IBM brings wireless printing to the office

By Steve Malone

Posted on 1 Apr 2003 at 11:39

Wireless-enabled laptop users no longer need to plug into the office network to print documents. IBM has introduced a plug-and-print Wi-Fi adapter that enables users of notebooks, personal computers or PDAs to print documents remotely, without the need to purchase a new Wi-Fi-enabled printer or multi-function device.

According to IBM, the Wireless Print Adapter plugs straight into a printer's existing RJ-45 Ethernet connection, without the need for configuring software drivers or open PCI expansion slots. The 802.11b based adapter is said to support Wireless Equivalent Privacy (WEP) using 64-bit or 128-bit encryption for secure transmission of print data.

IBM says that the 802.11b Wireless Print Adapter can receive 11Mbps wireless Ethernet transmissions up to 1,200 feet although this is without cubicle walls in the way, so the practical limit is likely to be a lot less

The list price for the adaptor is £153