Movable Printers and Mobile Users

Safe & Secure Printing in Wireless Networks

Wireless networking adds freedom and flexibility to the workplace by satisfying the users' needs for mobility and connectivity. The ability to work anywhere under literally any circumstances leads to higher productivity and better utilization of investments in facilities and equipment.

Historically, wireless networking has been plagued by perceived security problems among customers and the media, fuelled by the poor encryption mechanism in the 802.11b standard. Many articles and media reports have demonstrated how easy it can be to tap into a company's or homeowner's wireless network. However, over the years the industry and standardization bodies have adapted to and overcome many of these early hurdles, and recently the WiFi alliance developed the WPA2 security standard, which adds additional security mechanisms to hinder "drive-by-intruder" scenarios.

From a printing perspective, the latest developments in new and improved wireless security mechanisms are very important, since many printouts are of a confidential nature. Printed material is often consolidated from many sources and system components into reports with high quality, confidential information upon which decisions are to be based. Quarterly financial reports, production forecasts and sales analyses are just a few examples. Today, thanks to the WPA2 security standard, these types of printouts are better protected than ever.

Wireless network-only location	Need to move printer
No LAN network connection near printer location	Courtesy printing for visitors

The reasons for needing a wireless printer network vary. For instance, it may be necessary to network printers in a wireless-only location, such as in many small offices, homes, warehouses and offices in temporary, leased buildings. Or, there may be a frequent need to move printers to new locations, which is the case for many project-focused organizations, hotel offices and convention centers where shows and trade fairs come and go weekly.

Many organizations can benefit from extending a wired LAN with wireless capability that allows printers to be placed where users need them, rather than where network connections are located. For example, company receptions, airports and hotels can offer visitors courtesy printing in receptions and lounges as a value-added feature of wireless Internet services. All of the above user scenarios stand to benefit greatly from secure and safe wireless printing.