Connecting a printer to a network can be achieved through both wired and wireless methods. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods:
## Wired Connection (Ethernet)
1. **Connect the Printer to the Network**:
– Plug one end of an Ethernet (UTP) cable into the printer’s network port.
– Connect the other end of the cable to an available port on your network router or switch[2][3].
2. **Find the Printer’s IP Address**:
– If you set a static IP during configuration, use that. Otherwise, check your router’s device list for the printer’s IP address[2].
3. **Access the Printer’s Web Interface**:
– Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network.
– Enter the printer’s IP address in the browser’s address bar and press Enter[2].
4. **Configure Network Settings**:
– Log in to the printer’s web interface. Common default credentials include “admin” for both username and password[2].
– Ensure the IP address, subnet mask, and gateway are correctly configured. Set the printer to use DHCP for automatic IP assignment unless you prefer a static IP setup[2].
## Wireless Connection (Wi-Fi)
1. **Turn on the Printer**:
– Ensure the printer is in range of your Wi-Fi network[5].
2. **Connect to Wi-Fi**:
– On the printer’s control panel, navigate to the wireless settings menu.
– Select your Wi-Fi network from the list and enter your network password if prompted[5].
3. **Add the Printer to Your Computer**:
– **For Windows**:
– Open the “Printers & Scanners” section in the Control Panel.
– Click on “Add a Printer” and select the printer from the list of available devices on the network[1].
– **For Mac**:
– Open “System Preferences” and click on “Printers & Scanners.”
– Click the “+” button to add a new printer. Your Mac will search for available printers on the network[5].
4. **Install Printer Drivers**:
– If required, download and install the appropriate printer driver for your operating system[5].
## Sharing a Printer on the Network (Windows)
If you want to share a printer connected to a primary Windows device:
1. **Set Up Sharing**:
– Ensure the printer is installed and working on the primary device.
– Turn on printer sharing settings through the “Printers & Scanners” section[4].
2. **Connect to a Shared Printer**:
– On secondary devices, add the shared printer by using the primary device’s IP address[4]. Ensure the network is set as “Private” for sharing[4].
This guide covers both direct network connections and sharing setups for printers.