Dell has been featuring internal wireless network adapters on most of our inkjet printers since 2006. This year, it will be a feature on most inkjets and on most of the personal and small business laser printers we launch.
Wireless networking has moved beyond the point where it is a cool new feature and started to become a necessity. But we know from experience that many customers find that the task of connecting a wireless accessory like a printer to their home network can be a difficult process. I’ve heard from plenty of customers who are frustrated with how complicated that task can be.
We want our customers to know that the future looks brighter. In early 2007, the Wi-Fi Alliance approved a new standard for wireless configuration called Wi-Fi Protected Setup, usually abbreviated as WPS. This technology makes the process of setting up a wireless network much easier.
Here’s how it works: A customer with a WPS-capable router and a WPS-capable printer pushes a button on the printer control panel or enters a PIN number and then presses a button on the router and the two devices connect themselves together with a minimum of fuss.
We’ve been doing a lot of testing with Dell’s newest inkjet printers and one of the more popular WPS-capable routers. Right now, this technology is still in its infancy and has proven to be a bit inconsistent. But when it works, it greatly simplifies wireless configuration.
Based on our research, this technology is improving and we expect that before the end of the year, WPS is going to be a very reliable way to configure your wireless devices. While it may not be a reason to rush out and buy a new wireless router just yet, it is nice to know that Dell inkjet printers will be ready to utilize the technology when it is perfected.
May 15th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Sounds like a great feature to have when you finish perfecting it.
May 15th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
It should make this process much easier.
June 27th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
With the final ‘Gold’ version of the firmware that launched with the V305 All-in-One inkjet printer this week, I was getting extremely consistent and reliable results with a Linksys WRT160N router here at my desk. We do have other WPS capable printers on the roadmap and early indications are the WPS is working reliably with all of them. Just make sure the router you’re using is WPS capable - otherwise, it’s a more traditional setup.