Know Everything about Printer Cables
When it comes to connecting printers, the type of cable you use matters. Different printers require different cables to function properly.
USB cables are the most common for home printers. They are easy to use and connect directly to your computer. Parallel cables are sometimes still used in office environments, especially with older models.
Ethernet cables facilitate network printers and enable several devices to be connected. In this blog, let us review the basic types of printer cables and how to select the correct one. Knowing these options will assist you in properly configuring your printer.
What is a Printer Cable?
A printer cable is a cable that is attached to the printer and to a computer for connecting the printer to the computer.
It enables data to move from the computer to the printer. These cables include the Universal Serial Bus, USB, and parallel cables. Cable connections using USB are widely used for present-day printers.
They are convenient to use and PnP. Parallel cables were used in printers of the past but are not frequently used today.
The selection of a printer cable must be done carefully to ensure that there are no issues with connectivity and data transmission between the devices.
Types of Printer Cables
1. USB Printer Cables
USB printer cables establish a connection between a printer and a computer device. They can facilitate data transfer between the two devices with utmost convenience.
Usually, one end of the cable has the USB Type A, which plugs into the computer interface or a USB port.
The other end is generally a USB Type-B connector that connects to the printer. They are available in different sizes to fit various structures and help to continue printing without interference.
2. Parallel Printer Cables
Parallel printer cable is normally used to connect printers with computers. They enable data to be transmitted at the same time along the many wires.
For this reason, they are faster than some of the older serial cables on the market today. Parallel cables utilise 25-pin connectors, which are connected to the computer and to the printer.
Though they were rather widespread earlier than now, they are not as frequently used today as USB connections and wireless connections.
3. Serial Printer Cables
Serial printer cables are commonly used to interface printers to a computer or other devices through a serial communication port.
These cables transfer data one bit per cycle and therefore are a different type from parallel cables that transfer multiple bits in a single cycle.
Serial cables have pins associated with them, and one of them consists of a DB25 or DB9 connector, which connects to the printer while the other end connects to the ports in a computer.
They are mainly applied to old printers and devices that are compatible with the latest USB connections.
While serial printer cables are not as prevalent as they once were, they are still useful in some niche applications and older devices.
4. FireWire
FireWire is a known type of cable that is used to connect devices, including printers. It enables high-speed data exchange between devices, making it ideal for high-speed printers.
The cable has a non-standard form and is equipped with a 6-pin or 4-pin connector. They have a design that enhances the security of the connection and minimises the possibility of errors.
Despite its usage having decreased currently, FireWire was considered more reliable in terms of printing jobs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Printer Cables
1. Printer Type
When buying a printer cable, it’s important to know your printer type, such as inkjet, laser, or multifunction printers. It is also possible that each type will need a different cable in order for it to connect correctly.
For example, there could be the printer cables used in the inkjet printers, and there could be different cables for the laser printers.
Multifunction printers may need cables that support extra functionality, such as scanning and faxing functions. Identifying the type of printer will guide you on which cable to purchase and eliminate cases of incompatible cables.
2. Connection Type
When buying a printer cable, it means that the type of connection is important when making a choice.
The most utilised type for personal printers is the USB cables, and when getting these cables, make sure that they are of a suitable version, such as the USB 2.0 or the USB 3.0.
An older printer may require a parallel port cable, which is no longer common today but is required in some models.
An Ethernet cable is necessary for the network printers, while wireless printers may require a cable for installation or diagnostics, so it is better to ensure that printers require cable or not before purchase.
3. Length of the Cable
The length is the most important aspect when it comes to deciding which printer cable to get. Obviously, it is a requirement for you to find out how far your printer is from your computer or from the network switch.
When the cable is lengthy, it hampers signal transmission, leading to poor prints on the paper in question. Hence, the cable length should be chosen to fit the connections without being unnecessarily long, on the other hand.
4. Quality of the Cable
The type of cable used in a printer is a great factor to consider when one is buying a printer cable.
When selecting cables, pay attention to the quality of the construction so you can afford properly shielded cables.
It has also been found that quality cables do mean a good connection, which has a knock-on effect on both the rate and reliability of the transfer. To help you better understand the present article, we mentioned earlier that purchasing a better cable can improve your printer’s performance.
5. Transfer Speed
When purchasing a printer cable, it is crucial to look at the transfer rate. USB cables are available in different classes, like USB 2.0, which can deliver up to 480 Mbps, and USB 3.0, which can go up to 5 Gbps.
Selecting a cable that offers the highest transfer speed your printer and computer can handle will enable faster data transfer. This results in quicker printouts and not having to wait for long before your printing jobs are complete.
What is a USB Extension Cable?
A USB extension cable is a cable that is used to prolong a USB link physically. One end has a male plug, while the other end has a female socket. This makes it possible for you to wire devices quite apart from each other.
For instance, you can couple a printer with a computer situated at a relatively long distance. The cable also assists in securing the connection without dropping frames. There are different lengths of USB extension cables depending on the requirement that one has.
How do You Extend a USB Cable?
1. Determine the End to Connect
Before making a connection, you should determine the plugs A and B of a USB cable. There are typically two types: Type A and Type B connections. Model A has a flat, rectangular shape, and Type B has a square shape, which is common in printers and some devices.
The important thing to remember is that one tip fits into your device, and the other end plugs into your computer or the USB port.
2. Join the Cables
The next step is to join the extension cable to the cable you already have a USB. Plug one end of the extension cable into the end of your present cable extension by connecting the two pin ends.
Check to make sure the connection is tight; if not, it can lead to some issues. If using multiple cables, one must take care not to run the cables over a certain length so that the signal is not lost.
3. Connect Extension Cable to Computer
Now you have to take the other end of the extension cable and plug that with your computer. Choose a free connection point as the USB port on the computer or on the existing USB hub. Make sure it is well connected by plugging in and establishing that it is well connected.
Your computer will take some time to recognise the connection and when it does, you can use your USB device that has the extended reach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand that there are different types of printer cables, and that means that there are different options when purchasing a cable.
Out of all the mentioned cable types, USB cables are the most famous and convenient for connecting printers to computers. Parallel cables are not as popular as they once were but are still used with older style printers.
They are used in networks for printing, thus suitable for offices with many computers to share. Wireless connections offer the most comfort as they do not require any cables at all. Awareness of the particular cable that is applicable in a printer can improve performance and productivity.
It is always wise to pay attention to the type of printer to avoid complications in the way it prints work and its connectivity.
