A wireless printer is a great tool for any office. Wireless printers can be located just about anywhere in your office as long as they are within reach of your Wi-Fi signal. There are a number of steps to installing a wireless printer. I have put together some steps to help you connect your wireless printer with ease.
Pre-Installation
It is important to arm yourself with some key information prior to installing your wireless printer. First, you will need to make sure your wireless network is up and running. Then you will need to find out the name of your network or SSID and the password to your network.
I recommend placing your printer near your computer during the installation process so you can easily attach it via a USB cable for software installation.
Automated Installation
Most printers have LCD control panels that allow you to configure the wireless connection directly on the printer. The printer detects any network that is within range. Once it is detected you simply select the network and enter the password and you are done.
Your other option is to enter the network information with traditional installation using the CD provided by the printer manufacturer. You can also attach the printer to the router via ethernet, and configure the wireless printer using a web browser.
Manual Installation
There are a few things you will need to know if you are installing your printer manually.
First you will need to set your IP address. Your IP address is a group of four numbers of one to three digits. Here is an example, 146.184.1.135. All of your printers or other network resources have an IP address.
Next you will need to adjust your firewall security settings. It is important not to set the security too high because it can prevent your printer from talking to your wireless router or PC. If you are experiencing this problem you should disable the firewall to see if this resolves the issue. Then you can adjust the firewall security settings to a lower level.
Finally you will need to check the wireless security protocol. Your router will likely have either a WEP (Wireless Ethernet Protocol), or a WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). To find out which one your router uses, simply look it up in your router’s documentation.
No CD, No Problem
If you do not have a CD for your printer don’t worry, you can still install your wireless printer. To do this you will need to use the add a printer tool in your operating system. Before you can embark on this method you must have properly configured the wireless settings on the printer.
Depending on your operating system you will have a different path to installing your printer. For Windows machines you go to Start > Devices and Printers. If that is not an option go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers. For Mac’s you will go to System Preferences > Print & Fax. In many cases this will install the drivers for you. For older operating systems you may have to download the drivers from the printer’s website.
Where to Put Your Printer
Now that you have your printer installed it is time to decide where to place it in your office. It is important to put the printer within range of your wireless router. Large metal objects and screen doors or windows interfere with the wireless signal. Your signal can be diminished by closed doors as well. To resolve this issue be sure to move the printer closer to your wireless router.
The above steps will help you connect your wireless printer. Be sure to contact us for any more questions about setting up your wireless printer.
