Why Network Connectivity Matters

When choosing a card printer for your organization, connectivity is a key consideration. Whether you want to share the printer across departments or operate it wirelessly, having the right communication interface is essential.

A common question we hear is: Can the Zebra ZC100 be connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi?

USB by Default – Network by Request

The base model of the Zebra ZC100 is equipped with USB 2.0 connectivity only. While the printer often features a physical Ethernet port, it is disabled by default and cannot be activated unless the printer was factory-configured with that functionality.

This USB-only setup works well for single-user or local installations, but it's limiting in shared or networked environments.

Ordering ZC100 with Ethernet and Wi-Fi

To enable networking, you must select a model with Ethernet and/or Wi-Fi at the time of purchase. For example:

• ZC11-000W000US00 – includes USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi

If your ZC100 was not ordered with Ethernet, it cannot be added later. Ethernet must be factory-installed and is not field-upgradable.

Good News: Wi-Fi Is Field-Upgradable

Unlike Ethernet, Wi-Fi can be added later through a field-upgradeable module. If you purchased a USB-only ZC100 and later decide you need wireless printing, you can purchase a compatible Wi-Fi upgrade kit and install it into your printer.

Other optional modules, such as magnetic stripe or smart card encoders, can also be purchased separately and installed post-sale. This gives users some flexibility, even if the base model lacks full connectivity out of the box.

Why the Ethernet Port May Not Work

Many users notice an Ethernet port on their ZC100 and assume it should work. However, as Zebra explains in this support article, if the printer was not factory-configured with Ethernet, the port will remain inactive — even if it's physically present.

How to Confirm Your ZC100’s Capabilities

To check if your ZC100 supports Ethernet or Wi-Fi:

• Look at the model number (e.g., ZC11-000W000US00 includes network options)
• Use the Zebra driver or the ZC100 Toolbox to inspect available network settings
  

Need More Flexibility? Consider the ZC300

If you require network access and didn’t order the right ZC100 model, you might want to upgrade to the Zebra ZC300 or ZC350. These models offer greater out-of-the-box connectivity, including Ethernet and Wi-Fi, plus advanced features like dual-sided printing and encoding.

Conclusion

The Zebra ZC100 can support Ethernet and Wi-Fi—but only if the correct model is chosen at the time of purchase. While Wi-Fi and some encoding modules can be added later via field upgrades, Ethernet is a factory-only option and cannot be retrofitted.

Before placing an order, make sure your printer’s configuration aligns with your connectivity needs.

Need help choosing the right ZC100 model or installing an upgrade module? Contact us today—we're here to help!