Often when you connect the printer, errors are generated or defects are detected during printing. The problem often lies in a faulty cable that connects to a PC or laptop. Replacing a wire can solve it. But what cables are there and how to choose them? In the article we offer to analyze their types and characteristics.
Features of a USB cable for connecting a printer
The content of the article
- Features of a USB cable for connecting a printer
- Network cable for connecting the printer to a computer
- What are the other types of wires for the printer
The most popular wire is a USB cable. It is usually included with the printer, but may not be available. True, the cable is universal and easy to find in the store. If you purchase a high-quality cord, and not a fake, then you can count on a reliable connection of the printer or multifunction device to the computer.
USB advantages:
- strength;
- reliability;
- reasonable cost;
- Excellent data transfer speed, especially in version 3.0.
On the market are wires version 2.0, which transmit data at speeds up to 380 Mbit, and version 3.0 - their speed is already about 5 Gb.
The USB cable for the printer has Type A (oblong) and Type B (square) connectors. The first is for connecting to a PC and laptop, the second is for a printer and MFP.
Type A connector is a wide plug, inside which there are 6 contacts. It corresponds to the standard USB port, which is typical for all modern computers.
Type B square connector with serrated angles, inside 4 pins. A USB cable version 3.0 will have such a connector in blue and larger in size.
The modern wire is equipped with Plug And Pay technology. With its help, the computer independently determines the model of the peripheral device, connects it and installs driver updates.
As for the length, 1.8-3 meters are enough for home use. In special cases, acquire up to 5 meters.
IMPORTANT! Size matters! The longer the length, the lower the data rate. Particular attention should be paid to the owners of multifunction devices - for them the maximum permissible cord length is 3 meters.
Such a cord is suitable for all peripheral devices, with a few exceptions. For Samsung ML-1210 and HP 1100, the standard wire will not work, therefore, which cable to choose to connect these devices should be checked in the store.
At one or both ends of the cable, a ferrite ring (barrel) is desirable, which serves as a filter from high-frequency interference.
In order to avoid problems with signal fading, it is required to check if the length indicated on the marking of the cord matches its actual dimensions. The AWG marking is American (in inches), therefore below we include its translation into the European metric:
- 28 AWG = 0.81 meters.
- 26 AWG = 1.31 meters.
- 24 AWG = 2.08 meters.
- 22 AWG = 3.33 meters.
- 20 AWG = 5.00 meters.
Additional notation:
- HIGH-SPEED 2.0 or 3.0 - data transfer rate.
- Shield - the cord has protection from foil or an additional mesh.
- Pair - cable cores are twisted in a pair.
Network cable for connecting the printer to a computer
A network cable is not as popular as a USB cable, but some printers and MFPs connect to the computer through it. It is a twisted pair, with one or more pairs of copper conductors included in it, twisted together and covered with a plastic sheath. Insulation of conductors is 0.2 mm, made of polypropylene, polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. This design increases the level of connection of the conductors of one pair.
Network cable benefits:
- ease of installation;
- low price.
IMPORTANT! To prevent problems with printing or a complete refusal to reproduce it, choose a crimped wire. Crimping can be done on your own. To do this, you will need the actual cable and connector. Choose the length of your choice, but not more than 100 meters.
What are the other types of wires for the printer
HP inkjet printers use an AC adapter. Small distribution in modern printing devices has an LPT cord. Some time ago, printers and scanners connected to a computer exclusively through LPT ports, so it was impossible to work with them from a laptop and netbook. There are adapters, but often their quality and reliability leaves much to be desired.
Of the advantages, a high data transfer rate should be highlighted. However, the drawback is the length of the cord - about one meter, which is especially in contrast with the network cable. Suitable for home rather than office.
So, we have analyzed the main types of wires that are used to connect the printer and multifunction devices to a computer and laptop.
The choice of cable should be taken carefully, since by purchasing a wire of low quality and not meeting your requirements, you risk getting problems of the following nature:
- the computer "does not see" the printer;
- low data transfer rate;
- refusal to start printing;
- the connection periodically disappears.
The above information may help when choosing a cable to connect the printer to a PC.
