How to Set up an Hl-2170W for Wireless
By Matthew Burley
Connecting a new printer to your computer can create a variety of problems. A printer requires space, a power source and, typically, a cable that has to be connected to your computer but that is rarely included. Some printers can be connected wirelessly, however, eliminating the need for a cable while also simplifying the method to connect other computers to the printer. The Brother HL-2170W is a printer that can be connected to a wireless network, providing a solution for multicomputer printing in a wireless environment.
Turn off the printer using the power switch on the left side of the printer.
Hold down the "Go" button on the top-left side of the printer, then continue to hold the button as you use the power switch to turn the printer back on. Keep holding the "Go" button down until all of the lights on the top of the printer are illuminated, then release the "Go" button.
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the bottom network port on the back of the printer, then connect the other end to an available port on the back of your router. Wait at least one minute so that the printer can obtain the network settings from the router.
Press the "Go" button on the printer three times to print out the printer settings. On the last page of the printer settings document is a Node Type listing. If this listing says "Inactive," you need to connect the Ethernet cable to a different port on the back of the router, then repeat this step.
Locate the IP address for the printer on the printer settings document. It can be found next to the IP Address listing in the IP Settings section.
Open a Web browser on your computer, type the IP address of the printer into the address bar at the top of the screen and press "Enter" on your keyboard.
Click "Network Configuration" at the top of the screen. This will open a login window.
Type "admin" into the Username field and "access" into the Password field, then click the "OK" button.
Click the "Configure Wireless" option at the bottom of the screen.
Change the "Communication Mode" option to "Infrastructure," then click the gray "Browse" button next to "Wireless Network Name" and select your wireless network from the list. Click the "OK" button.
Specify your encryption type on the "Authentication Method" and "Encryption Method" drop-down menus, then type your password into the Passphrase section if you are using WPA security or into the WEP Key section if using WEP security. Click the gray "Submit" button at the bottom of the screen when you are done.
Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to enable the wireless interface, then disconnect the network cable from the back of the printer and the router. Wait at least one minute for the printer to refresh itself with the wireless settings.
Press the "Go" button tjhree times to print out the printer settings again. Check the Node Type listing. If it says "NC-7600w," the wireless settings have taken effect. If not, press and hold the "Go" button for 20 seconds to enable the wireless interface.
References
Tips
- The wireless settings that you will need for your printer are the same settings that are used to connect any other device to your wireless network. If you do not know the settings for your wireless network but have access to the router, you can directly connect your computer to the router with an Ethernet cable. Launch an Internet browser, then type the IP address for your router. This information can be found in your router's documentation and should be similar to "192.168.0.1." The security settings will be located in the Wireless section of the page, under the "Security" submenu.
Writer Bio
Matthew Burley has been a writer of online content since 2005. You can view many of his articles on associatedcontent.com. Burley holds a Bachelor of Science in political science from Arizona State and a Master of Science in computer information systems from the University of Phoenix.