Printer Model Number Suffixes Explained: D, W, N, DW, DN, SDNW and More

Quick Answer

Letters at the end of a printer model number often identify features such as automatic two-sided printing, wired networking, wireless connectivity, fax functionality, or a particular product configuration. Common examples include D for duplex printing, N for wired network connectivity, W for wireless connectivity, and F for fax in some HP printer families.

For example, the HP Laser MFP 323sdnw is a monochrome laser multifunction printer that supports printing, scanning, copying, automatic duplex printing, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB, and a 40-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). However, the letter S does not have a universally established meaning across HP printer models. It should not automatically be interpreted as ADF, stacker, or sorter. Always verify the actual features using the manufacturer's official specifications.

1. What Are Printer Model Number Suffixes?

A printer model number identifies a particular product or configuration. Manufacturers may use letters and numbers to distinguish printer families, printing technology, connectivity, paper handling, and other features.

For example, a printer model may contain:

• Manufacturer or product family: Identifies the brand or product line.
• Series number: Distinguishes a product family, generation, or configuration.
• Feature suffix: May indicate duplex printing, wired networking, wireless connectivity, fax, or other capabilities.
• Regional or product code: Identifies a market-specific variant, package, or configuration.

Not every manufacturer uses a common naming standard. A letter that indicates one feature in a particular HP or Brother printer family may have a different meaning in another series. Some letters are also part of the model's identifier rather than independent feature codes.

2. Common Printer Suffixes and Their Meanings

The following table explains common printer terminology. These interpretations are typical conventions, not a universal decoding standard.

Letter or term	Common interpretation	What to verify
D	Duplex	Whether automatic two-sided printing is supported.
N	Network	Whether the printer has wired Ethernet connectivity.
W	Wireless	Whether Wi-Fi or another wireless connection is supported.
F	Fax	Whether the printer includes fax functionality.
S	Manufacturer-specific designation	Its meaning in the exact product family; it is not universally an ADF code.
C	Colour in some model families	Whether the printer actually supports colour printing.
X	Variant or configuration identifier	The differences between the specific model variants.
T	Model-specific designation	Whether it indicates an extra tray or another configuration feature.
V	Variant-specific designation	Its documented meaning for the particular model.
DW	Often duplex and wireless	Automatic duplex printing and wireless connectivity.
DN	Often duplex and wired network	Automatic duplex printing and Ethernet.
NW	Often network and wireless	Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and duplex support separately.
DNW	Potentially duplex, network, and wireless	All three capabilities in the exact product specifications.
SDNW	Manufacturer-specific combination	Every required feature independently; do not assume a universal meaning for S.
MFP	Multifunction printer	Printing, scanning, copying, and any additional functions.
MFC	Brother multifunction product designation	The functions included in the specific model.
DCP	Brother multifunction product designation	Printing, scanning, copying, and whether fax is excluded or included in that model.

3. What Does D Mean in a Printer?

D commonly stands for duplex printing in printer model families that use this convention. Duplex printing means printing on both sides of a sheet of paper.

There are two common types:

• Automatic duplex printing: The printer turns or routes the paper internally to print the second side without requiring the user to flip each sheet manually.
• Manual duplex printing: The user must turn or reinsert the paper to print the other side.

When purchasing a printer, look specifically for the specification Automatic duplex printing. Do not assume that a model with a D suffix also supports duplex scanning.

4. What Does W Mean in a Printer?

W commonly indicates wireless connectivity in several printer naming systems. This often means Wi-Fi networking, allowing compatible computers, phones, and tablets to print without a direct USB connection.

Wireless functionality varies by model. Check whether the printer supports:

• Connection to an existing Wi-Fi network.
• Wi-Fi Direct for supported direct connections.
• Apple AirPrint, Mopria, or the manufacturer's mobile printing application, where required.
• The wireless security and frequency requirements of your network.

A W suffix does not necessarily guarantee every wireless printing feature or mobile operating-system compatibility.

5. What Does N Mean in a Printer?

N commonly indicates network connectivity and often refers to a wired Ethernet connection in HP and other printer model families that use this convention.

An Ethernet-capable printer can connect to a router or network switch using a network cable and be shared with computers on the local network, subject to network configuration and operating-system support.

However, N should not be treated as proof that a printer has Wi-Fi. Verify Ethernet and wireless connectivity separately.

6. What Do DW, DN, NW and DNW Mean?

In model families that use these suffix conventions, combinations can indicate more than one feature.

Suffix	Common interpretation	What it generally suggests
DW	Duplex + Wireless	Automatic two-sided printing and wireless connectivity.
DN	Duplex + Network	Automatic two-sided printing and wired Ethernet networking.
NW	Network + Wireless	Wired network and wireless connectivity in some product families.
DNW	Duplex + Network + Wireless	May indicate automatic duplex printing, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
FDW	Fax + Duplex + Wireless	May identify a model with fax, automatic duplex printing, and wireless connectivity.
FDN	Fax + Duplex + Network	May identify a model with fax, automatic duplex printing, and wired networking.
SDN	Manufacturer-specific combination	Do not infer the S designation without checking the product family and specifications.
SDNW	Manufacturer-specific combination	Check the exact model's ADF, duplex, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi specifications independently.

Important: These combinations are useful as a preliminary guide, but not every printer uses them compositionally. A model's complete feature list is more reliable than an interpretation based solely on the suffix.

7. What Does S Mean in an HP Printer Model?

The meaning of S requires particular care. In an HP Support Community discussion about suffixes such as SDN, FDW, and FDN, a community expert identified F with fax, D with automatic duplex printing, W with wireless networking, and N with wired networking, but stated that the meaning of S was uncertain.

Some explanations on retailer or third-party websites associate S with a standard configuration or an automatic document feeder. These explanations should not be treated as a universal HP naming rule without supporting manufacturer documentation.

An automatic document feeder may be included in a printer whose model number contains S, but that does not establish that S itself means ADF. Likewise, S should not automatically be interpreted as stacker or sorter.

To determine the meaning of S in a specific HP printer:

1. Find the complete model number on HP's product page.
2. Open the official technical specifications or user guide.
3. Check the automatic document feeder, duplex printing, networking, and other required features individually.
4. Use an official HP naming guide if a definitive explanation of the suffix itself is required.

8. Example: HP Laser MFP 323sdnw Printer

The HP Laser MFP 323sdnw, product number A58WKA#ACJ on HP India, demonstrates why model suffixes must be interpreted alongside official specifications.

Model component	Explanation
HP	Identifies the manufacturer, Hewlett-Packard.
Laser	Identifies laser printing technology.
MFP	Means multifunction printer, in this case providing printing, scanning, and copying.
323	Identifies the model series or product configuration; it is not a universal feature code.
S	Its exact meaning in this model is not established by the published feature list. Do not automatically assign it the meaning ADF.
D	Consistent with the confirmed automatic duplex printing capability, but the feature should be verified from the specifications.
N	The printer has Ethernet connectivity. The letter's precise role in this particular model name should not be inferred beyond documented information.
W	The printer supports Wi-Fi. Confirm the exact wireless capabilities in the official specifications.

Confirmed features of the HP Laser MFP 323sdnw

• Printing technology: Monochrome laser printing.
• Functions: Printing, scanning, and copying.
• Automatic duplex printing: Supported.
• Wired connectivity: Ethernet and Hi-Speed USB 2.0.
• Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
• Automatic document feeder: 40-sheet ADF.
• Flatbed scanning: Supported.
• Duplex ADF scanning: Not supported.
• Paper input: 250-sheet main input tray plus a one-sheet multipurpose tray.
• Black printing speed: Up to 30 pages per minute for A4, according to HP's stated specifications.
• Recommended monthly page volume: 300 to 2,300 pages.

The specifications above are for the identified model and regional product listing. Features should not be assumed to apply to every HP printer with a similar suffix.

Official product page: HP Laser MFP 323sdnw Printer — Technical Specifications.

9. What Does F Mean in an HP Printer?

In some HP printer naming systems, F indicates fax functionality. Examples such as FDW and FDN are commonly interpreted as combinations involving fax, duplex printing, and connectivity.

However, not every multifunction printer has fax. A printer described as MFP may provide only printing, scanning, and copying. Verify fax functionality explicitly if your business uses a telephone line or supported fax service.

10. What Do C, X, T, H and V Mean?

Letter	Possible interpretation	Important limitation
C	Colour capability in some product families.	Check whether the specific model prints in colour.
X	Product variant, configuration, or model designation.	Does not universally mean duplex, networking, or an extra tray.
T	Can indicate an additional paper tray in certain Brother model families.	Confirm the paper-handling configuration in the specifications.
H	May be a model-specific identifier; some product families use handset-related designations.	Do not assume every printer with H has a telephone handset.
V	Variant, region, or other product-specific identifier.	It is not a universal code for Bluetooth.

These letters can also form part of a model number without representing a separate feature. A complete model identifier is often more useful than attempting to translate each character independently.

11. Brother Printer Prefixes: HL, DCP and MFC

Brother uses product-family designations such as HL, DCP, and MFC. These are generally prefixes rather than suffixes.

Prefix	Common meaning or use
HL	Brother print-only printer family, including many laser printer models.
DCP	Brother multifunction family commonly offering printing, scanning, and copying.
MFC	Brother multifunction family commonly including fax functionality.

The precise functions still depend on the individual model. Do not assume that every HL model uses laser technology or that every multifunction device has identical connectivity and scanning features.

12. What Does MFP Mean? Is It the Same as All-in-One?

MFP stands for Multifunction Printer or, in some contexts, multifunction peripheral. The term generally describes a device combining printing with additional functions such as scanning and copying.

All-in-One (AIO) is a commonly used product description for a device combining several functions. The terms MFP and All-in-One are often used interchangeably in printer marketing, although the exact functions differ by model.

A multifunction printer may support:

• Printing.
• Scanning.
• Copying.
• Faxing, where included.
• Automatic document feeding, where included.
• Network or mobile printing, where supported.

The terms MFP and AIO do not guarantee fax, duplex scanning, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or an ADF. Check each feature separately.

13. What Is an ADF in a Printer?

ADF stands for Automatic Document Feeder. It feeds multiple pages into the scanner or copier, reducing the need to place each page on the flatbed glass manually.

For example, a 40-sheet ADF can hold up to 40 supported sheets at once under the manufacturer's stated conditions. It does not mean that the printer can scan 40 pages simultaneously.

There are two important distinctions:

• Simplex ADF: Feeds originals for one-sided scanning at a time.
• Duplex ADF: Supports scanning both sides of double-sided originals through a supported scanning mechanism.

An ADF is different from automatic duplex printing. A printer can automatically print on both sides of paper while being unable to scan both sides of an original automatically.

14. Laser Printer Terminology

Term	Meaning
Laser printer	Uses an electrophotographic imaging process and toner to produce printed output.
Monochrome	Prints in black and white, typically using black toner.
Colour laser	Uses colour toner and a colour-capable imaging system.
Toner cartridge	Contains toner used to form printed images.
Imaging drum	Photosensitive component involved in transferring the toner image during printing; it may be separate from or integrated with the toner cartridge.
Duplexer	Printer mechanism that enables automatic two-sided printing.
Duty cycle	A manufacturer's stated maximum monthly printing capacity under defined conditions. It is not necessarily the recommended monthly volume.
Recommended monthly page volume	The manufacturer's suggested monthly usage range for the intended workload and device life.
PPM	Pages per minute, a measure of print speed under specified test conditions.
ADF capacity	The number of original sheets the document feeder can hold.

15. Ink Tank and Inkjet Printer Terminology

Ink tank and inkjet printers use liquid ink rather than the toner-based printing process used by laser printers. Their model names and feature codes may follow different conventions.

Term	Meaning
Inkjet	Deposits liquid ink onto paper to create text and images.
Ink tank	Uses refillable ink reservoirs rather than relying exclusively on conventional small disposable ink cartridges.
EcoTank	Epson's product-family name for refillable ink tank printers.
PIXMA	Canon printer product family commonly associated with inkjet printing.
OfficeJet	HP product family associated with inkjet office printing.
ADF	Feeds multiple original pages for scanning or copying.
Automatic duplex	Prints on both sides of the paper automatically when supported.
Wi-Fi Direct	Allows supported devices to connect directly to a printer without a conventional wireless router.
Refillable ink bottles	Containers used to replenish compatible ink tank systems.
Ink cartridge	A replaceable ink supply used by compatible cartridge-based printers.

Ink tank printers may use letters in their model numbers to distinguish product generations or regional configurations. Do not assume that a suffix means the same thing on an ink tank printer as it does on a laser printer.

16. Example: Epson EcoTank L6270

The Epson EcoTank L6270 demonstrates why checking the official product specification is more reliable than relying on a model suffix.

Epson's published product information identifies this as a refillable ink tank multifunction printer with automatic duplex printing, an automatic document feeder, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi Direct. Check the regional specification page for the complete list of connectivity and mobile printing options.

Official reference: Epson India — EcoTank L6270 Product Specifications.

17. USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth

Connection	How it works	Typical use
USB	Connects the printer directly to a compatible computer or supported host.	Direct wired printing.
Ethernet	Connects the printer to a router or network switch using a cable.	Shared office or wired network printing.
Wi-Fi	Connects the printer to a compatible wireless network.	Printing from supported computers and mobile devices.
Wi-Fi Direct	Provides a direct wireless connection between compatible devices and the printer.	Printing without using a conventional router.
Bluetooth	Provides short-range wireless communication when supported.	Common in some portable and label printers; support varies.

Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB are different technologies. A printer supporting one does not automatically support the others.

18. Duplex Printing vs. Duplex Scanning

Feature	What it does
Automatic duplex printing	Prints on both sides of paper automatically.
Manual duplex printing	Requires the user to turn or reinsert the paper.
Simplex scanning	Scans one side of an original at a time.
Duplex scanning	Scans both sides of a double-sided original using a supported method.
ADF	Automatically feeds multiple original sheets.
Duplex ADF	Supports scanning both sides of originals, depending on the scanner's design.

When selecting a printer for invoices, contracts, identity documents, or multi-page office paperwork, confirm printing duplex and scanning duplex separately.

19. How to Check a Printer's Features Before Buying

1. Identify the complete model number. Include all letters, numbers, and regional identifiers.
2. Use the manufacturer's official website. Search for the exact model and select the appropriate country or region.
3. Verify automatic duplex printing. Do not confuse it with manual two-sided printing or duplex scanning.
4. Verify network connectivity. Check Wi-Fi and Ethernet independently.
5. Check the ADF. Confirm whether an automatic document feeder is included and its sheet capacity.
6. Check scanning capabilities. Look for duplex ADF scanning if you need to scan double-sided documents automatically.
7. Confirm multifunction features. Verify printing, scanning, copying, and fax separately.
8. Check printing technology. Establish whether the device is monochrome laser, colour laser, cartridge-based inkjet, or refillable ink tank.
9. Compare operating-system compatibility. Verify the supported Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS options relevant to your environment.
10. Check supplies and workload requirements. Review toner or ink availability, consumable yields, recommended monthly volume, paper capacity, warranty, and service availability.

20. Frequently Asked Questions

What does DW mean in a printer model?

DW commonly indicates duplex printing and wireless connectivity in model families that use these conventions. Confirm both features in the manufacturer's specifications.

What is the difference between DN and DW?

DN commonly indicates duplex printing and wired networking, while DW commonly indicates duplex printing and wireless connectivity. The exact features depend on the printer model.

What does NW mean on a laser printer?

NW commonly refers to network and wireless connectivity in some naming systems. It does not automatically establish that the printer supports automatic duplex printing.

What does SDNW mean on the HP Laser MFP 323sdnw?

The full suffix is model-specific. HP confirms the printer's automatic duplex printing, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and ADF capabilities, but the published specifications do not establish a universal meaning for every letter in SDNW.

Does S mean ADF in an HP printer?

Not universally. Some third-party explanations associate S with ADF, but this should not be treated as a confirmed HP-wide rule. Verify ADF support directly in the official specification.

Does D mean duplex scanning?

No. D commonly indicates duplex printing in some model families. Duplex scanning is a separate feature and must be verified independently.

Does every MFP include fax?

No. Many multifunction printers provide printing, scanning, and copying without fax. Check the exact model's functions.

Does a network printer always have Wi-Fi?

No. Some network printers have Ethernet only. Check whether wireless networking is explicitly supported.

Are HP and Brother suffixes interchangeable?

No. Although some letters have similar common interpretations, model naming conventions differ between manufacturers and product families.

Do ink tank printers use the same suffix codes as laser printers?

Not necessarily. Ink tank, inkjet, laser, and multifunction product families can use different naming conventions. Check the exact model's specifications.

What is the difference between an ADF and duplex printing?

An ADF feeds multiple original sheets into a scanner or copier. Duplex printing prints on both sides of paper. They are separate capabilities.

Which features should an office printer have?

Consider automatic duplex printing, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, paper capacity, print speed, recommended monthly page volume, scanning and ADF requirements, consumable cost, operating-system compatibility, and warranty support.

Conclusion

Printer suffixes such as D, W, N, DW, DN, NW, FDW, FDN, and SDNW can help buyers identify possible differences in duplex printing, wired networking, wireless connectivity, and fax functionality. Other terms, including MFP, ADF, EcoTank, LaserJet, and PIXMA, describe product types or additional capabilities.

However, printer model suffixes are not a universal industry standard. In particular, do not assume that S always means ADF, stacker, or sorter, or that X, V, C, and T have identical meanings across manufacturers. The safest approach is to use the full model number and verify each required feature on the manufacturer's official product page.

Sources

• HP India — HP Laser MFP 323sdnw Printer Technical Specifications
• HP Support Community — Discussion of SDN, FDW, and FDN Printer Suffixes
• Brother India — Monochrome Laser Printer Models and Features
• Brother India — Monochrome Laser Printer Product Range
• Epson India — EcoTank L6270 Product Specifications
• Epson India — Colour EcoTank Printer Range