The Deskjet 5800 and PSC 2500 series can connect wirelessly to a wireless router. In infrastructure mode, a wireless access point aids communication between devices.
Wi-Fi is a wireless communications technology that allows home and office users to connect computers, printers, and other devices to each other and the Internet without the use of wires. Deskjet 5800 and PSC 2500 series offer embedded 802.11b, which is also compatible with 802.11g-compliant devices. 802.11b and 802.11g are variations of the IEEE 802.11 family of specifications. Both variations work in the 2.4 GHz radio frequency spectrum. 802.11b transmits data up to 11 Mbps. 2
Two communication modes are typically used to connect devices to a wireless network: infrastructure mode, and ad hoc mode. The major difference between these two methods is that infrastructure mode uses an intermediary device that allows wireless devices to communicate with one another; ad hoc mode does not.
HP recommends using infrastructure mode with the Deskjet 5800 and PSC 2500 series. Infrastructure mode communicates with other devices on the network, regardless of whether the devices are wired or wireless, through a wireless access point. The access point facilitates communication between network devices. Wireless routers, base
stations, and gateways all have a built-in access point, in addition to Ethernet ports.
In ad hoc communication mode, devices communicate directly with other wireless devices without using an access point. Ad hoc, or peer-to- peer networks are typically small and simple, such as two wireless computers, or a wireless computer and a wireless printer. HP recommends this mode only for advanced users , as it requires additional steps during installation. The use of an access point, available with infrastructure mode, simplifies the installation process.
In ad hoc or peer-to-peer mode, devices communicate directly with other wireless devices.
2802.11g—the newest wireless specification—offers higher performance than 802.11b. While customers with an 802.11g wireless network can connect to the Deskjet 5800 and PSC 2500 series, they will not be able to take advantage of the full range of speeds provided with 802.11g. This is a function of the 802.11g specification, which ensures compatibility between 802.11b and 802.11g devices. For many home- and small-office networks, this reduction in throughput will be unnoticed as the available throughput will still meet the needs of all but the busiest networks. To maximize speeds on an 802.11g network, customers can use the devices’ built-in Ethernet port.
HP and HP channel partner internal use only | 3 | second half 2003 |
