular for printers!
Wi-Fi vs Cellular for Printers
Wi-Fi
Most printers today have built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This wireless technology enables printing from a range of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Using Wi-Fi printing allows printing from anywhere in the house or office without the need for cables. You can also set up Wi-Fi direct, which allows two devices to communicate with each other directly without the need for a wireless access point. Wi-Fi connection speeds can range anywhere from 11 Mbps to 1,300 Mbps, depending on the wireless standard.
Cellular
Some printers will allow for cellular connectivity, meaning you can print from virtually anywhere, without the need for a Wi-Fi network. Cellular printing is made possible thanks to the SIM card slot built into the printer. A printer that supports cellular technology will come equipped with a SIM card slot, which can be activated by a carrier plan. This option may be suitable for some people who require long-range printing capabilities but have no Wi-Fi network to connect to. However, there can be some limitations to speed and availability, meaning printing large documents may be time-consuming and may require a cellular plan with a high data allowance.
Comparison
When it comes to speed, Wi-Fi is definitely faster than cellular. Wi-Fi speeds can go up to 1,300 Mbps while cellular speeds depend on the cellular data carrier and the data allowance. Wi-Fi printing can be done free of charge, while cellular printing requires payment to the data carrier for the data usage. Wi-Fi printing has an advantage in range when compared to cellular printing. With Wi-Fi, you can print up to 100 meters away from the printer, depending on the wireless standard. Cellular printing has no range limitation as long as there is a network signal available. However, there may be a latency issue because cellular printing relies on an internet connection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity options have their pros and cons when it comes to printing. If speed and range are what you need the most, Wi-Fi would be your best bet. However, if you need flexibility and the ability to print from anywhere without needing Wi-Fi, then cellular may be the way forward. Ultimately, a choice needs to be made based on one's individual needs and budget.
References
- https://home.bt.com/tech-gadgets/computing/accessories/wifi-and-mobile-printing-explained-11363956315554
- https://www.alibabacloud.com/blog/cellular-vs-wifi-connectivity-which-is-better-for-iot-devices_595541
- https://www.pcworld.com/article/3338237/cellular-printers-vs-wifi-printers-whats-better-for-iot_.html