A serious cyber security incident led one business to upgrade its printers to a modern Wi-Fi 6 version
Zebra Technologies Corporation , a leading digital solution provider enabling businesses to intelligently connect data, assets, and people, is increasingly fusing the latest connectivity tools into its mobile device and printer portfolio—including an industry-first mobile printer with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity—to meet the needs of forward-thinking businesses.
The era of siloed data and workflows is over, and that is also true of the devices front-line workers rely on every day to get the job done. The idea of a ‘standalone’ printer or handheld device isn’t useful in today’s working world, where tools need to be easier to use as well as accessible, mobile, secure, and offer a range of useful functionalities.
Upgrading devices and printers simply because new technology is available isn’t the way forward—there’s a reason quality hardware lasts for years. However, there is going to be something that pushes businesses to make a change from Wi-Fi 5 to 6, and it’s most likely going to be an outside force like a cybersecurity breach or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging requirement.
What does Multi-Connectivity Look like?
Businesses will need to upgrade to printers and mobile devices with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. It may be that a more secure workflow is needed, and a Wi-Fi 6 device connected to a Wi-Fi 6 network offers the strongest defence for data. Or it could be that a mobile printer capable of producing RFID labels on the go is needed, and it makes the most business sense to also ensure the printer is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 networks for performance and security purposes.
A modern device or printer needs the latest and best tools for front-line workers. This includes devices with 5G and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, near field communication, Bluetooth, and those that can carry out high quality RFID reading via a sled. For mobile printers, that should look like the capability to print 1D and 2D barcode labels alongside RFID tags, optimal security, and even Wi-Fi 6 – and mobile printers with Wi-Fi 6 now exist.
Recently launched, the industry-first Zebra ZQ630 Plus Series mobile printer comes with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, along with 802.11r fast roaming, instant wake-up over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and seamless integration with device management systems and other features as part of Zebra’s Print DNA software suite.
Are Printers a Cyber Security Concern?
Wi-Fi 5 devices can be used on a Wi-Fi 6 network (and vice versa), but businesses will not get the full benefit of a Wi-Fi 6 network without Wi-Fi 6 devices.
“A European business recently moved to Wi-Fi 6 quite quickly after experiencing a devastating cybersecurity incident on an older network,” said Richard Barfield, Printing Specialist, EMEA, Zebra Technologies. “After speaking with several experts, the business leaders realised without Wi-Fi 6 devices connected to their new Wi-Fi 6 network, there were more vulnerabilities than they could tolerate in their upgraded wireless environment. The leaders called Zebra to see if they could get Wi-Fi 6 mobile printers that offered WPA3 security protection. Fortunately, Zebra could, and they’re using them today.”
Security isn’t the only reason for businesses to have appropriate printers connected to their wireless network, but it’s one of the most important reasons, given the escalating data security threat. Organisations need to see security as an ecosystem where all devices, including printers, are a priority.
The total number of devices that must connect to a workplace network is growing, coupled with the need to maintain mobility with coverage wherever workers are – kerbside, warehouse, or front of store. That requires sufficient access points. If a business has a high density of connected devices (not just printers) relying on the same access point but uses older technology from either a network or device perspective, that business could face performance issues. In these scenarios, Wi-Fi 6 devices connected to Wi-Fi 6 is better than using Wi-Fi 5 devices and networks.
The era of more mobile, secure and connected data, assets, and people is here, and the modern printer are an important part of the story.
About Zebra Technologies
Zebra helps organisations monitor, anticipate, and accelerate workflows by empowering their frontline and ensuring that everyone and everything is visible, connected and fully optimised. Our award-winning portfolio spans software to innovations in robotics, machine vision, automation and digital decisioning, all backed by a +50-year legacy in scanning, track-and-trace, and mobile computing solutions. With an ecosystem of 10,000 partners across more than 100 countries, Zebra’s customers include over 80% of the Fortune 500. Newsweek recently recognised Zebra as one of America’s Most Loved Workplaces and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and we are on Fast Company’s list of the Best Workplaces for Innovators. Learn more at www.zebra.com
