router cannot see Brother printer

[Sylvia M]

My husband's laptop is wireless in the adjoining room.
I've tried all of the approaches I can. This has happened before, and
I'm sure the ID numbers are correct.
Any other possibilities?
Router is a Linksys Wireless-C Broadband router.
He does get internet, so the modem is not the problem.

T.I.A

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

This is a networking problem so you are going to have to supply more
information.

* What are the models of the Brother and Linksys ?
* What is the network subnet ?
* What is the IP of the Router, Printer and computer(s) ?
* How is the Printer connected to the network ?

You said... "I'm sure the ID numbers are correct".
What do you mean by ID numbers ?

By ID numbers (sloppy thinking) I guess I meant the numbers below that
LinkSys gave me, as I went through that process several days ago, with
no success.


Brother Printer is MFC5860CN
It is connected to the Power surge protector for power, and to one of
the USB ports in LinkSys

LinkSys Wireless-C Broadband with 4 point switch: Model #WRT54GS Y7

So I went to Programs>Linksys, and I'm trying from here...
Lynksys window "sees" the following Network:

Router:
iwant2play is password
192.168.1.1
00-1A-70-fd-7F-92

BROTHER MFC:
IP address: 192.168.1.100
MAC Address: 00-80-77-B8-AC-03

Hp desktop
IP address 192.168.1.100
MAC Address: 00-15-F2-AB-17-13

Dell Laptop
IP address 192.168.1.101
MAC Address: 66-16-CF-3E-B4-C3


LinkSys Status is saying ! in a yellow triangle, "Problem!
Internet connection is not working"
(no surprise)

It offers to "Fix Connection"

Yes, all connected, all lights necessary are on
pulled both power adapters, waited, started;

Linksys tried to connect to internet, claimed no internet connection,
No Joy! But I can send and receive email and go onto web, and so can
the laptop in the next room.!.

Did I mention that we can use the printer to scan and print from
scanner?
When I just now went to printer, hit menu button , and went to LAN,
I have some options that might be involved.
I can setup IP/TCP, 1 BOOT Method ,or IP Address or Subnet Mask or
set up misc.....OMG too many choices ;-) Also I'm running back and
forth from PC to printer display, and the option window goes off in
between.

Dave, can this be where the problem can be fixed? Do I need to check how
one of the above (or something else) is programmed at the printer end?

Thank you for responding,

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

Without going deep into the post I found two problems.

NEVER, ever, EVER, post a password *ANYWHERE* !

The Brother and the HP desktop have the same IP address. All IP
addresses on a Local Area Network (LAN) must be unique between (in
this scenario) 192.168.1.2 ~ 192.168.1.254.

{ I will return to this thread later in the day }

My bad, the Hp desktop ends 101;
That is 192.168.1.101
Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

Why is the Linksys Router connect via USB to the Brother ?

You stated...

"Dell Laptop
IP address 192.168.1.101
MAC Address: 66-16-CF-3E-B4-C3 "

So there still is an IP conflict.

<Sigh>
According to LinkSys,
Printer's IP address: 192.168.1.100
Laptop 192.168 1.101
Desktop 192.168.1.102
BUT
Printer sez it's IP is 192.168.001.100, yes, with third set of digits
001, not 1.
Is this different? should I change the IP #s on the printer?

 

[Sylvia M]

192.168.001.100 == 192.168.1.100

Leading zeros are not significant and be considered placeholders only.

Open a Command Prompt from the POV of the laptop

In the Command Prompt window type,

ping 192.168.1.100
ping 192.168.1.1

Now repeat the process from the POV of the desktop

Open a Command Prompt from trhe POV of the laptop

In the Command Prompt window type,

ping 192.168.1.100
ping 192.168.1.1

What are the results from the Laptop and what are the results from the
dekstop ?

POV of the laptop for ping 192.168.1.100:

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Ping statististics for 192.168.1.100 :
Packets Sent = 4, Received =4, Lost = 0 , 0 loss.
Approximate round trip times in mili-seconds:
Minimum= 1ms Maximum = 4ms Average = 4ms

POV of the laptop for ping 192.168.1.1:
ping 192.168.1.1:

same as above

=======================================
POV Desktop for ping 192.168.1.100

Pinging 192.168.1.100 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Ping statististics for 192.168.1.100 :
Packets Sent = 4, Received =4, Lost = 0 ,0 loss.
Approximate round trip times in mili-seconds:
Minimum= 0ms Maximum = 1ms Average = 0ms

C::\Documents and Settings\HO-Administrator
--------------------------------------------
POV Desktop for ping 192.168.1.1
same as above
=================================
?
Sylvia:

 

[jeff g.]

POV of the laptop for ping 192.168.1.100:

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 4ms TTL-60
Ping statististics for 192.168.1.100 :
Packets Sent = 4, Received =4, Lost = 0 , 0 loss.
Approximate round trip times in mili-seconds:
Minimum= 1ms Maximum = 4ms Average = 4ms

POV of the laptop for ping 192.168.1.1:
ping 192.168.1.1:

same as above

=======================================
POV Desktop for ping 192.168.1.100

Pinging 192.168.1.100 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60
Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Reply from 192.168.1.100: bytes = 32 time = 1ms TTL-60

Ping statististics for 192.168.1.100 :
Packets Sent = 4, Received =4, Lost = 0 ,0 loss.
Approximate round trip times in mili-seconds:
Minimum= 0ms Maximum = 1ms Average = 0ms

C::\Documents and Settings\HO-Administrator
--------------------------------------------
POV Desktop for ping 192.168.1.1
same as above
=================================
?
Sylvia:

you never answered the question:

 

[Sylvia M]

you never answered the question:

Thank you...

I believe it was in the directions for installation.

The laptop is not connected to the printer.
The router 'recognizes' the printer, I thought through the USB port.(the
router has 4 USB ports..
I would assume (and we know what that does that the router picks up
the wireless signal to print from the laptop and transfers that
information to the printer ...on a good day, if all is functioning
correctly...which it is not.
Is it possible that the router would recognize the printer if it were
not connected by USB cable?

Either way, we cannot print from the laptop.

 

[Sylvia M]

We have to start trimming our posts...

There are three possibilities for using a USB port on a SOHO Router.
1. The Router may have a USB Port to connect to a singular PC and use
Ethernet over USB.
2. The Router is also a USB Print Server to connect a printer that
has no networking capability in such a way the the printer is on the
network for all LAN nodes to use.
3. The Router can connect to to a USB Hard Disk for Network Attached
Storage (NAS).

To know specifically we need the Exact Linksys Router Model number.

Point 1:
While some devices may have this capability, it is a last resort and
connection to Ethernet is preferred.

Point 2:
Some Routers can as as a Pint Server. That means one can take a USB
capable printer that has no networking capability (Ethernet or WiFi)
and connect it to the USB port on the Router and now any node on the
LAN can print to that printer via TCP/IP (in some cases other
protocols as well).

Point 3:
One can connect a USB Hard Drive or Flash Disk to the USB Port and any
LAN node can access the data stored on the drive via a UNC or map a
drive letter to it.

-------------------

Assuming all the LAN nodes have a unique IP address, we tested a
communication link from the POV of both computers (laptop & desktop)
which can PING both the Printer and the Router. Therefore both
computers should be able to print to the printer.

Can both the Laptop and the Desktop print to the Brother Printer @
192.168.1.100 or not ?

Neither can print to the Brother printer at this time.
When attempting to print from the desktop, the document shows on the
printer window with "printing", but a pop-up then appears saying "The
document failed to print" and the printer window 'status' changes to
Error, and 'port' is indicated as
BRN-B8AC03. Same from the desktop.

FINALLY tried "Troubleshoot" jumped through hoops, tried to print
through WordPad, Notepad...until told to turn printer off, then back on,
which resets and clears memory...Now Printing just fine.
I'm going to save our posts, because they well may come in handy in the
future. Thanks for your input, and for bearing with me.

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

Starting with the Laptop, go to Controil Panel and the Printers (or
Devices and Printers) Control Panel applet.

Highlight the the Brother Printer.
Right-Click and choose "Properties"
(NOTE: On Windows 7 there are two properties. Choose the one near
the top of the list, not the bottom one)
Find the "Ports" tab.
Choose "Add Port..." --> Standard TCP/IP Port --> New Port
Follow the dialogue and enter; 192.168.1.100
Choose OK.

Now the printer is attached to the TCP/IP address of the Brother
Printer.

Perform a Test Print.

If all is OK...
Repeat the above on the Desktop PC.

Done.
OK on both.
Many thanks.

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

So I understand correctly...

You followed my directions to create a new TCP/IP Printer Port on both
the Laptop and Desktop and both are now printing as expected ?

Yes David, though the on-off seemed to have solved the problem, I did
follow your last instructions on both the laptop and desktop to create a
new TCP/IP Printer Port.

The Brother printer now responds to both computers, and I suspect will
continue to do so, thanks again!

Sylvia

 

[jeff g.]

Judging from the response below and the fact she reported it resolved
before you suggested this, I think the answer to your question is no.
If I'm not mistaken, it was simply the old reboot solution,,,

 

[Sylvia M]

Judging from the response below and the fact she reported it resolved
before you suggested this, I think the answer to your question is no.
If I'm not mistaken, it was simply the old reboot solution,,,

I would, and did, assume that if David suggested the additional last
step, there was a good reason for me to do it, as well. Therefore I did
so. The answer is "yes".
Sylvia

 

[jeff g.]

I would, and did, assume that if David suggested the additional last
step, there was a good reason for me to do it, as well. Therefore I did
so. The answer is "yes".

Sorry, not what I meant and I don't think thats what he meant - you had
already posted that resetting the printer cleared your problem (I said
reboot - my error) - I think David wanted to know if what /he/ suggested
was responsible, which doesn't seem so since your printer reset did it
before the TCP/IP setups, although they may have been what you want anyway.

This is just how I read it - I was having trouble following all this and
commiserated with you since I just went through CUPs hell with a Canon
/and/ a Brothers.

 

[Michael J Davis]

Thank you...

I believe it was in the directions for installation.

The laptop is not connected to the printer.
The router 'recognizes' the printer, I thought through the USB port.(the
router has 4 USB ports..
I would assume (and we know what that does that the router picks up
the wireless signal to print from the laptop and transfers that
information to the printer ...on a good day, if all is functioning
correctly...which it is not.
Is it possible that the router would recognize the printer if it were
not connected by USB cable?

Either way, we cannot print from the laptop.

For the record, I've just set up a Canon Pixma Pro-100. I didn't even
realise it was wi-fi enabled. But I thought I'd give it a go.

After it didn't seem to accept the wi-fi connection at the first
attempt. It suggested that I connect the USB cable (which I did) That
enabled it to recognised the IDs of the machines on the network, so that
when I then removed the cable, the wi-fi worked fine.

This is just a comment - I can't go further or explain - just that I
followed the instructions and it worked. I didn't then have to enter any
addresses!

Mike

 

[Sylvia M]

There have been many times where I have setup printers using Print
Servers and physically connected the printer via USB or Parallel port.
Once the printer was setup I'd created a TCP/IP Printer Port and just
switched from USB00x or LPTx to the TCP/IP Printer Port and it just
plain works.

I'll file that in the back of my mind...but at this time I'm just happy
to be a happy camper, keeping plugged into the router as well,
otherwise I do I have it? Pals don't answer that ;-)
Now I can get back to two projects that require print-outs.
Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

There have been many times where I have setup printers using Print
Servers and physically connected the printer via USB or Parallel
port. Once the printer was setup I'd created a TCP/IP Printer Port
and just switched from USB00x or LPTx to the TCP/IP Printer Port and
it just plain works.

correction of typo...
I'll file that in the back of my mind...but at this time I'm just happy
to be a happy camper, keeping plugged into the router as well,
otherwise why I do I have it? Please don't answer that ;-)
Now I can get back to two projects that require print-outs.
Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

What is the exact model of the "Linksys Wireless-C Broadband router" ?

It's a Linksys Wireless -G Broadband Router, 2.4 GHz ModelWRT54GS V7
This morning, my computer popped a window saying it found 'new hardware'
and did I want connectivity between both computers, to view each other's
programs.
I x'd out. Last thing I want.

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

I'm confused...

You stated it is a Linksys WRT54GS v7
http://support.linksys.com/en-us/support/routers/WRT54GS

I don't see any reference to a USB interface on this Router/

In the back of the router are 4 USB ports (Numbered 1,2,3,4),
one of which is connected to the printer, the other to the computer
'tower" Ethernet
it has one more port (yellow cable if that matters) the other end of
which is connected to the Modem.
It also has a male connection to a cord connected to electricity.
It 'sees' a neighbor's computer, but I denied access to it.

BTW, does this mean it also has Wi-Fi capabilities?

Sylvia

 

[Sylvia M]

OMG !

They are not USB ports. They are Ethernet ports using an RJ45 8-pin
telco socket.

The 4 ports are part of the Local Area Network side of the Router and
comprises what is called a 4-port Ethernet Switch.

The other Ethernet port is the Wide Area Network (WAN) side of the
Router and is the Internet part of the Router.

The Router will get an Internet Protocol address from your Service
provider which will be by a Cable Modem or a DSL Modem. That one
Internet address is then translated via Network Address Translation
(NAT) such that you can have 253 devices connected physically to the
LAN side of the Router or logically through the WiFi provided by this
model Router. The Router translates any of those 253 LAN addresses
that that one WAN address.

There is NO USB port on this model of Linksys Router.

O.K.
I'll settle for having the potential of 253 devices. ;-)
Who wouldn't?
Sylvia