# Wireless Printing

In most cases (except when using [AirCast Pro](/hardware-and-gear/printing/printer-setup/aircast-pro-setup.md#h_5e406f6007)), printing happens over WiFi. A quick overview of how different network types work can make printing easier to understand and troubleshoot.

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### Local vs. External WiFi Networks <a href="#h_2c7eb07149" id="h_2c7eb07149"></a>

Knowing the difference helps you understand whether you can print and send digital copies at the same time.

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### External Networks <a href="#h_b3feba14ac" id="h_b3feba14ac"></a>

* **Definition**: An external network is the typical WiFi you connect to at home, work, or an event venue. These networks connect to the internet.
* **Digital Copies**: Because the iPad is online, it can reach your printer and also upload digital copies as soon as they’re taken.
* **When & how to use**: Use an external network whenever it’s available. For best results, connect to a password-protected network instead of one open to event guests.

#### Reliable External Networks

* **Password-Protected Venue Network**\
  At most venues, the event organizer can provide access to a password-protected WiFi network. This is usually an internal network that staff can use, but guests cannot. The fewer people connected, the more stable it will be for printing.<br>
* **Personal Hotspot or iPad's Cellular**\
  A personal hotspot (or an iPad with cellular) can also work for printing. For printing purposes, a hotspot behaves the same as any other WiFi network.\
  \
  Keep in mind that cellular-based network reliability varies by location. Coverage can weaken inside large buildings, basements, or crowded environments.

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### Local Networks <a href="#h_f77a90a2ac" id="h_f77a90a2ac"></a>

* **Definition**: A local network (often called a LAN) is a private network you create on-site. Think of a local network like a bubble in your space. Devices inside the bubble can talk to each other, but not other devices outside the bubble.
* **Digital Copies**: A local network can print in real time. Digital copies will stay [queued](broken://spaces/IOXh58rA9e8k30VLuWRu/pages/ZcCETJ9HuyOnRGM8RePw) in the app until the iPad reconnects to an external network.
* **When & how to use**: Local networks are a great backup when the venue’s WiFi is unreliable or unavailable. Some printers can create their own local network, but there are [other ways](https://www.simplebooth.com/blog/wifi-photo-booth-printing/) to set one up as well.

#### Reliable Local Networks

When set up properly, a local network is a very reliable option. Learn more about local network options [here](https://www.simplebooth.com/blog/wifi-photo-booth-printing/).

***

{% hint style="danger" %}

## Unreliable Network Choices

**Guest-Accessible Venue Networks**\
If the only available WiFi is a network that guests can join (or one with no password) it may not work with your printer at all. Even if the printer connects, you’re more likely to see intermittent issues during the event. <br>

**School, Government, & Other Secure Networks**\
Highly secured networks often prevent devices from communicating with each other on the same network. Since printing requires your iPad and printer to talk to each other, these networks are usually not suitable.
{% endhint %}


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