The ability to connect a printer or other printing equipment via a wireless Wi-Fi network is quite common today. However, setting up Wi-Fi printing sometimes causes some difficulties for ordinary computer users.
Configuration via WPS technology
The method of connecting the printer to a computer using Wi-Fi Protected Setup technology has gained popularity in the past few years due to its simplicity and ease of setup. However, it should be remembered that the WPS mode enabled on the router is potentially dangerous, because it does not have sufficiently reliable encryption protection. The fact is that when setting up a printer using this technique, there is no need to know the network name, that is, the SSID, and there are also no requests for a network password when connecting.
To configure the printer via WPS, firstly, it must support this technology itself, and secondly, the router must support it. Next, the entire network needs to be protected with WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WPA2 encryption. That is, it is not allowed to set the encryption type to WEP. It is also worth turning off the filtering of MAC addresses in the router settings. To determine if the printer supports the WPS communication method, refer to its manual or specification by visiting the official website of the printer manufacturer.
Determine the pin code of your router. As a rule, it is printed on its back cover and is located next to the WPS icon. The PIN code consists of eight digits separated by a "-" sign. Next, go to the router settings in order to enable WPS mode. This setting is usually found in the "Security" section. Pay attention to some of the WPS settings. It is often possible to change the PIN code of the WPS connection, which turns out to be very convenient. Many models of routers also have a separate button on the device for manually enabling and disabling WPS mode. Turn it on if needed. After the successful launch of WPS on the router and on the printer, the equipment must be connected within two minutes, as evidenced by the lit router indicator.
Wizard-driven setup
In order to be able to connect the printer to the computer using the setup wizard, the printer must recognize the type of data encryption WEP and WPA. As a rule, all printers with Wi-Fi connectivity support these types of encryption.
Go to the control panel of your printer and go to the "Settings" section. Expand the Network item. The Wireless Setup Wizard will then display a list of available networks. Find your Wi-Fi network among them and select it. Next, you will need to enter the network encryption key, and the configuration will be completed.
