Zebra QL 320 User Manual - Srrf Communications

QL 320 User’s Guide

21

SRRF Communications

Both the printer and the device it communicates with must follow

either the Bluetooth standard or Zebra’s proprietary SRRF proto-

col.   The communications protocol is determined by the specific

QuickLink module installed in the printer.

Printers equipped for short range radio frequency communica-

tions (SRRF) allow wireless communication with their host termi-

nals from any direction.  Reliable transmission distances will vary

but usually exceed 1m. (39”) under worst conditions.  SRRF print-

ers can be identified by reading the printer’s model number label

on the front of the unit, which will show the radio module’s identifi-

cation number and/or its operating frequency.  QL 320 printers

equipped with a Bluetooth wireless module will have the Bluetooth

logo on the model number label.

Zebra SRRF Network Overview

Zebra’s short range RF network operates as a collection of

linked pairs of terminals and printers. There is no base station or

centralized control; control of the network is distributed across the

entire network.

Before SRRF operation can begin, the QL 320 must be “linked”

to a terminal with a compatible short-range radio. Linking means

that addresses are exchanged between the terminal and the print-

er. Once linked, the terminal and the printer become a “linked pair”

and communicate exclusively with each other. The terminal and

the printer can be turned on and off without affecting the link; it re-

mains valid until another link is deliberately created. Thus it is not

necessary to perform a link every time that the equipment is used.

So long as the linked pair is kept together, they remain linked in-

definitely. If the linked pair is not stored together, then the terminal

and printer selected should be linked prior to use.

Multiple linked pairs can be operated in close quarters and each

terminal will only communicate with its linked printer. Each SRRF

radio module has a unique device address (terminal or printer),

based on the device serial number.

Linking From the Terminal to the Printer

The linking operation can be activated from either the terminal

or the printer. If the terminal has a scanner available, then the bar-

coded serial number on the back of every printer can be scanned

and used to establish the printer’s unique address. Once the print-

er’s address is established, the terminal can then initiate a link to

that printer.  If no scanner is available the user can manually enter