A network printer is a printer that is connected to a network, either through a wired or wireless connection, and can be accessed by other computers connected to the same network. A network printer can be Ethernet-enabled and cabled to an Ethernet switch, or it can connect to a Wi-Fi network, or both. Network printers offer several benefits, including:
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Cost savings: When using a network printer, users can connect directly to the device via direct IP, eliminating the need for excess IT equipment. This means you dont need to purchase a print server device or dedicate a computer to the printer to act as a server, reducing your budget spend on new equipment.
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Flexibility: Network printers can operate with multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.) and a variety of different printer types (laser, inkjet, thermal, etc.). This means users throughout the office can access network printers regardless of the platform in use on their device.
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Efficiency: Network printers efficiently meet the needs of multiple employees with a single printer. They offer employees a variety of print options when various types of printers are connected to the network.
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Print from any device: Contemporary network printers are designed to work in tandem with a variety of common apps, including Dropbox, Google Drive, and iPrint, allowing users to print from any device.
A network printer can be identified on the network through its IP address. While network printers offer several advantages, they can also have some downsides. For example, with multiple users capable of accessing the same printers, projects can be delayed when the printer is already in use. Additionally, if the network goes down, then printers become inaccessible.
