Question:

I am running a mobile COVID-19 testing operation with 4 teams, each consisting of 2 laptops and 1 printer. I need to find a reliable hotspot device that can provide WiFi access to the laptops and enable them to share the printer wirelessly. The laptops mainly use Google Sheets and print documents, so the bandwidth requirement is not high. I prefer a setup that allows me to swap the components among the teams as needed, rather than having fixed pairs of laptops, printers, and hotspots. I used to rely on Google Cloud Print for this purpose, but it is no longer available. What are some similar solutions that you have encountered or recommend for this scenario? I appreciate your help.

Answer:

How to set up a mobile hotspot network for COVID-19 testing teams

If you are running a mobile COVID-19 testing operation with multiple teams, each equipped with laptops and printers, you may need a reliable hotspot device that can provide WiFi access to the laptops and enable them to share the printer wirelessly. This article will explore some of the options and considerations for setting up such a network.

Before choosing a hotspot device, you need to consider the following requirements:

– Bandwidth: The laptops mainly use Google Sheets and print documents, so the bandwidth requirement is not high. However, you may want to ensure that the hotspot device can support multiple simultaneous connections and has a good data plan.

– Reliability: The hotspot device should have a strong and consistent signal, especially in remote or crowded areas where the testing operation may take place. You may also want to have a backup battery or power source in case the device runs out of charge.

– Flexibility: You prefer a setup that allows you to swap the components among the teams as needed, rather than having fixed pairs of laptops, printers, and hotspots. This means that the hotspot device should be easy to configure and connect with different devices, and that the devices should be able to recognize and print to any printer on the network.

– Compatibility: You used to rely on Google Cloud Print for this purpose, but it is no longer available. This means that you need to find a hotspot device that supports an alternative cloud printing service or a local printing protocol.

What are the options?

Based on these requirements, here are some of the possible options for choosing a hotspot device:

– Mobile hotspot devices: These are portable devices that can create a WiFi network using cellular data. They are easy to carry and use, and can support multiple devices at once. However, they may have limited battery life and data plans, and may not work well in areas with poor cellular coverage. Some examples of mobile hotspot devices are [Verizon Jetpack](https://www.verizon.com/internet-devices/verizon-jetpack-mifi-8800l/), [AT&T Nighthawk](https://www.att.com/buy/connected-devices-and-more/netgear-nighthawk-lte-mobile-hotspot-router.html), and [T-Mobile Franklin](https://www.t-mobile.com/tablet/franklin-t9-mobile-hotspot).

– Smartphone hotspot: This is a feature that allows you to use your smartphone as a hotspot device by sharing its cellular data with other devices via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. This is a convenient and cost-effective option, as you do not need to buy a separate device or plan. However, this may drain your smartphone’s battery and data quickly, and may not be as reliable or secure as a dedicated hotspot device. Some examples of smartphones that support hotspot feature are [iPhone](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204023), [Samsung Galaxy](https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00079028/), and [OnePlus](https://www.oneplus.com/support/how-to-use-wifi-hotspot).

– Wireless router: This is a device that can create a WiFi network using a wired internet connection, such as a cable, DSL, or fiber optic service. This is a powerful and stable option, as it can support high-speed internet and multiple devices at once. However, this may not be very portable or flexible, as you need to have access to a wired internet service and a power outlet at the testing site. Some examples of wireless routers are [Netgear Nighthawk](https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/rax200/), [TP-Link Archer](https://www.tp-link.com/us/home-networking/wifi-router/archer-ax6000/), and [Linksys Velop](https://www.linksys.com/us/p/P-WHW0303/).

How to connect the laptops and printers?

Once you have chosen a hotspot device, you need to connect the laptops and printers to the WiFi network created by the device. This can be done by following the instructions provided by the device manufacturer or the network provider. You may also need to enter a network name, password, or security key to join the network.

After connecting the laptops and printers to the network, you need to enable them to share the printer wirelessly. There are two main ways to do this:

– Cloud printing: This is a service that allows you to print from any device to any printer over the internet, without installing any drivers or software. This is a convenient and flexible option, as you do not need to worry about the compatibility or configuration of the devices and printers. However, this may require an internet connection and a cloud printing account, and may not be as fast or secure as local printing. Some examples of cloud printing services are [HP ePrint](https://www8.hp.com/us/en/printers/mobility/eprint.html), [Epson Connect](https://epson.com/epson-connect-wireless-printing), and [Canon Print](https://www.usa.canon.com/internet/portal/us/home/explore/solutions-services/mobile-printing-solutions/canon-print-app).

– Local printing: This is a protocol that allows you to print from one device to another device on the same network, without using the internet. This is a fast and secure option, as you do not need to rely on an external service or account. However, this may require installing drivers or software on the devices and printers, and may not be as compatible or flexible as cloud printing. Some examples of local printing protocols are [AirPrint](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201311), [Wi-Fi Direct](https://www.wi-fi.org/discover-wi-fi/wi-fi-direct), and [Bluetooth](https://www.bluetooth.com/learn-about-bluetooth/bluetooth-technology/printing/).

Conclusion

In summary, setting up a mobile hotspot network for COVID-19 testing teams requires choosing a hotspot device that meets the bandwidth, reliability, flexibility, and compatibility requirements, and enabling the laptops and printers to share the printer wirelessly using either cloud printing or local printing. By following these steps, you can create a robust and flexible wireless network solution for your mobile testing operation.