Digital technologies have become part of our everyday life and continue to develop rapidly. Now it is considered commonplace if several personal computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones are functioning in the home of an ordinary person. And from each device sometimes there is a need to print any texts, documents, photographs and other information. How can only one printer be used for this purpose?
If your router has a USB port, then it can be used to make a network printer from a simple printer, that is, from any device connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can easily and naturally print any content. So, how to properly set up the connection between the printing device and the router? We will find out.
Step 1: Configuring the printer's connection to the router
The customization process will not cause any difficulties for any user. Pay attention to an important detail - all manipulations with wires are performed only when the devices are turned off.
Step 2: Setting up a PC or laptop on a network with a printer
Now you need to make the necessary changes to the configuration of the network printer on each computer or laptop connected to the local network. As an illustrative example, let's take a PC with Windows 8 on board. In other versions of the most popular operating system in the world, our actions will be similar with minor differences.
- Right-click on "Start" and in the context menu that appears, select "Control Panel".
- On the next tab, we are interested in the section "Equipment and Sound"where we go.
- Then our path lies in the settings block "Devices and Printers".
- Then left-click on the line "Adding a Printer".
- The search starts for available printing devices. Without waiting for its end, feel free to click on the parameter The printer that I want is not listed.
- Then we put a mark in the box "Add a printer by its TCP / IP address or hostname"... Click on the icon "Further".
- Now we change the device type to "TCP / IP device"... In line "Name or IP address" we write the current coordinates of our router. In our case, it is 192.168.0.1, then go "Further".
- A TCP / IP port search starts. We are patiently waiting for the end.
- No device was found on your network. But don't worry, this is normal during the setup process. Change the device type to "Special"... We enter "Options".
- On the port parameters tab, set the LPR protocol, in the field "Queue name" write any number or word, press "OK".
- The printer driver model is being determined. We are waiting for the completion of the process.
- In the next window, select the manufacturer and model of your printer from the lists. We continue "Further".
- Then be sure to put a check in the parameter field "Replace current driver"... It is important!
- Come up with a new name for the printer or leave the default name. We follow on.
- Installation of the printer starts. It won't take long.
- Allow or deny sharing your printer with other users on the local network.
- Done! The printer is installed. You can print from this computer via a Wi-Fi router. We observe the correct status of the device on the tab "Devices and Printers"... Everything is good!
- When you first print to a new network printer, remember to select it from the drop-down list in the settings.
As you have seen, connecting a printer to a router and sharing it with a local network is quite simple. A little patience when setting up devices and maximum convenience. And it’s worth the time.
Here is a universal instruction for connecting a printer via a wireless WiFi network.
Considerations for connecting the printer wirelessly
There is a difference between connecting a WiFi-enabled MFP laser printer and a non-supported inkjet printer. Also, the connection process will depend on how the wireless network itself is configured.
The easiest way to connect is through a router. Here it is enough to install the software and configure the printer through it. However, not every router is suitable for connecting a printer. In order for a printer to be connected to your router, the router must be designed for WiFi with certain characteristics. So, set up the router to distribute WiFi and connect any device to the router, including a printer.
If there is no router, you can set up a local network and wifi distribution on a computer or laptop. Only in this case, your printer must have a WiFi connection function.
So, there are 2 ways to connect a printer:
- via WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) -
- using the installation wizard.
Connecting the Printer Using WiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
You do not need to know the network name and network password to configure this way. It is necessary that the printer supports a connection with a router using WPS technology (see the instructions). Network encryption - WPA or WPA2 (WPS encryption is not suitable), any modern WiFi router supports this encryption. Make sure that MAC address filtering is disabled on the router.
To connect the printer via WiFi wireless connection using WPS, you need to know the PIN (indicated on the bottom of the router, on the bottom). If your printer also has a WPS button, you need to enable it. Some printers have a "Wireless" button, it must also be active.
WPS can be enabled through the printer control panel. To do this, go to Printer Settings, then "Network", "Wireless". Here we find Wi-Fi Protected Setup. As soon as we have enabled WPS on the printer, within 2 minutes we need to have time to enable WPS on the router. The connection is established automatically - the corresponding indicator lights up.
Connecting the Printer Using the Setup Wizard
We check that the printer must support WEP and WPA, which means it will be able to connect using this method, that is, using the wireless network setup wizard.
Connection step by step:
- Open the printer control panel, find the "Settings" tab, then "Network". We are looking for our wireless network in the list (at this moment it should have already been created).
- Next, enter the WEP encryption key or WPA password (important, case is supported). Connection made.
- Unpack the printer.
- Follow the setup instructions to remove the packing material.
- Plug in the power cord, turn on the printer, and install the cartridges. Wait while the printer completes all initial setup procedures, including printing an alignment page (if applicable).
- Choose one of the connection methods described below. If you select a (wired) Ethernet connection (if your printer supports it), connect the printer now and skip the section. Note. When using an Ethernet connection, the printer's wireless functionality is disabled.
To print wirelessly without using wireless router, see information about this.
The printer supports at least one of the following wireless connection methods:
HP Auto Wireless Connect
HP Auto Wireless Connect - HP Auto Wireless Connect is a technology that automatically connects a printer to a wireless network without any cables and without having to enter a network name and password. Many newer HP printers will have this feature included with the standard software installation.
To use this option, install the printer software and follow the instructions on the screen. When prompted, select Network (Ethernet / Wireless) as the connection type, then select Yes, Send Wireless Settings to Printer (Recommended). Done! The HP software completes the installation.
Not all computers or network settings are compatible with HP Auto Wireless Connect technology. In this case, an alternative method of configuring the wireless connection will be offered. Compatibility with HP Auto Wireless Connect technology is provided under the following conditions:
- Have a computer running Windows Vista (or later) or Mac OS X 10.5 (or later).
- The computer uses a wireless connection to the network, and the operating system monitors the wireless adapter so that the HP software obtains the current network settings.
- The computer is connected to a 2.4 GHz network. NOTE. HP printers are not compatible with 5.0 GHz networks. The printer can be connected to the network using other setup methods, provided the router also supports 2.4 GHz (most routers do). For more information, see the Routers section. This page provides additional configuration methods.
- Computer does not use static IP address
- The printer is operating in HP Auto Wireless Connect mode. Before connecting to the network, the printer will remain in this mode for two hours from the time it was first turned on during the installation process. TIP: If the printer has been powered on for more than two hours and the software has not yet connected the printer to a wireless network, you can reset this mode by using the "Restore Network Settings" or "Restore Default Network Settings" function on the printer control panel. You can do this in the "Network" menu or by touching the icon (or pressing the button) wireless, and then going to "Settings" or by clicking on the gear icon. For details on restoring network settings, see the printer documentation.
Availability of HP Auto Wireless Connect is also subject to a number of other technical and environmental factors.
If you were prompted to use HP Auto Wireless Connect during the installation process, then this is the recommended setup method. At some point in the setup, you need to temporarily disconnect your computer from the wireless network. At this stage, Internet access will not be available. Therefore, before proceeding with the configuration using this method, save the results of your work on the Internet and / or the downloaded data.
If during the installation process you were not prompted to use the HP Auto Wireless Connect feature, or if the feature does not work correctly, you will be offered a different method to configure your wireless connection.
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) - WPS has two models for connecting devices over a wireless network. One is called "button press" and the other is called "PIN". Pressing a button is an easier way. Connection using WPS push button mode is described below, connection using PIN code is not described.
For instructions on using the WPS function on your printer, see your printer's manual. However, to use the WPS push button mode, the following conditions must be met:
- The printer and wireless router must support WPS push button mode. See the manuals for your printer and wireless router.
- The wireless router must have a WPS button.
- To ensure network security, you must use WPA or WPA2 technology. Most WPS wireless routers do not support WPS connections if WEP security is used or security is not configured.
- Most WPS wireless routers do not support WPS connection if the manufacturer's network name is used or security is not configured.
To connect a wireless printer to a wireless router using WPS, follow these steps:
- Enable WPS push button mode on the printer.
For instructions on using the WPS function on your printer, see your printer's manual. - Hold down the WPS button on the router within 2 minutes.
HP Wireless Setup Wizard (for touchscreen printers)
Wireless setup wizard launched from the printer control panel. (Not available for printers without touchscreen).
- Make sure you know the network name and security password (WEP, WPA, or WPA2).
- From the printer control panel, go to the Network or tap the wireless icon and then go to settings. Select Wireless Setup Wizard. The Wireless Setup Wizard will display a list of available wireless networks.
Note. The setup button may be a wrench icon, depending on the model.
- Select the name of your wireless network from the list.
- If your wireless network is not listed, enter its name manually at the bottom of the list. Manually specifying the network name must be accurate and case-sensitive.
- Enter the WEP key or WPA passphrase. Specify the key or passphrase accurately and in a case sensitive manner. The printer must be connected to a wireless network. If the printer is not connected, print a Wireless Test Report to help determine the cause of the problem.
Wireless Setup Using a USB Connection (For Non-Touch Printers)
Wireless setup using a USB connection - Printers without a touchscreen can use this wireless setup method during printer software installation.
Temporarily connect the USB cable to your computer and printer during installation. Connect and disconnect the cable only when prompted by the software that provides instructions for setting up the printer's wireless connection.
In some cases, the program may automatically search for wireless settings.
To establish a wireless connection between a wireless printer and a wireless router using a USB connection, see Installing Printer Software
The last decade has passed under the umbrella of mobility, and therefore manufacturers have begun to slowly switch to wireless technology. Output media are no exception, and today let's look at how to connect a printer via Wi-Fi.
About printers and the nature of the problem
Despite the fact that there are not so many publicly available varieties of printers, about five, the technologies by which they work are being improved by each company that produces them. Thus, it turns out that in fact each model is more or less unique in terms of technology of work and production.
The idea of \u200b\u200ba wireless connection has long been pushed into this area of \u200b\u200bcomputer technology. Already five years ago, it was possible to purchase a multifunctional device (MFP) with support for Wi-Fi connections. It would seem worth adding a Wi-Fi module. But it’s not that simple.
Even now, there are many different subtleties and ways to connect a wireless printer to a gadget or computer. In fact, each model may have different from its predecessor not only settings, but the very principle of operation. Therefore, connecting a printer to a computer via Wi-Fi is not such an easy thing. But what can I say, there is a known case when a new-fangled device with Wi-Fi support could not be configured even in the native service center.
But it's okay to connect, but setting up a printer via Wi-Fi in some cases is simply super difficult, and sometimes even almost impossible. Why so confuse and complicate such a process, which should initially be simple and intuitive, is unknown.
Since there is no universal method, at least a few of the most common ones should be described. But even this does not guarantee that they will be at least partially useful to everyone who purchased such a device. In any case, here we will consider the three most common connection methods, which can be conditionally designated as follows:
- Plain.
- Reasonable.
- Surplus.
The easy way
This option is the most convenient and least expensive in terms of the number of steps and time. It does not require any additional processes to be performed. You just need to install the device in the desired place and turn it on. Of course, the gadget must be within the reach of the Wi-Fi coverage, through which information will be exchanged.
After the device is connected to the mains and turned on, you need to start the PC. Then we install the drivers from the accompanying disk and reboot the system. After the operating system is fully loaded, where the Wi-Fi module will be automatically launched, go to the "Start" menu located in the lower left corner of the monitor screen, and in the right column of the window we find and click on the "Devices and Printers" position.
Clicking will launch a window where all connected devices will be displayed, including the ones we need. It will not be difficult to find it, since its name will display the manufacturer and model.
Just right-click on it to bring up the context menu, and select the second item from the top with the name "Use as default".
If everything was done correctly, then a round green icon with a white checkmark will be displayed on the device icon.
In principle, that's it - the gadget is ready to use. However, it is recommended that you print a test page before printing any documents to the printer over Wi-Fi.
Devices with this type of connection have one very significant drawback, namely, if you forget to turn off the device after use, then an unscrupulous neighbor or colleague can connect to it and send a couple of unnecessary files for printing. Therefore, it is advisable to turn off the device at the end of the work.
Reasonable approach
In terms of execution, this method practically does not differ from the previous one, with the exception of some nuances. Immediately after installing the drivers and utilities from the printer, you will need to go into the settings of the device itself and select the network to which it will be connected.
This is done very simply. It just takes a little patience and care. In principle, everything will be approximately the same as when adding any other device to an existing Wi-Fi network.
First, we find the desired network, and then enter the encryption key. It seems like a trifle, but convenience grows at times. In fact, you succeeded in making the printer networked over Wi-Fi. And this allows almost any Wi-Fi device connected to this access point to directly send files for printing, without the intervention of a personal computer or laptop.
In addition, devices coupled according to this scheme are completely devoid of the disadvantage of the previous method, and the level of ease of use becomes simply prohibitive.
Superfluous way
The last option we are considering, how to connect a laptop to a printer via Wi-Fi, is the most difficult relative to the previous two.
Such pairing schemes have their own nuances that can play a role, or they can even be left out. The fact is that it may happen that the device will work from the start and no special actions and manipulations will have to be performed. This course of events is possible only if the stock IP-address of the device is within the same subnet with the used provider and the dedicated client.
Simply put, this is unlikely, especially since most of the currently used are not static IP addresses, but dynamic ones.
For machines with a similar connection scheme, you will need to add to the PC settings the IP address that the printer uses.
You will need to go to "Devices and Printers" again and click on the "Add Printer" button.
The built-in print server function, which is supported by most modern routers, for many users still looks like a fifth wheel on a cart. At the same time, this option provides users with the most useful opportunity to use one printing device from all computers connected to the local network.
Therefore, in this article we will analyze in detail how to connect a printer via a wifi router, and also consider the correct configuration of equipment on Windows 7.
So, to make a regular printer a network printer using a router, you will need:
Router with print server support and a USB connector on the case for connecting external devices;
The computer from which this printer will be configured;
You can connect a network printer via a wifi router not only to a mobile PC (laptop, netbook, etc.), but also to a stationary computer connected to the router via a network cable. However, if the device does not support the wireless function, you will not be able to print via wifi from it.
The actual printer with "full combat equipment": USB-cable, installation disk, etc.
Before proceeding directly with configuring the device, you should activate support for the print server on the router. For this:
Find the "Print Server Settings" or "Sadness Server" tab there (depending on the router model, this section may be located on the "USB Devices", "USB Applications" or "Multimedia" page);
Set the marker to "Enable Print Server" and be sure to save your changes.
Connecting the printer to the router via usb
Correctly configuring the printer via a wifi router is possible only when the router “sees” this network device.
To do this, connect it to the USB connector of your router using an interface cable (supplied with the device), turn on the printer power and wait until the device is fully loaded.
Setting up a printer via a wifi router
Further installation of the printer is carried out through the "Control Panel" of the computer (from which you plan to use the wireless printing function). Of course, this must be configured here and installed .
If you need to connect a network printer via a router to several functional nodes of the local network (computer, laptop, etc.) at once, then a similar setting must be carried out separately on each PC.
For example, consider connecting a printer via wifi to a laptop with Windows7 OS:
1. Go to "Start" -\u003e "Control Panel" -\u003e "Hardware and Sound" -\u003e "Devices and Printers".
2. In this window, select the "Add a printer" section and the "Add a local printer" subsection.
3. At the next stage, set the marker to "Create a new port", from the drop-down list select "Standard TCP / IP port" and click "Next".
4. In the next window, in the "Name or IP address" field, enter the IP address of your router (in most cases 192.168.1.1), click "Next" again and wait for the new parameters to load.
6. In the Driver Installation window, select the manufacturer and model of your printer.
If there is none, click "Have Disk" and load the driver from the disk (from the basic package of the device).
7. In the next step, enter the name under which your printer will be displayed, click "Next", then again "Next" and "Finish".
