Lexmark X4550 Getting Started - Page 20

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 be able 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. Scenario 2: Computer, laptop, and printer connected wirelessly with Internet • A computer, a laptop, and a printer are connected wirelessly to a wireless router. • The network is connected to the Internet through a DSL or a cable modem. 20