Wireless Features Covered:
Brother MFC-L9570CDW
The ultimate wireless all-in-one with dual-band Wi-Fi, NFC touch-to-print, Wi-Fi Direct guest access, and comprehensive mobile printing support. Exceptional wireless performance with enterprise security features at a competitive price point.
Best For: Small to mid-size offices, BYOD environments, mobile workforces, flexible office layouts, guest printing needs, offices prioritizing ease of setup.
HP LaserJet MFP M528dn
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with multi-gigabit speeds, HP Wolf Pro Security, JetAdvantage fleet management. Enterprise-grade wireless performance with advanced threat protection and seamless roaming.
Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE 4551i
Comprehensive mobile printing with AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT Business app, uniFLOW Online integration. Excellent wireless scanning to cloud services. Premium mobile experience for iOS and Android.
Xerox VersaLink C7030
Outstanding wireless color performance with Wi-Fi Direct, ConnectKey Apps, Xerox Easy Translator Service. Professional color output with convenient wireless connectivity for creative teams.
Ricoh IM C3010
Excellent wireless features at competitive pricing. Dual-band Wi-Fi, mobile apps, cloud connector. Great balance of wireless functionality and affordability for budget-conscious offices.
Konica Minolta bizhub C360i
Triple wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth. Comprehensive mobile printing ecosystem with multiple apps. Advanced features including wireless document filing and mobile scanning.
Sharp MX-3071
WPA3 wireless encryption, encrypted wireless transmission, BitDefender anti-malware, secure wireless guest access with isolated network. Top security for wireless printing in sensitive environments.
Epson WorkForce Enterprise WF-C20750
Extended wireless range with heat-free PrecisionCore technology requiring less power. Superior wireless reliability with dual antennas. Exceptional range for large offices and warehouse environments.
Kyocera TASKalfa 4054ci
Legendary Kyocera reliability with enterprise wireless. Dual-band Wi-Fi with automatic band selection, connection monitoring, and auto-reconnect. Minimal wireless dropouts and consistent performance.
Lexmark CX725de
Seamless Lexmark Cloud integration, wireless printing from cloud storage, mobile apps with advanced features. Excellent wireless ecosystem integration for modern hybrid workflows.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Wireless Copiers
| Model | Speed | Wireless Tech | Mobile Print | Security | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brother MFC-L9570CDW | 33/33 PPM | Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC | AirPrint, Mopria, App | WPA2, IPsec | $650 |
| HP LaserJet MFP M528dn | 45 PPM | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | AirPrint, Mopria, HP Smart | WPA3, Wolf Security | $3,200 |
| Canon iR ADVANCE 4551i | 51 PPM | Wi-Fi 5, infrastructure | AirPrint, Mopria, Canon PRINT | WPA2, 802.1x | $4,200 |
| Xerox VersaLink C7030 | 30/30 PPM | Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi Direct | AirPrint, Mopria, Xerox App | WPA2, IPsec | $5,200 |
| Ricoh IM C3010 | 30/30 PPM | Dual-band Wi-Fi | AirPrint, Mopria, Smart App | WPA2, TLS | $3,800 |
| Konica Minolta C360i | 36/36 PPM | Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth | AirPrint, Mopria, PageScope | WPA2, IPsec | $5,500 |
| Sharp MX-3071 | 31/31 PPM | Wi-Fi 5, WPA3 | AirPrint, Mopria, Sharpdesk | WPA3, BitDefender | $3,500 |
| Epson WF-C20750 | 75/75 PPM | Extended range, dual antenna | AirPrint, Mopria, Epson Connect | WPA2, TLS | $8,200 |
| Kyocera TASKalfa 4054ci | 40/40 PPM | Dual-band, auto-band select | AirPrint, Mopria, Kyocera App | WPA2, IPsec | $6,300 |
| Lexmark CX725de | 47/47 PPM | Wi-Fi 5, cloud-ready | AirPrint, Mopria, Lexmark Cloud | WPA2, TLS | $3,400 |
Wireless Features Explained
Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6
Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): 300-600 Mbps real-world speeds, dual-band (2.4/5 GHz), excellent for most offices up to 50 users. Mature technology with universal compatibility and competitive pricing.
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): 600-1200 Mbps speeds, improved multi-device handling with OFDMA, better performance in crowded environments. Recommended for: 50+ users, high-density offices, future-proofing, or heavy simultaneous usage. Premium pricing but significant performance gains.
Wi-Fi Direct Technology
Wi-Fi Direct creates a peer-to-peer connection between device and copier without requiring network access. Perfect for guest printing, conference rooms, BYOD, and quick mobile connections. The copier broadcasts its own Wi-Fi network that devices can join directly. Some implementations support simultaneous infrastructure and Wi-Fi Direct modes for maximum flexibility.
Mobile Printing Standards
AirPrint (Apple): Native iOS/macOS printing without drivers. Automatic printer discovery, full feature access including duplex and finishing. Works from any app with print function.
Mopria (Android): Universal Android printing standard. Similar to AirPrint for Android devices. Supported by most modern Android phones and tablets.
Manufacturer Apps: Canon PRINT, HP Smart, Ricoh Smart, Xerox Mobile Link offer advanced features: scan to mobile, status monitoring, advanced settings, cloud integration, and remote management.
NFC Touch-to-Print
Near Field Communication enables instant printing by tapping your NFC-enabled phone against the copier. Automatic connection setup, authentication via phone, and immediate print job transmission. Ideal for recurring mobile users, executive printing, and seamless BYOD experiences. Most advanced copiers combine NFC with mobile apps for one-tap authentication and printing.
Dual-Band vs Single-Band Wi-Fi
2.4 GHz Band: Longer range (100+ feet), better wall penetration, more interference from other devices. Best for: distant copier placement, facilities with obstacles.
5 GHz Band: Faster speeds, less interference, shorter range (50-75 feet). Best for: same-room placement, high-volume printing, crowded Wi-Fi environments.
Dual-Band: Automatically selects optimal band based on signal strength and congestion. Recommended for all business environments for maximum flexibility.
Wireless Security Best Practices
Essential Security Settings
- WPA2-PSK or WPA3: Never use WEP or open networks
- Strong Passwords: 16+ characters with mixed case, numbers, symbols
- Disable WPS: Convenient but vulnerable to brute-force attacks
- Network Segmentation: VLAN isolation for copiers
- MAC Filtering: Whitelist approved devices
Advanced Security Features
- 802.1X Authentication: Certificate-based network access
- IPsec Encryption: Encrypted wireless data transmission
- User Authentication: PIN codes or card readers for print release
- Audit Logs: Track all wireless print/scan activity
- Firmware Updates: Regular patches for security vulnerabilities
Guest Network Configuration
For organizations with frequent visitors or contractors, set up a guest Wi-Fi network with access only to copiers via Wi-Fi Direct or isolated VLAN. This prevents unauthorized network access while enabling convenient printing. Configure temporary access codes that expire, or use QR code-based authentication for maximum security with minimal IT involvement.
Wi-Fi vs Ethernet: Performance Reality
| Metric | Gigabit Ethernet | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1000 Mbps | 600-1200 Mbps | 300-600 Mbps |
| Latency | 1-2 ms | 5-10 ms | 10-20 ms |
| Consistency | Very High | High | Medium-High |
| Multi-User | 100+ users | 50-75 users | 25-50 users |
| Range | Cable length | 50-100 feet | 50-100 feet |
| Setup | Cable run required | Quick wireless | Quick wireless |
| Flexibility | Fixed location | Mobile/flexible | Mobile/flexible |
When to Choose Wi-Fi
- • Office layouts change frequently
- • No existing network cabling to copier location
- • Under 50 concurrent users
- • Mobile/BYOD heavy environment
- • Quick deployment needed
- • Moderate print volumes (under 20,000/month)
- • Strong Wi-Fi coverage in copier area
When to Choose Ethernet
- • 50+ simultaneous users
- • High-volume color scanning
- • Network cabling already exists
- • Maximum reliability required
- • Consistent performance critical
- • Very high monthly volumes (50,000+)
- • Weak or congested Wi-Fi environment
💡 Pro Tip: Hybrid Configuration
Many businesses use Ethernet as the primary connection for reliability and speed, while enabling Wi-Fi Direct or guest wireless for mobile devices and visitors. This provides the best of both worlds: rock-solid performance for daily users and convenient wireless access for mobile workflows and guests.
Wireless Copier Buying Guide
1. Assess Your Wireless Environment
Before purchasing, evaluate your existing wireless infrastructure:
- Current Wi-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E)
- Signal strength in planned copier location
- Number of devices competing for bandwidth
- 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz coverage and congestion
- Access point capacity and distribution
2. Determine Required Mobile Features
Consider your organization's mobile printing needs:
Basic Requirements
- ✓ AirPrint for iOS devices
- ✓ Mopria for Android devices
- ✓ Wi-Fi infrastructure mode
- ✓ Standard security (WPA2)
Advanced Requirements
- ✓ Wi-Fi Direct for guest printing
- ✓ NFC touch-to-print
- ✓ Manufacturer mobile apps
- ✓ Enhanced security (WPA3, 802.1X)
3. Match Wireless Tech to User Count
4. Security Considerations by Industry
| Industry | Minimum Security | Recommended Features |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | WPA2, IPsec, User Auth | WPA3, 802.1X, Encrypted HDD, Audit Logs |
| Finance | WPA2, User Auth, TLS | WPA3, IPsec, Secure Print Release, Card Auth |
| Legal | WPA2, IPsec, User Auth | WPA3, Encrypted Transmission, Document Tracking |
| Government | WPA3, 802.1X, IPsec | FIPS 140-2, Common Criteria, TPM, Audit Logs |
| General Business | WPA2, Basic Auth | WPA2/WPA3, User Tracking, Guest Network |
5. Total Cost Considerations
Wireless copiers offer infrastructure savings but consider the complete picture:
Wireless Cost Savings
- • No cable installation ($200-$1,000 saved)
- • Flexible relocation (no rewiring)
- • Reduced IT setup time
- • No dedicated network drop
- • Easier office reconfigurations
Potential Additional Costs
- • Wi-Fi 6 access points if needed
- • Range extenders for distant placement
- • Enhanced security software/licenses
- • Guest network VLAN configuration
- • Slightly higher device cost vs Ethernet-only