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HP Deskjet 6988dt Printer User Manual

Page 23

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Communication modes
There are two types of communication modes for wireless devices:

Infrastructure mode

Ad hoc

Infrastructure mode

For optimal performance and security in a wireless network, HP recommends you use a

Wireless Access Point (WAP)

(802.11b or g) to connect the printer and other network

devices. When network devices are connected through an access point, this is called an
infrastructure network. A wireless network without an access point is called an ad
hoc
network.
The advantages of a wireless infrastructure network as compared to an ad hoc network
include:

Advanced network security

Enhanced reliability

Network flexibility

Better performance, especially with 802.11g mode

Shared Internet access

What you need for a wireless infrastructure network
To connect the printer to a wireless network, you need the following:

A wireless 802.11b or g network that includes a wireless access point

A desktop computer or laptop with either wireless networking support, or a network
interface card (NIC). You can use either an Ethernet (wired) connection or a wireless
connection from the computer to the access point. If you want to use an Ethernet
connection to the access point, follow the directions in the setup guide that came
with the printer.

Broadband Internet access (recommended) such as cable or DSL. If you connect
the printer on a wireless network that has Internet access, HP recommends that you
use a wireless router (access point) that uses Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
(DHCP).

Network name (SSID)

WEP key (suggested), WPA Passphrase (if needed)

Ad hoc mode

When the printer is set to the ad hoc communication mode, the printer communicates
directly with other wireless devices on the network without the use of a

WAP

. You might

want to use an ad hoc connection if you do not want to invest in an access point, or you
want to set up a simpler, more casual network.

User's guide

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