Types of Connectivity
There are many types of connections that a multifunctional copier can have, depending on specific features. These are just a few of the most commonly found ways of connecting the system to external systems:
Ethernet
Ethernet is a fast wired connection between two network terminals, which in this
case could be the multifunctional copier system and a computer. Multiple computers connected to the same multifunctional system would require an Ethernet router to split the connections from the system.
WiFi
Multifunctional systems that have built-in WiFi, have a wireless receiver and transmitter to connect to a network that is wireless-enabled. The system can then communicate with the network terminals wirelessly. For this to be possible, a wireless router is required to be port communication between the connecting device; so that, as an example, the scanner in the system only transmits information to the requesting computer and does not send the information to all the computers on the network.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is another type of wireless technology which has a lower range than WiFi, and has slower data communication rates, but enables strong, safe local transfer of information wirelessly. In the same way as WiFi, a system with built-in Bluetooth will have a transceiver (an integrated transmitter and receiver), and ‘pairs’ with Bluetooth-enabled devices, rather than requiring a network to be established – although networks can be established.
There are different specifications of Bluetooth, starting from the old version 1 to the higher data rates and backward compatibility of v2 and v3, as well as low power v4. Additional specifications include EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and EIR (Extended Inquiry Response).
USB
A multifunctional copier printer system now quite often have USB ports that allow you print directly from files or connect to smaller USB devices and laptops. Scanner functions on more advanced systems can also scan to file on the USB device. It requires the device to be in close physical proximity to the system by connecting via USB, but is as effective as an Ethernet wired connection.
USB connection cables have different types of connectors depending on terminal requirements.
Telephony
For multifunctional units with a Facsimile function, traditionally this would require some form of telephony connection. In simpler units with the Fax function that requires directly dialing to another Fax number, this may still be the case. However, larger and more contemporary multifunctional units enable you to send faxes through local network connections, where the network server or router is able to communicate fax messages to their destination, and only requires a normal network connection, such as Ethernet or WiFi to transfer the document image to be faxed.