Printing from Wireless printer (ethernet attached pc)

Gavin78 · 26-11-2011, 12:15

We had a lexmark printer not so long ago and despite having 2 of these you may have seen them in the shop with the fancy big 4" touchscreen with internet access so you can print from facebook etc.

being faulty in the end and its replacement although the one thing I could do was print from it even though I am attached to the router via Ethernet cable. not sure how it did that used the router in someway.

We now have an epson printer Wireless but I can't seem to do the same thing with this one any ideas?

DaiNasty · 26-11-2011, 13:43

A wireless printer works in the same way as a pc or laptop connecting to the router. It 'talks' to the router and is given an IP address.

Once that link is established then your pc has to know that address so it knows where to send the print job. This is normally all set up by the printer software.

It may be best to start by logging in to your router's control panel and looking at attached devices to see if it has established a link with the printer.

grim reaper · 26-11-2011, 16:04

i have an epson wireless printer .... you just need toi setup the wireless on the printer, by selecting your network and entering the passcode if your router has it's security on (be daft not to) ... follow the simple instructions in the quick start guide that came with the printer

you also need to install the printer driver on your pc/laptop etc

i had mine set up and printing in less than 5 minutes

Tim Deegan · 26-11-2011, 19:01

If you aren't really computer literate, then I would go for grim reapers suggestion, as it is far easier. Personally I know my way around a PC, but don't know how to log onto my router's control panel, because I have never needed to.

Gavin78 · 27-11-2011, 22:46

I'm not too bad with pc's but with the Lexmark I never needed the software installed so I thought it was something I had done with the router

DaiNasty · 28-11-2011, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Deegan

but don't know how to log onto my router's control panel, because I have never needed to.

I'm amazed!

You have an internet-facing device here, your first barrier between you and the big bad world out there and you've never bothered to look at the security settings?

Ramrod · 28-11-2011, 09:28

Make sure that the router settings are adjusted to keep the printers IP address static.
What OS are you running?

Tim Deegan · 28-11-2011, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiNasty

I'm amazed!

You have an internet-facing device here, your first barrier between you and the big bad world out there and you've never bothered to look at the security settings?

I use the default settings, and then all the computers connected have their own security. If you just rely on the router, then if someone hacks into that, then they are into all of your own network.

DaiNasty · 28-11-2011, 13:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim Deegan

If you just rely on the router, then if someone hacks into that, then they are into all of your own network.

I totally agree, but the best security is layered and your first line of defence is the router. You should at least check to see that the default settings don't allow remote administration or similar gaping security holes.