You would not be able to print to a printer using a USB cable. The only printing allowed from an iPad or any other iOS device is using AirPrint and that is done over a wireless network and an AirPrint enabled printer.

The iPad can print to any AirPrint-compatible wireless printer. Many printers include AirPrint, making this an easy option.

There are several ways you can use your iPad to print out documents….AirPrint

• Connect your iPad and your printer to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Find the document, web page or email you want to print.
• Click the share button (usually at the top or bottom of the screen) and select “Print.”
• The printer name will appear.

Wireless printers, also known as WiFi printers, can connect to a network without needing to be hard-wired/cabled into that network. Once a wireless printer is connected to a WiFi network, the computers, smartphones and tablets also connected to that network can print to the WiFi printer.

Direct connection allows you to print by connecting the printer to a device such as a smartphone or tablet via wireless connection in an environment where a wireless router is not available. In addition, you can connect the printer to a device without a wireless router even where it is available.

Wi-Fi printers are accessible over a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi normally uses a similar radio band to Bluetooth, but with more power. Devices that connect over a Wi-Fi network must be within about 100 meters of a central wireless access point, though with repeaters the range can be greatly extended.

Bluetooth and WiFi are different standards for wireless communication. Wi-Fi is better suited for operating full-scale networks because it enables a faster connection, better range from the base station, and better wireless security (if configured properly) than Bluetooth.

Bluetooth printers If both your printer and Mac are Bluetooth-enabled, you can print wirelessly without a Wi-Fi network. If you don’t have an AirPrint printer, go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences then Software Update and install any new updates. If your printer has AirPrint, you can skip this step.