Laptops: Bluetooth vs Infrared vs USB vs 802.11b

You are looking for a wireless printer that will work with a recently purchased laptop computer. You want to connect the printer as a local device. The printer should be operational within 30 feet of the laptop and should be self-configuring.
What type of device interface should you use?
1. USB
2. IrDA
3. 802.11b
4. >>Bluetooth
Explanation : You should use a Bluetooth interface printer. Bluetooth is a radio communications technology with an effective range of 10 meters, or just over 30 feet. Bluetooth devices are self-configuring. Printers often have multiple interfaces, so a Bluetooth printer might also support other interface options, but you would configure the printer to use the Bluetooth interface.

You should not use Infrared Data Association (IrDA) printer. IrDA is an infrared, line-of-site communication technology that is functionally similar to a serial connection. Range is no more than 10 to 20 feet, and can be less, depending on environmental conditions such as dust and ambient light.

You should not use 802.11b. This is a wireless networking communication technology rather than an interface for connecting peripherals. A printer with an 802.11b interface would be designed for connecting directly to the network as a network printer, not for connecting locally to a computer. The printer would likely also have a local connection option, either parallel or Universal Serial Bus (USB), but these are wired interfaces. Communication range is over 300 feet, typically 500 feet or more.

You should not use a USB interface printer. USB is a wired, not wireless, interface.
Objective: Laptops and Portable Devices

Laptops and Infrared

What is the maximum range for using the infrared wireless port when updating a PDA from a laptop?
1. 100 feet
2. 5 feet
3. 30 feet
4. >>20 feet -->Correct

Explanation : The maximum range for Infrared Data Association (IrDA) devices is no more than 20 feet. It is typically given as 10 to 20 feet, but it can be affected by ambient light (if it is too bright) or dust. It also requires unobstructed line of sight between the devices.

The range is greater than 5 feet. If the devices are unable to communicate at less than 10 feet, you should suspect problems.

Both 30 and 100 feet exceed the maximum rated range for IrDA devices. If these ranges are required, other interface types should be used.
Objective: Laptops and Portable Devices

Printers and Scanners: Cordless and Infrared Connections

What provides for a cordless connection to a printer?
1. IEEE 1394
2. Parallel
3. >>Infrared - Correct
4. USB
Explanation : Many laptops have infrared (IR) ports to allow you to connect to peripherals without a cable. To use the IR port, you must configure it first. Windows usually treats the IR port as a serial port, but it also assigns it a virtual COM port and LPT port.

You need to know which simulated port Windows has assigned to the IR port to configure printing. You must line up the IR port on the laptop and the printer or other device to establish a connection. IR works by line-of-sight, so the IR ports on the laptop and device must be able to "see" each other.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) has become the most popular way to connect peripherals of many sorts, including printers, to modern Windows PCs. USB is faster than serial and parallel ports. Printers have traditionally used a parallel connection, but they can also use the USB or IEEE 1394 Firewire interfaces to connect to printers if the printers support it. Many printers today have USB and parallel interfaces, but few have Firewire interfaces.
Objective: Printers and Scanners