HP Deskjet 6988dt User Manual

HP Deskjet 6980 series

User's guide

Hewlett-Packard Company notices

The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.

The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Acknowledgements

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

TrueType is a U.S. trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Adobe, Adobe Photoshop, and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by HewlettPackard Company under license.

Accessibility

The HP printer provides a number of features that make it accessible for people with disabilities.

Visual

The printer software is accessible for users with visual impairments or low vision through the use of Windows accessibility options and features. It also supports most assistive technology such as screen readers, Braille readers, and voice-to-text applications. For users who are color blind, colored buttons and tabs used in the software and on the HP printer have simple text or icon labels that convey the appropriate action.

Mobility

For users with mobility impairments, the printer software functions can be executed through keyboard commands. The software also supports Windows accessibility options such as

StickyKeys, ToggleKeys, FilterKeys, and MouseKeys. The printer doors, buttons, paper trays, and paper guides can be operated by users with limited strength and reach.

Support

For more details about the accessibility of this product and HP's commitment to product accessibility, visit HP's Web site at: www.hp.com/accessibility.

1Welcome.................................................................................................................4

2 Special features.....................................................................................................5

3 Get started..............................................................................................................6

Printer features .......................................................................................................6

Buttons and lights ...................................................................................................8

Paper trays ...........................................................................................................10

Photo/envelope feeder .........................................................................................12

Print cartridges .....................................................................................................15

Ink-backup mode ..................................................................................................16

Automatic paper-type sensor ...............................................................................17

4 Connect to the printer.........................................................................................18

USB ......................................................................................................................18

Wireless networking .............................................................................................19

Wired Ethernet networking ...................................................................................47

Bluetooth wireless printing ...................................................................................53

HP iPAQ Wi-Fi printing .........................................................................................57

5 Print photos.........................................................................................................59

Print borderless photos ........................................................................................59

Print photos with a border ....................................................................................61

HP Real Life technologies ....................................................................................62

Photo print cartridge .............................................................................................63

Maximum dpi ........................................................................................................64

Advanced color settings .......................................................................................65

Color management ...............................................................................................66

Gray photo print cartridge .....................................................................................66

Exif Print ...............................................................................................................67

Store and handle photo paper ..............................................................................67

Save money when printing photos .......................................................................68

6 Print photos from a digital camera....................................................................69

Use a PictBridge camera ......................................................................................69

Use a Bluetooth camera phone ............................................................................71

7 Print other documents........................................................................................72

E-mail ...................................................................................................................72

Letters ...................................................................................................................73

Documents ...........................................................................................................74

Envelopes .............................................................................................................75

Brochures .............................................................................................................76

Greeting cards ......................................................................................................77

Postcards ..............................................................................................................78

Transparencies .....................................................................................................79

Labels ...................................................................................................................80

Index cards and other small media ......................................................................82

Booklets ................................................................................................................83

Posters .................................................................................................................84

Iron-on transfers ...................................................................................................85

User's guide 1

Banners ................................................................................................................86

CD/DVD tattoos ....................................................................................................87

8 Printing tips..........................................................................................................90

Printing shortcuts ..................................................................................................90

Fast/economical printing .......................................................................................91

General everyday printing ....................................................................................91

Presentation printing ............................................................................................91

Print in grayscale ..................................................................................................91

Select a print quality .............................................................................................92

Set the page order ................................................................................................92

Print multiple pages on a single sheet of paper ...................................................93

Print a different first page .....................................................................................93

Print preview .........................................................................................................95

Set a custom paper size .......................................................................................95

Select a paper type ..............................................................................................96

Select a paper source ..........................................................................................96

Print task quick sets ..............................................................................................97

Automatic two-sided printing ................................................................................99

Manual two-sided printing ..................................................................................101

Resize a document .............................................................................................105

Watermarks ........................................................................................................107

9 Printer software.................................................................................................109

Printer Properties dialog box ..............................................................................109

What's This? help ...............................................................................................109

Ink Status window ...............................................................................................109

Download printer software updates ....................................................................110

10 Maintenance.......................................................................................................112

Install print cartridges .........................................................................................112

Set the auto-off feature .......................................................................................115

Align the print cartridges .....................................................................................115

Calibrate color ....................................................................................................116

Automatically clean print cartridges ....................................................................116

Print a test page .................................................................................................116

View estimated ink levels ...................................................................................116

Maintain the printer body ....................................................................................117

Remove ink from your skin and clothing ............................................................117

Manually clean print cartridges ...........................................................................117

Maintain print cartridges .....................................................................................118

Printer Toolbox ...................................................................................................119

11 Troubleshooting................................................................................................121

Ethernet problems ..............................................................................................121

Wireless communication problems .....................................................................123

Printer does not print ..........................................................................................127

Paper jam ...........................................................................................................128

Paper problems ..................................................................................................129

Paper mismatch ..................................................................................................130

Printer is stalled ..................................................................................................131

Print cartridge problems .....................................................................................131

Photos do not print correctly ...............................................................................133

PictBridge problems ...........................................................................................136

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Contents

Bluetooth printing problems ................................................................................137

Banners do not print correctly ............................................................................138

Print quality is poor .............................................................................................139

Document is misprinted ......................................................................................140

Problems with borderless documents ................................................................141

Error messages ..................................................................................................145

Printer lights are on or flashing ...........................................................................147

Document prints slowly .......................................................................................149

If you continue to have problems .......................................................................150

HP support process ............................................................................................150

12 Accessories.......................................................................................................151

Automatic Two-Sided Printing Accessory (duplexer) .........................................151

250-Sheet Plain Paper Tray ...............................................................................159

Auto Two-Sided Print Accessory with Small Paper Tray ....................................166

13 Supplies..............................................................................................................176

Paper ..................................................................................................................176

USB cables .........................................................................................................176

Accessories ........................................................................................................176

14 Specifications ...................................................................................................177

Printer specifications ..........................................................................................177

15 Environmental information...............................................................................178

Environmental statement ....................................................................................178

Print cartridge recovery ......................................................................................179

User's guide 3

Welcome

To find an answer to a question, select one of the following topics:

● Special features

● Get started

● Connect to the printer

● Print photos

● Print photos from a digital camera

● Print other documents

● Printing tips

● Printer software

● Maintenance

● Troubleshooting

● Optional accessories

● Supplies

● Specifications

● Environmental information

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Special features

Congratulations! You have purchased an HP Deskjet printer that is equipped with several exciting features:

● Built-in networking capabilities: Connect to either a wired or a wireless network without using an external print server.

● Ink-backup mode: Use ink-backup mode to continue printing with one print cartridge when the other print cartridge has run out of ink.

● Print Cancel button: Cancel print jobs at the touch of a button.

● Borderless printing: Use the entire page surface when printing photos and

brochures with the borderless printing feature.

● Real Life technologies: Get better photos easier with HP Real Life technologies. Automatic red-eye removal and adaptive lighting to enhance detail in shadows are just a few of the many technologies included.

● Six-ink upgradeable printing: Enhanced photo printing with a six-inkphoto print

cartridge (purchased separately).

HP Vivera Inks deliver true-to-life photo quality and exceptional fade resistance resulting in vivid colors that last. HP Vivera Inks are specially-formulated and scientifically tested for quality, purity and fade resistance.

● Printing from a digital camera: Print photos directly from a PictBridge-compatible camera using the front USB port.

● Automatic paper-type sensor: Use the auto paper-type sensor to optimize print quality for various papers.

● Quiet Mode: Use the Quiet Mode button when you require quieter printing such as with a baby sleeping or a client in the office.

● Photo/envelope feeder: Use the photo/envelope feeder to conveniently print single envelopes, photos, or postcards.

● Bluetooth printing: Print images without a cable using Bluetooth. Use an optional

HP Bluetooth Wireless Printer Adapter to print images from most Bluetooth devices

to the printer without a cable connection.

● Optional Automatic Two-Sided Printing Accessory: Purchase an Automatic

Two-Sided Printing Accessory to print two-sided documents automatically.

● Optional Auto Two-Sided Print Accessory with Small Paper Tray: Purchase an

Auto Two-Sided Print Accessory with Small Paper Tray to print two-sided documents

automatically and load small media from the back of the printer.

● Optional 250-Sheet Plain Paper Tray Accessory: Purchase a 250-Sheet Plain

Paper Tray Accessory to expand the printer's paper-handling capability.

User's guide 5

Get started

● Printer features

● Buttons and lights

● Paper trays

● Photo/envelope feeder

● Print cartridges

● Ink-backup mode

● Automatic paper-type sensor

For a description of the optional accessories, see the optional accessories page.

Printer features

The printer has several features to make printing easier and more efficient.

1 Buttons and lights

2 Paper trays

3 Photo/envelope feeder

4 Front USB port

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1 Print cartridges

2 Automatic paper-type sensor (not illustrated)

3 Ink-backup mode (not illustrated)

1 Rear USB port

2 Wired Ethernet port

Optional accessories

Automatic Two-Sided Printing Accessory

250-Sheet Plain Paper Tray (optional)

Auto Two-Sided Print Accessory with Small Paper Tray (optional)

(optional)

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Chapter 3

Buttons and lights

Use the printer buttons to turn the printer on and off, cancel a print job, restart a job, operate in Quiet Mode, and set up a wireless connection with SecureEasySetup. The printer lights give you visual cues about the status of the printer.

1 Power button and light

2 Print Cancel button

3 Resume button and light

4 Report Page button

5 Quiet mode button

6 SecureEasySetup button

7 Network light

8 Print Cartridge Status lights

9 Wireless Status light

For a description of the following buttons and lights, click the appropriate option:

● Report Page button

● SecureEasySetup button

● Network light

● Wireless Status light

Power button and light

Use the Power button to turn the printer on and off. It can take a few seconds for the printer to turn on after you press the Power button.

The Power light flashes when the printer is processing.

Caution Always use the Power button to turn the printer on and off. Using a

power strip, surge protector, or a wall-mounted switch to turn the printer on and off might cause printer failure.

The printer is designed with an auto-off feature that, when set, automatically places the printer into a low power mode when it has been idle for 30 minutes. In this mode, the printer continues to consume a maximum 3.0 watts of power with the radio off (maximum

5.5 watts with the radio on) and turns back on automatically when print jobs are sent to the printer. You can manually turn the printer off by pressing and holding the Power button

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for three seconds. When the printer is manually turned off, the printer uses less than one watt of power.

Note Energy consumption can be prevented by turning the printer power off,

and then disconnecting the end of the printer power cord from the electrical source.

Print Cancel button

Pressing the Print Cancel button cancels the current print job.

Resume button

The Resume light flashes when an action is required, such as loading paper or clearing a paper jam. When the problem is solved, press the Resume button to continue printing.

Quiet mode button

Use the Quiet Mode feature when you have an occasion that requires quieter printing such as a baby sleeping or a client in the office. By pressing the Quiet Mode button, the speed and sound level of the print job is reduced. To resume normal printing speed, press the Quiet Mode button again. The button is illuminated when Quiet Mode is active.

Quiet mode can be used in Normal, Fast Normal, and Draft print modes.

If the printer is printing while the Quiet Mode button is pressed, Quiet Mode goes into effect on the next page. The light on the Quiet Mode button will blink to show that the mode is pending, and then turn on fully when Quiet Mode is in effect.

Print Cartridge Status lights

The Print Cartridge Status lights indicate the status of the print cartridges.

1 Print Cartridge Status lights

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Chapter 3

1. The left status light represents the tri-color print cartridge, which is installed in the left side of the print cartridge cradle.

– The light is on and solid when the tri-color print cartridge is low on ink. – The light flashes when the tri-color print cartridge needs to be serviced.

2. The right status light represents the print cartridge that is installed in the compartment on the right side of the print cartridge cradle. That print cartridge can be the black print cartridge, the photo print cartridge, or the gray photo print cartridge.

– The light is on and solid when the black, photo, or gray photo print cartridge is

low on ink.

– The light flashes when the black, photo, or gray photo print cartridge needs to

be serviced.

PictBridge lights

Plug a PictBridge-enabled camera into the front USB port using a digital camera USB cable to print digital photographs.

1 Connection light

2 Error light

When a PictBridge-compatible camera is connected correctly, the green Connection light is illuminated. The printer Power light flashes and the Connection light remains lit solid when printing from the camera. If the camera is not PictBridge-compatible or is not in PictBridge mode, the amber Error light flashes.

Paper trays

The printer has two paper trays:

In tray

The In tray holds paper or other media.

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1 In tray

Slide the paper guides firmly against the edges of the media on which you are printing.

1 Paper-width guide

2 Paper-length guide

Out tray

Printed pages are deposited in the Out tray.

1 Out tray

2 Photo/envelope feeder

Use the photo/envelope feeder to print single envelopes, small photos, and cards.

Raise the Out tray to load paper or other media. Lower the Out tray before printing.

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To prevent paper from falling out of the Out tray, fully pull out the Out-tray extension. If you are printing in the Fast draft mode, unfold the Out-tray extension stop.

Do not unfold the Out-tray extension stop when printing on legal paper.

1 Out-tray extension

2 Out-tray extension stop

After the print job is complete, fold the Out-tray extension stop, and then push the Outtray extension into the Out tray.

Photo/envelope feeder

Use the photo/envelope feeder to print a variety of media sizes including the following documents:

● Envelopes

● Photos

● Postcards

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1 Photo/envelope feeder

Envelopes

Follow these steps to use the photo/envelope feeder for single envelopes:

1. Insert the envelope into the photo/envelope feeder with the side to be printed on facing down and the flap to the left.

2. Push the envelope into the printer as far as it will go without bending.

3. Slide the photo/envelope feeder forward as far as it will go.

4. Print the envelope.

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Chapter 3

Photos

Follow these steps to use the photo/envelope feeder to print a single photo:

1. Insert the photo paper into the photo/envelope feeder with the side to be printed on facing down.

2. Gently push the photo paper into the photo/envelope feeder as far as it will comfortably go.

3. Slide the photo/envelope feeder forward as far as it will go.

4. Print the photo.

Postcards

Follow these steps to use the photo/envelope feeder to print a single postcard:

1. Insert the postcard into the photo/envelope feeder with the side to be printed on facing down.

2. Gently push the postcard into the photo/envelope feeder as far as it will comfortably go.

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3. Slide the photo/envelope feeder forward as far as it will go.

4. Print the postcard.

Print cartridges

Four print cartridges can be used with the printer.

1 Black print cartridge

2 Tri-color print cartridge

3 Photo print cartridge

4 Gray photo print cartridge

Note The availability of print cartridges varies by country/region.

Use print cartridges

The print cartridges can be used in the following ways:

● Everyday printing: Use the black and tri-color print cartridges for everyday print jobs.

● Quality color photos: For more vibrant colors when printing color photographs or other special documents, remove the black print cartridge and install a photo print cartridge. The photo print cartridge, in combination with the tri-color print cartridge, provides you with virtually grain-free photos.

● Quality black and white photos: For outstanding black and white photographs, remove the black print cartridge and use a gray photo print cartridge in combination with the tri-color print cartridge.

Replace print cartridges

When buying print cartridges, look for the print cartridge selection number.

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Chapter 3

You can find the selection number in three places:

● Selection number label: Look at the label on the print cartridge that you are replacing.

1 Selection number label

● Printer documentation: For a list of print cartridge selection numbers, see the reference guide that came with the printer.

● Print Cartridge Ordering Information dialog box: For a list of print cartridge selection numbers, open the printer Toolbox, click the Estimated Ink Level tab, and then click the Print Cartridge Information button.

If a print cartridge runs out of ink, the printer can operate in ink-backup mode.

For information about installing a replacement print cartridge, see the print cartridge

installation page.

Ink-backup mode

Use the ink-backup mode to operate the printer with only one print cartridge. The inkbackup mode is initiated when a print cartridge is removed from the print cartridge cradle.

Ink-backup mode output

Printing in ink-backup mode slows the printer and affects the quality of printouts.

Installed print cartridge

Black print cartridge Colors print as grayscale.

Tri-color print cartridge Colors print but black is grayed and is not a true black.

Photo print cartridge Colors print as grayscale.

Gray photo print cartridge

Note HP does not recommend using the photo print cartridge or the gray photo

print cartridge for ink-backup mode.

16 HP Deskjet 6980 series

Result

Colors print as grayscale.

Exit ink-backup mode

Install two print cartridges in the printer to exit ink-backup mode.

For instructions about installing a print cartridge, see the print cartridge installation page.

Automatic paper-type sensor

The HP automatic paper-type sensor detects the paper in the printer, and then selects optimal print settings for that media. The result is fewer mouse clicks to start printing, and automatic optimal print quality on plain, photo, brochure and other high-quality papers. The sensor also checks the paper width to ensure it matches the size selected in the printer software. If the widths are different, the printer warns you so that you do not waste a sheet of paper.

When the auto paper-type sensor is engaged, the printer uses a red optical sensor light to scan the first page of a document and determine the best paper-type setting and check paper width. If the paper width is different from the printer software, the printer warns you and gives you the opportunity to stop printing. If the width matches, the printer determines the paper-type setting and the page is printed.

Note The Automatic Paper-Type Sensor is not available for documents that are

printed from the 250-Sheet Plain Paper Tray Accessory or the Auto Two-Sided Print Accessory with Small Paper Tray.

For more information about using the automatic paper-type setting, see Select a paper

type.

Caution Do not place the printer in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can interfere

with the auto paper-type sensor.

User's guide 17

USB

Connect to the printer

● Wireless networking

● Wired Ethernet networking

● Connecting a digital camera

● USB

● Bluetooth wireless printing

● HP iPAQ Wi-Fi printing

The printer connects to the computer with a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The computer must be running Windows 98 SE or later to use a USB cable.

For instructions about connecting the printer with a USB cable, see the setup poster that came with the printer.

Note A USB cable might not be packaged with the printer.

Change the printer from a USB connection to a network connection

If you first install the printer with a USB connection, you can later change to either a wireless or Ethernet network connection. If you already understand how to connect to a network, you can use the general instructions that follow. For more detailed instructions on connecting the printer to a network, see the Setup Guide.

Note For optimal performance and security in a wireless network, use an access

point (such as a wireless router) to connect the printer.

To change a USB connection to a wireless connection

1. Unplug the USB connection from the back of the printer.

2. Insert the printer software CD in the computer CD-ROM drive, and then follow the onscreen instructions. This runs the Setup Wizard.

3. On the Connection Type screen, select Wireless, and then click Next.

18 HP Deskjet 6980 series

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network installation.

5. When the installation is complete, open Printers and Faxes in Control Panel and delete the printers for the USB installation.

To change a USB connection to a wired (Ethernet) connection

1. Unplug the USB connection from the back of the printer.

2. Connect an Ethernet cable from the Ethernet port on the back of the printer to an available Ethernet port on the router, switch, or access point.

3. Insert the printer software CD in the computer CD-ROM drive, and then follow the onscreen instructions. This runs the Setup Wizard.

4. On the Connection Type screen, select Wired Network, and then click Next.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the network installation.

6. When the installation is complete, open Printers and Faxes in Control Panel and delete the printers for the USB installation.

Wireless networking

For setup information, click one of the following options:

● Wireless network basics

● Wireless security

For a description of the printer's wireless feature, click one of the following options:

● SecureEasySetup button

● Wireless Status light

● Report Page button

● Network light

● Wireless radio

● HP Report page

● Embedded Web server (EWS)

Other information:

● Resetting the printer to the factory defaults

● Troubleshooting

● Glossary

Wireless networking basics

The printer's built-in wireless communications feature allows you to connect the printer directly to an 802.11g or 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless network without the aid of an external print server.

To install the printer on a wireless network, follow the wireless installation instructions in the Setup guide.

Wi-Fi

802.11g and 802.11b

Wi-Fi is a wireless communications technology that allows you to connect computers and other devices (such as printers) to each other and the Internet without the use of wires. The printer is compatible with two types of Wi-Fi technology: 802.11g and 802.11b.

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Chapter 4

Both 802.11g and 802.11b operate by radio transmission in the 2.4 Gigahertz (GHz) frequency band. 802.11g devices communicate at a maximum speed of 54 megabits per second (Mb/s). 802.11b devices communicate at a maximum speed of 11 Mb/s.

For instructions to switch the printer between 802.11b and 802.11g, click here.

802.11a

802.11a is an emerging wireless networking technology that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band and offers communication speeds similar to those of 802.11g. The printer cannot communicate with 802.11a devices over a wireless connection.

If you have an 802.11a wireless network, you can use an Ethernet cable to connect the printer to the network's Wireless Access Point (WAP) in order to achieve a processing speed comparable to that of the 802.11a network. If your wireless network supports

802.11g and 802.11b technology, another option is to switch the rest of the network to the lower frequency to use the printer wirelessly.

To connect the printer to an Ethernet network, follow the Ethernet network installation

instructions.

Adapters and access points

Adapters

While some devices, such as the printer, have built-in Wi-Fi capability, other devices need an adapter to become Wi-Fi-enabled.

Examples of common adapters include:

PCMCIA card that plugs into the PCMCIA slot in a laptop

ISA or PCI card that can be used with a desktop computer

USB adapter that connects to the USB port on a desktop or laptop computer

Other types of adapters are available. All adapters come with configuration software that allows you to configure the adapter for a wireless network.

Access points

Infrastructure networks are a common variety of wireless network. An infrastructure

network requires the use of a Wireless Access Point (WAP).

20 HP Deskjet 6980 series

A WAP acts as a central hub for a wireless network or as a router connecting the wireless network to another network (such as the Internet or an Ethernet network). Devices on the network communicate through the WAP.

Wireless network examples

To see some examples of wireless networks, see the wireless network examples page.

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

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Chapter 4

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.

● 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.

Note An ad hoc is available if you do not have an access point. However, it

provides little flexibility, a low level of network security, and slower network performance than with an access point.

For a wireless ad hoc setup, you need to manually turn on the wireless radio.

Switch between 802.11b and 802.11g

The ad hoc communication mode defaults to 802.11b. The infrastructure communication mode defaults to 802.11g. Use the printer's embedded Web server (EWS) to change these settings.

Note To switch from ad hoc 802.11b to ad hoc 802.11g, the computer must have

an 802.11g card or adapter installed.

Wireless network settings

Devices (such as computers and printers) on a wireless network must share the following settings:

Network name (SSID)

22 HP Deskjet 6980 series

A network name, or "Service Set Identifier (SSID)," identifies a particular wireless network. In order to operate on a network, a device must know the network's network name.

For an in-depth explanation of network names, see the network names page.

Wireless profiles

A wireless profile is a group of network settings unique to a given wireless network. A wireless device might have wireless profiles for several wireless networks. In order to use the printer, the computer must be set to the profile for the printer's wireless network.

For example, a laptop that is used both at work and at home, might have one profile for a wireless network at work and another profile for a wireless network at home.

The printer does not support multiple profiles.

For more information on wireless profiles, see the wireless profiles page.

Wireless security

Devices on a wireless network must share the same security settings.

For a description of the wireless security options available for the printer, see the wireless

security page.

Reduce interference in a wireless network

The following tips help reduce the chances for interference in a wireless network:

● Keep the wireless devices away from large metal objects, such as filing cabinets, and other electromagnetic devices, such as microwaves and cordless telephones, as these objects can disrupt radio signals.

● Keep the wireless devices away from large masonry structures and other building structures as these objects can absorb radio waves and lower signal strength.

● For an infrastructure network, position the WAP in a central location in line of sight with the wireless devices on the network.

● Keep all wireless devices on the network within range of one another.

Printing

Computers on the network send print jobs directly to the printer, which prints them in the order received.

The printer can accept print jobs sent simultaneously from four users.

For example, if five users each send a print job to the printer at the same time, the printer accepts four of the print jobs and rejects the fifth. The user who sent the fifth print job should wait a few minutes and then resend the print job.

Wireless network examples

There are three common configurations for wireless networks:

Ad hoc networks

An ad hoc network is a type of wireless network in which devices directly communicate with each other rather than through a Wireless Access Point (WAP).

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Chapter 4

For example, a simple ad hoc wireless network might consist of a laptop and a printer communicating directly with one another.

Ad hoc networks are typically small and simple. Performance on these types of networks can degrade if more than six devices are on the network.

Infrastructure networks

On an infrastructure network, devices, such as computers and printers, communicate through a Wireless Access Point (WAP). WAPs act as routers or gateways on small networks.

For example, a simple infrastructure wireless network might consist of a laptop and a printer communicating through a WAP.

Mixed wired and wireless networks

Wireless devices often exist on a largely wired network.

In this case, a WAP is connected to the main network by an Ethernet cable plugged into the WAP's WAN port. The WAP acts as the go-between for the wired devices and the wireless devices. The wired devices communicate with the WAP over the Ethernet cable, while the wireless devices communicate with the WAP over radio waves.

24 HP Deskjet 6980 series

For example, a mixed wired and wireless network can consist of the following:

● Several desktop computers

● A WAP connected to an Ethernet network

● A printer connected wirelessly to the WAP

In order to use the printer, a desktop PC sends a print job over the Ethernet cable to the WAP. The WAP then wirelessly transmits the print job to the printer.

Wireless profiles

A wireless profile is a set of network settings unique to a given wireless network.

Many wireless devices have configuration utilities that allows the device to have wireless profiles for several wireless networks. In order to use the printer, the computer must be set to the profile for the printer's wireless network.

The printer only supports one wireless profile.

Example

A person uses the same wireless-enabled laptop at work and at home. They have one wireless network at work, and another wireless network at home

Each network has a unique set of wireless settings. The person creates the following wireless profiles on the laptop:

● at_work: Contains the network settings for the office wireless network

● at_home: Contains the network settings for the home wireless network

Note Not all wireless devices support multiple profiles.

Wireless network location

Office at_work

Home at_home

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Profile

● Network name: office

● Communication mode: infrastructure

● Security: WPA

● Authentication: WPA/PSK

● Network name: home

● Communication mode: ad hoc

● Security: WEP

● Authentication: Open System

Chapter 4

When the laptop is being used at work, the person must set the wireless profile to at_work in order to connect to the office network.

Conversely, the laptop must be set to the at_home wireless profile when the person is at home and wants to connect the laptop to the home network.

Network name (SSID)

A network name, or "Service Set Identifier (SSID)," identifies a particular wireless network. In order to operate on a network, a device must know the network's name.

A wireless network only has one network name.

A given location, such as an office, might have several wireless networks, each with a different network name. Wireless devices use network names to identify overlapping wireless networks.

Caution To prevent other users from accessing the wireless network, HP

strongly recommends setting a password or passphrase and a unique SSID in your access point. The access point might have been shipped with a default SSID which can be accessed by others using the same default SSID. For more information on how to change the SSID, see the documentation that came with your access point.

Example

The printer is in an office with two wireless infrastructure networks. Each network has a

Wireless Access Point (WAP).

Note In this example, both wireless networks have the same security settings.

1 Network name equals "network_1"

2 Network name equals "network_2"

The network name for one wireless network is network_1. The network name for the other wireless network is network_2.

The printer is configured for network_1

The printer's network name (SSID) setting has been configured for network_1. The printer can only communicate to network_1. In other words, the printer can only accept print jobs from network_1.

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1 Network name equals "network_1"

2 Network name equals "network_2"

The laptop is configured for network_2

The laptop's network name (SSID) settings have been configured for network_2. The laptop is unable to communicate with the printer and cannot send print jobs to the printer.

1 Network name equals "network_1"

2 Network name equals "network_2"

The laptop is reconfigured for network_1

The laptop's network name (SSID) settings have been reconfigured for network_1. The laptop is able to communicate with the printer and is ready to send print jobs to network_1.

1 Network name equals "network_1"

2 Network name equals "network_2"

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Chapter 4

Wireless security

The printer can be configured for several wireless security options depending on the type of wireless network of which the printer is part.

Infrastructure networks

● WPA

● WEP

● Open System

Ad hoc networks (wireless direct-connect)

● WEP

● Open System

For more information about wireless security, see the authentication and encryption

page.

Add security to the network

As with other networks, security for wireless local area networks (WLANs) focuses on access control and privacy. Traditional WLAN security includes the use of Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs), open or shared-key authentication, static Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) keys, and optional Media Access Control (MAC) authentication. This combination offers a rudimentary level of access control and privacy.

If you are using an access point, you might also employ advanced forms of authentication and encryption on the WLAN, such as the Pre-Shared Key mode of Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA-PSK).

To protect the wireless network, HP strongly suggests you implement a wireless security scheme (either WEP or WPA) during setup, use an antivirus program to protect against computer viruses, and follow basic security rules such as setting strong passwords and not opening unknown attachments. Other network components, including firewalls, intrusion-detection systems, and segmented networks, should also be considered as part of the network design.

Note If you decide to add encryption and authentication to the network after

installing the printer, change the settings on the printer prior to changing them on other devices on the network.

Authentication and encryption

Wireless security is a complex and developing topic. This page gives a brief overview of the basics involved in making a wireless network secure.

In the simplest terms, wireless security involves two strategies: authentication and encryption.

A wireless security method, such as WEP or WPA, involves varying levels of authentication and encryption.

Authentication

Definition

Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device before granting access to a network, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access network resources.

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