Released by Canon:

Canon introduces Wireless printing for its Bubble Jet printers

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce its WP-20 Wireless Print Server that allows multiple users to share the same printer. Targeted primarily at the fast-growing home wireless market, the server supports most current Canon mid to high-range Bubble Jet printers and features an extremely simple 'three-easy-steps' installation. Canon's 'Print on Demand ' facility is utilised to manage queued print jobs, eliminating with the need for users to monitor the printer status before submitting print jobs. Both Window and Mac platforms are supported.

The WP-20 Wireless Print Server is WiFi (IEEE802.11b) and Ethernet compliant, capable of supporting both wireless and wired networks simultaneously. It runs at 11Mbps (wireless) and 10/100 Mbps (wired), with a 50m (indoor) range. The server offers three security features: WEP64/128 bit encryption, the capacity to block access via MAC address and password protection.

"The introduction of the WP-20 Wireless Print Server coincides with the dramatic uptake of broadband and wireless networking in the home market," said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. "With its 'three-easy-steps' installation, the WP-20 is aimed squarely at consumers looking for no-fuss products that work straight out of the box."

Easy to install
The introduction of a USB connection set-up has allowed Canon to create a simple set-up process. Once the print driver is installed, the set-up wizard included with the WP 20 will require just a few clicks of the mouse to make the server fully operational on most existing network environments. Unlike other brand servers, PC network settings do not have to be altered and, unless network security is active, no manual input of network information or installation of other network hardware is required.

Print on Demand1
The WP-20 Wireless Print Server takes advantage of the queue management feature of Canon Bubble Jet printer drivers, allowing multiple print requests to be processed sequentially in correct 'first in, first out' order. With this ‘virtual queuing’, multiple print jobs submitted simultaneously from a number of computers are handled seamlessly, with no intervention or monitoring required on the part of users requesting prints. All users have access to the status monitor1 to see at a glance which job is printing and how many jobs are pending. To avoid confusion amongst users already familiar with their printer, the appearance of the status monitor is identical to that of the stand-alone application.

Standards and protocols
The TCP/IP based WP-20 Wireless Print Server is compliant with WiFi, TELEC, FCC, IC, ETSI and ACA/RSM. It supports Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, and Mac OS X v10.2.1 or later.

www.canon.co.uk

Canon (UK) Ltd. Canon is a world-leading innovator and provider of imaging and information technology solutions for both home and office environments.

Canon has a global philosophy of Kyosei - living and working together for the common good, which clearly demonstrates commitment to customers, staff and the environment shared by all.

Canon (UK) Ltd is the UK marketing and sales operation for the global company based in Tokyo, Japan.

Canon (UK) Ltd’s main activity is in two clearly defined markets: Business Solutions (IT network consultation and peripherals: photocopiers, printers, faxes, document scanners and multimedia LCD projectors) and Consumer Imaging (input solutions: film and digital cameras, camcorders, binoculars and scanners; and output solutions: Bubble Jet printers and desktop multifunctionals).

Specifications

WP-20 Wireless Print Server
Network type	11Mbps Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b), 10 / 100 Mbps Wired LAN (Ethernet)
Ports	Wireless LAN Interface, Wired LAN Interface (RJ-45), USB Interface Series A port x1 & Series B port x1
Dimensions	(D) 142.6mm x (H) 149.5 x (W) 60mm (including LAN card)
Weight	Approx. 300g (including LAN card)
Power source	DC5V/1.6A (provided from the AC adapter)
Power consumption	Less than 1A
Supported printers	i80 / i560 / i865 / i965 / i990 / i6500* / i9100* / i450* / i455*
Operating systems	Windows 98 / Millennium Edition / 2000 / XP; Mac OS X v10.2.1 or later
Protocol	TCP/IP
Wireless LAN
Network type	IEEE 802.11b, ARIB STD-T66 / RCR STD-33
Frequency band	2.4GHz - 2.4835GHz
Channel	1-13
Transmission system	DS-SS system
Data rate	11Mbps / 5.5 Mbps / 2Mbps / 1Mbps (auto-switchable)
Range	Indoor 50m (dependant on the transmission speed and conditions)
Security	Encryption (WEP 64 / 128-bit), blocking by MAC address registration, password
Wired LAN
Network type	IEEE 802.3u (100BASE-TX) / IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T)
Transmission system	10 / 100Mbps (auto-switchable)

* Does not support “Multi-host status monitor” and “Print on Demand” functions

All specifications subject to change without notice.
Print speeds may vary with computer system specifications and content of document printed.
Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks, or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.