Wireless networking
Networking overview
A
network
is a collection of devices such as computers, printers, Ethernet hubs, wireless access points, and routers
connected together for communication through cables or through a wireless connection.
Devices on a wireless network use radio waves instead of cables to communicate with each other. For a device to
communicate wirelessly, it must have a wireless print server attached or installed that enables it to receive and
transmit radio waves.
Common home network configurations
There are different ways a network can be set up. Some examples of common home network configurations are:
•
Laptop and printer connected wirelessly with Internet
•
Computer, laptop, and printer connected wirelessly with Internet
•
Ethernet-connected devices with Internet
•
Computer, laptop, and printer connected wirelessly without Internet
•
Laptop connected wirelessly to printer without Internet
The computers and laptops in all five scenarios must be wired and/or have wireless network adapters built in or
installed in them so that they can communicate over a network.
The printers in the following diagrams represent Lexmark printers with Lexmark internal print servers built in or
installed in them so that they can communicate over a network. Lexmark internal print servers are devices made by
Lexmark to enable Lexmark printers to be connected to wired or wireless networks.
Scenario 1: Laptop and printer connected wirelessly with Internet
•
A computer is connected to a wireless router by an Ethernet cable.
•
A laptop and a printer are connected wirelessly to the router.
•
The network is connected to the Internet through a DSL or a cable modem.
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