Connectivity Modules for Label Printers | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth

Plan Your Deployment

Identify required protocol: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or parallel/serial for legacy systems
Confirm module form factor compatibility with printer expansion slot or port bay
Evaluate dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) for warehouse RF congestion environments
Specify Bluetooth version for mobile device pairing and proximity printing workflows
Plan IP address assignment and network security for Ethernet-connected printers

Showing Results for Connectivity Modules

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Brother

SKU: PA-WB-001

Brother PA-WB-001 Wi-Fi WLAN & Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Kit

Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5.0 wireless upgrade for Brother TJ-series industrial printers
- Wi-Fi WLAN connectivity for network-attached printing without hardwired connections
- Bluetooth 5.0/BLE for direct wireless pairing to mobile devices and scanners
- Drop-in expansion module for TJ4420TN, TJ4520TN, TJ4620TN, TJ4422TN, TJ4522TN
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$432.99 $413.99 Save $19.00

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Brother

SKU: PA-WI-002

Brother PA-WI-002 Wi-Fi WLAN Printer Connectivity Kit

Wi-Fi connectivity kit for Brother thermal printers with touchscreen
- 802.11 WLAN networking eliminates cable connections for wireless printing
- Compatible with Brother direct thermal printer models; verify before ordering
- Touchscreen display integration for network-based print job management
In stock · Ships same business day

$264.00 $206.99 Save $57.01

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Digi International

SKU: 301-1001-11

Digi International 301-1001-11 Edgeport 1-Port RS232 Serial

USB serial adapter bridges legacy RS-232 devices to modern systems
- Single RS-232 DB-9 port via USB for serial device connectivity
- Compact external form factor fits control cabinets and workstations
- Supports industrial control, telecom, and facility management applications
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$122.99 $117.99 Save $5.00

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Digi International

SKU: 301-1001-15

Digi International 301-1001-15 EdgePort 1-Port RS-232 Serial

Single RS-232 serial adapter bridges legacy devices to USB
- 1-port RS-232 connectivity for industrial control and SCADA systems
- External USB adapter modernizes legacy serial equipment integration
- Compact form factor at 10.6 x 7.8 x 2.1 inches for easy deployment
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$117.99 $112.99 Save $5.00

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Digi International

SKU: 301-1001-31

Digi International 301-1001-31 Edgeport/1i Serial Adapter

Single-port USB serial adapter for RS-422/485 industrial devices
- 1 RS-422/485 port with 230 Kbps data rate for legacy equipment
- External USB adapter connects serial devices to modern computers
- Windows and Linux driver support for straightforward integration
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$190.99

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Digi International

SKU: 70001805

Digi International 70001805 PortServer TS MEI 1-Port Device

1-port serial-to-Ethernet device server for remote legacy equipment access
- Single RS-232 port bridges serial devices to IP networks for distributed management
- AC power supply with universal plugs (US, EU, UK, AU) supports global installations
- Compact 10.9 x 7.9 x 3.9 in form factor fits standard infrastructure deployments
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$422.99

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Digi International

SKU: 70001806

Digi International 70001806 PortServer TS MEI 2-Port

2-port serial device server for IP-based console access in data centers
- 2 serial ports bridge legacy equipment to Ethernet networks without client software
- Compact rack-mountable design fits standard cabinets in telecom and enterprise NOCs
- Remote out-of-band access to PDUs, UPS, and terminal servers over IP
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$431.99 $412.99 Save $19.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70001807

Digi International 70001807 PortServer TS MEI 4-Port

4-port serial device server connects legacy equipment to modern IP networks
- Four serial ports with TCP/IP connectivity for distributed remote management
- Compact form factor (10.5 x 8.0 x 3.8 in) fits control rooms and NOCs
- AC power supply with universal plugs (US, EU, UK, AU) for global deployment
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$561.99 $536.99 Save $25.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70001851

Digi International 70001851 One SP 1-Port RS-232/422/485

Single-port serial device server converts RS-232/422/485 to Ethernet
- Selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 protocol support on one port
- Bridges legacy serial equipment into modern IP networks without replacement
- Compact form factor for installation in control cabinets and network closets
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$422.99

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Digi International

SKU: 70001862

Digi International 70001862 Digi One IA 1-Port RS-232/422/485

Single-port serial device server bridges RS-232/422/485 to Ethernet
- Converts RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial protocols for network access
- Compact 11" × 8" × 2" form factor fits rack and wall-mount installations
- Integrates legacy serial equipment with SCADA systems and industrial controllers
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$1,104.99

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Digi International

SKU: 70001917

Digi International 70001917 PortServer TS H MEI 1-Port Device

1-port serial device server bridges legacy equipment to Ethernet networks
- Single serial port with Ethernet connectivity for remote access to legacy devices
- Compact form factor (10.5 x 8.0 x 3.5 in) fits tight infrastructure spaces
- Centralized management of distributed serial equipment across multiple locations
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$656.99 $628.99 Save $28.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70001919

Digi International 70001919 PortServer TS H MEI 4-Port Serial

4-port serial device server with hardware encryption for legacy equipment
- 4 DB-9/DB-25 serial ports with encrypted, managed remote access over IP
- Out-of-band console management for firewalls, routers, and critical infrastructure
- UNIX, Linux, and Windows compatible for distributed serial-to-Ethernet bridging
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$1,123.99 $1,074.99 Save $49.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70001992

Digi International 70001992 PortServer TS 2 Port

2-port serial device server bridges legacy equipment to Ethernet networks
- Connects 2 serial ports to Ethernet for remote SCADA and industrial control
- Gateway supports standard serial protocols in distributed infrastructure setups
- Compact 10.6 x 7.4 x 3.8 in form factor fits network closets and field sites
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$829.99 $793.99 Save $36.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70002041

Digi International 70002041 PortServer TS 1-Port RS-232

Single RS-232 serial device server with DIN rail mount for network access
- One RS-232 port bridges legacy serial devices to Ethernet networks remotely
- DIN rail mountable design integrates into industrial control and security panels
- AC power supply with universal plugs (US, EU, UK, AU) to 12 VDC connector
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$285.99 $273.99 Save $12.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70002043

Digi International 70002043 PortServer TS 2-Port RS-232

2-port RS-232 serial server with DIN rail mount for legacy device integration
- Connect 2 RS-232 serial devices to Ethernet networks via TCP/IP bridging
- DIN rail mounting fits standard telecom and industrial control racks
- AC power supply with universal plugs (US, EU, UK, AU) to 12 VDC connector
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$345.99 $330.99 Save $15.00

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Digi International

SKU: 70002045

Digi International 70002045 PortServer TS 4-Port RS-232

4-port RS-232 device server with DIN rail mount for serial-to-Ethernet conversion
- Four independent RS-232 ports for legacy equipment connectivity over Ethernet
- DIN rail mountable design fits standard 35mm rails in control cabinets
- AC universal power supply (US, EU, UK, AU plugs) with 12 VDC output
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$1,014.99

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What to Look For When Buying

The decisions that matter most before you spec.

Network Architecture & Bandwidth Requirements

Ethernet modules handle sustained throughput in high-volume label-printing environments, while Wi-Fi modules suit intermittent printing and mobile workflows. Consider your data-capture system's sustained bitrate—poor connectivity choices can bottleneck label-on-demand operations. See network core planning principles that apply to printer infrastructure as well.

Printer Model & Slot Compatibility

Zebra, TSC, Sato, and Epson printers use proprietary module form factors and firmware versions. Confirm exact printer model and I/O slot type before ordering—incompatible modules will not mount or function.

Latency & Throughput in Synchronized Systems

Ethernet modules guarantee deterministic latency for barcode printing tied to conveyor systems or AS/RS operations. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth introduce variable delay; reserve these for non-time-critical applications or validate latency bounds with your WMS before deployment.

Redundancy & Failover Strategy

Stock dual-protocol modules (Ethernet + Wi-Fi) for mission-critical shipping or receiving operations. A single connectivity module failure can halt label printing across an entire zone—design for single-point-of-failure scenarios in your procurement plan.

Security & Network Isolation

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules introduce wireless attack surfaces. Verify that your chosen module supports WPA3 encryption, certificate pinning, or air-gapped VLAN operation if printing sensitive shipping labels or pharmaceutical barcodes. Consult our team for compliance-heavy environments.

Power Consumption & Printer PSU Rating

Connectivity modules draw additional current (especially Wi-Fi cards in scan mode). Confirm your printer's power supply has sufficient headroom; undersized PSUs under sustained load can cause module resets or thermal shutdowns. Review your power supply specification before installation.

Technology Stack

The specs and acronyms that actually affect connectivity modules performance.

802.11ac Wi-Fi (5 GHz)

High-speed wireless standard offering 80–160 MHz channel widths and multi-stream MIMO. Provides 200+ Mbps throughput in open environments but suffers range loss through metal warehouse structures and interference from access points. Ideal for outdoor-adjacent or mobile printing zones with line-of-sight.

Bluetooth 5.0

Short-range protocol with up to 240 m range in open space, but typically 20–50 m in warehouses with obstacles. Supports point-to-point pairing with tablets and mobile devices without requiring central wireless infrastructure. Lower power consumption than Wi-Fi; suitable for portable label printers and ad-hoc workflows.

Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T)

Wired network connectivity eliminating RF interference and variable latency. Requires CAT5e or better cabling; supports daisy-chaining or star topology depending on switch architecture. Use for synchronous label printing tied to conveyor PLCs or real-time inventory systems.

RS-232 & RS-485 Serial

Legacy synchronous protocols enabling direct connection to warehouse management systems (WMS) and real-time printing queues without TCP/IP overhead. RS-485 supports multi-drop (up to 32 devices per line). Essential for retrofitting older label-on-demand architectures or air-gapped production systems.

WPA3 & Enterprise Security

Latest Wi-Fi encryption standard supporting individualized data encryption (OWE) and protection against brute-force attacks. Required for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and food-safety label printing; verify module firmware version supports WPA3 before purchase if compliance-mandated.

Power Draw & Wake-on-LAN

Connectivity modules draw 2–8W depending on protocol and transmit duty cycle. Wi-Fi modules in active scanning consume more power than idle Ethernet. Validate combined printer + module power draw against PSU rating; enable selective module wake-on-LAN in battery-backed portable printers to extend run time.

Typical Deployment Scenarios

High-Speed Shipping Dock (100+ labels/hour)

Synchronous label printing tied to conveyor barcode scanners. Deploy Zebra thermal printers with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity modules, hardwired to a managed switch with QoS prioritization. Avoid Wi-Fi to eliminate latency jitter; confirm PSU capacity for sustained 10+ W module draw during peak throughput.

Mobile Warehouse Receiving

Portable labeling on tablets and handheld scanners. Install Bluetooth 5.0 modules on TSC or Epson portable printers; pair directly to inventory management apps without network infrastructure. Plan for 20–50 m range limits and shadowing from metal racks; test coverage before site deployment.

Multi-Zone Labeling Network (3+ locations)

Distributed label printing across warehouse subnets. Deploy Sato printers with Wi-Fi modules on enterprise SSID with WPA3 encryption; segregate printing traffic via VLAN to prevent interference with camera or access-control networks. Validate AP placement and roaming handoff behavior in concrete/metal environments.

Legacy AS/RS Integration

Automatic storage/retrieval system requiring real-time pick labels via RS-232 or RS-485. Use serial interface modules with opto-isolated outputs to prevent ground loops. Confirm module firmware compatibility with your control system's baud rate and handshaking protocol; test failover to secondary module if single-point-of-failure risk exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade my existing label printer with a connectivity module?

Yes—if your printer model includes an I/O module slot. Zebra, TSC, Sato, and Epson industrial printers accept hot-swappable interface cards. Verify your exact printer model and firmware version before ordering; incompatible modules will not function or mount. Contact our specialists to confirm compatibility.

Which connectivity module should I choose: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth?

Use Ethernet for synchronized, high-throughput printing (conveyors, real-time WMS). Choose Wi-Fi for mobile or temporary installations in areas with reliable coverage. Pick Bluetooth for portable, ad-hoc labeling on handheld devices without network dependency. Ethernet eliminates latency jitter; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth introduce variable delays unsuitable for time-critical operations.

Do connectivity modules require additional power beyond the printer PSU?

Yes. Most modules draw 2–8W depending on protocol and duty cycle. Wi-Fi modules in active scanning consume more power than idle Ethernet. Confirm your printer's power supply has sufficient headroom before installation; undersized PSUs can cause module resets or thermal shutdowns. Review power supply specifications and validate combined load.

Are Wi-Fi connectivity modules secure for sensitive labels (pharmaceutical, food, healthcare)?

Modern modules support WPA3 encryption and certificate pinning, meeting HIPAA and FDA compliance standards. Verify your module firmware supports WPA3 and that your enterprise SSID enforces strong encryption. For air-gapped production, use Ethernet or serial modules to eliminate wireless attack surfaces entirely. Contact us for compliance-specific guidance.

What is the range of Bluetooth connectivity modules in a warehouse?

Theoretical range is 240 m in open space, but warehouse obstacles (metal racks, concrete) reduce effective range to 20–50 m. Test coverage with your specific environment layout before full deployment. Bluetooth is best suited for localized printing zones (receiving bays, packing stations) rather than facility-wide deployments. Wi-Fi offers better range in RF-congested environments.

Can I use serial (RS-232/RS-485) modules with modern WMS systems?

Yes, if your WMS supports legacy serial protocols—common in older or air-gapped systems. RS-485 allows daisy-chaining up to 32 devices on a single line; RS-232 requires point-to-point wiring. Confirm your control system's baud rate, handshaking protocol, and opto-isolation requirements before ordering. Serial modules are ideal for retrofitting real-time label-on-demand architectures without network upgrades.

Connectivity Modules

Plan Your Deployment

Showing Results for Connectivity Modules

Brother PA-WB-001 Wi-Fi WLAN & Bluetooth 5.0 Wireless Kit

Brother PA-WI-002 Wi-Fi WLAN Printer Connectivity Kit

Digi International 301-1001-11 Edgeport 1-Port RS232 Serial

Digi International 301-1001-15 EdgePort 1-Port RS-232 Serial

Digi International 301-1001-31 Edgeport/1i Serial Adapter

Digi International 70001805 PortServer TS MEI 1-Port Device

Digi International 70001806 PortServer TS MEI 2-Port

Digi International 70001807 PortServer TS MEI 4-Port

Digi International 70001851 One SP 1-Port RS-232/422/485

Digi International 70001862 Digi One IA 1-Port RS-232/422/485

Digi International 70001917 PortServer TS H MEI 1-Port Device

Digi International 70001919 PortServer TS H MEI 4-Port Serial

Digi International 70001992 PortServer TS 2 Port

Digi International 70002041 PortServer TS 1-Port RS-232

Digi International 70002043 PortServer TS 2-Port RS-232

Digi International 70002045 PortServer TS 4-Port RS-232

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