USB cables used to be the only way to connect your printer to your PC. But, nowadays, we can achieve the same with wireless connections as well. So, users often wonder which one of them is better suited for the job. Now, there’s no one-word or straightforward answer to that.
To understand which connection type is better, you need to understand what they offer you. Then, you can reach a conclusion and rely on the connection that suits you better.
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Pros of a Wireless Connection for Printers
You can connect the latest printer models wirelessly with your computer. So, a USB cable isn’t necessary for printing anymore. But, as convenient as this is, it has its share of disadvantages as well.
But, first, let us look at the benefit that can help you in the following ways if you are using your printer with a wireless connection:
1. Easier to set up
Setting up a wireless connection to your printer is more accessible than doing the same with a USB cable. You can simply connect the two through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. That’s why the latest models come with a wireless function apart from a wired one. You must contact a professional printer repair Dubai if you fail to set up the connection.
2. Reduces the cost of equipment
This is another good reason for you to use only wireless connections for printing. After all, it removes the need to buy a USB cable. Moreover, you would need to buy replacement cables from time to time for wired connections. But, by going wireless, you can save some money and use it elsewhere.
3. Allows more flexibility with location
A wireless connection doesn’t bind your printer to a certain location. But, you still have to place it within a range, to get more flexibility in the matter. So, you can position the devices as per your requirements.
4. Gives a neat look to your office
Using wireless connection minimizes the use of wires and cables. So, the only accessories you use are the power cord for supplying power to your devices. Now, that makes it easier to maintain a tidy look in the room.
5. You can connect as many devices as you want
With a wireless connection, there’s no limitation on how many people can use the printer. They can simply connect their devices and start printing, but one by one of course.
6. Allows printing from various kind of devices
In a wireless setting, your printer can accept print jobs from all types of device. So that makes it more versatile, than a USB connection. After all, you can only print from desktops and laptops in the latter.
What are the Cons associated with Wireless?
Wireless connections aren’t all about advantages. After all, it has some disadvantages as well that you must consider before concluding.
1. It often faces disruptions
A wireless connection, as you know, shows up on surrounding devices as well. As a result, you may face disruptions while printing. So, users often find this connection type quite unstable. This is one of the main drawbacks of wireless printing.
2. Slower data transfer
When you perform printing tasks through a wireless connection, the data transfer is slower than in cables. As a result, the print jobs take more time to complete. But, your printer can still perform its tasks with good enough speed, depending on the connection.
3. Provides less security
Wireless networks, as you might know, are possible to breach. Moreover, it’s not rare for hackers to target them. A wired connection can provide more security than a wireless one.
Benefits of a USB cable connection
Do you still use a USB connection for printing? In that case, you have reasons to continue doing so. On the other hand, you also have some reasons to consider a change.
Printing over a USB network has the following advantages over that of a wireless one:
1. More stable
If you have used both a wireless and USB network, you’d know the difference in their stability. In the latter, you always have a stable connection unless there’s an issue with the cable. That makes it a more reliable option for long printing tasks. Also, it prevents errors that can damage print jobs.
2. Works faster
A USB connection allows faster data transfer (twice or more) as compared to a wireless one. So, that makes it a better option if you give priority to faster printing.
3. Fewer disturbances
In a wired connection, you don’t face any interference from other networks. As a result, the printing tasks usually go pretty smoothly. So, if you face disruptions due to surrounding networks, you must consider using a cable.
4. Higher security
Nobody can breach a USB network as it’s not visible to other networks in the first place. So, you should use a USB connection for printing if you’re more concerned about security.
5. Consumes less power
You might not have known this, but using a USB cable connection can reduce energy bills. They use much less power from your computer as compared to wireless connections.
What are the Drawbacks associated with using USB Printing?
A USB connection has its fair share of shortcomings as well. Here are some of the biggest drawbacks you may face in it:
1. Puts restrictions on device location
You may often find it inconvenient to place the printer as the cable connection is required. In such cases, you might want to consider using a wireless connection.
2. You can only use it with desktops and laptops
You might often need to print a page from your phone. In such cases, you can’t do that over a USB connection. So, you’d have to go wireless in such situations.
3. Increases your costs
If you use a USB connection, your cable will develop faults sooner or later. Then, you’d have to buy a replacement for it in such cases. Moreover, you may have to spend on a new USB cable quite frequently. Many users might prefer to go wireless for that reason.
How do you make a Printer Wireless when it’s not so by default?
Wired connections are available on all printers, but only the latest ones allow wireless functioning. So, you might wonder whether you can make an older model wireless. In that case, you can indeed make that happen. And, for that, you must apply for these methods:
1. Using a Wireless Adapter
This is one of the simplest and most popular ways to make your printer wireless. You need to buy a wireless adapter if you don’t have one. Even if they are often costly, you’ll find them very useful. So, getting a wireless adapter is a worthy investment after all.
2. Connect it to your PC via router
This is a simpler alternative to the previous method. If you have a router, you need to connect your printer to it. For that, you can either use a USB or an Ethernet cable. Once you’re done, it’ll create a wireless server for your printer.
3. Connect to the printer through another PC
This is another simple method to make your printer wireless. Connect the printer to a PC other than yours to create a server. Then, you can connect with it using your PC.
So, Which Connection must you go for?
Users may find both connection types viable based on their requirements. So, you must choose the one that best suits your purpose. Other than that, you can also try a hybrid connection type where you can switch between wireless and wired.
