Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2018 July 28

Welcome to the Wikipedia Computing Reference Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current reference desk pages.

July 28

Why do I need a router to wirelessly connect my printer and computer?

I got a Brother HL-L2370DW laser printer a few months ago, and the instructions for wireless connection involve going through a router. I have a router and a USB cable and can connect either way, but it would seem a lot simpler to just have the computer communicate with the printer wirelessly directly without the router. Why is a direct wireless connection not the default option, or even included in the instructions? (My computer runs on Windows 10.)--Wikimedes (talk) 16:41, 28 July 2018 (UTC)

The printer (as well as computer) needs a wi-fi network to connect to, which is often created by a wi-fi enabled router. So, if a computer is in client mode, it is impossible to connect to it directly. There are ways around this problem like Wi-Fi_Direct or HP Wireless direct but they require additional drivers. You should probably study the manual of your printer - it may contain the answer to this question. Ruslik_Zero 17:18, 28 July 2018 (UTC)

Thanks for the link. It looks like the answer is that WiFi is the wireless protocol that the printer uses, and WiFi was designed for network communications rather than direct device-to-device communications and requires an "access point".--Wikimedes (talk) 02:07, 30 July 2018 (UTC)

... but the access point can be your computer. See this link for some ideas. Dbfirs 11:02, 30 July 2018 (UTC)

Good to know. Thanks.--Wikimedes (talk) 23:36, 31 July 2018 (UTC)