Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[kyeck]

Hello,

I recently purchased a DIR-655 and everything's working fine -- Internet access, visibility of local shares, etc. -- with the one except accessing to my printer (Brother MFC-7440N) that's hard-wired to a port on the router.

After installing the latest PC SharePort Utility on my two Windows 7 desktops, they're both able to connect and use all of the features of the printer (print, scan, etc.). 

However, I can't say the same for my two Macbook Pro's connected via WiFi (802.11N).  I installed the latest Mac SharePort Utility on both, but neither can "see" the printer.  Caveat:  If I connect the laptops via a LAN cable (ie. hard-wired directly into the router), they're able to see the printer.  What gives?

Does anyone have any ideas on how to configure the router (or Mac) to allow them to see the printer? 

This is really frustrating given that I just "upgraded" to the DIR-655 from a WRT160N (which never had any issues with sharing a hard-wired printer over my local network).

HELP!

[davevt31]

In the router settings.  Go to Advanced tab on top and Advanced Wireless on the left side.  Make sure WLAN Partition is unchecked.

[kyeck]

Got my hopes up, only to discover that it's unchecked.

Thanks though.  Any other options?

[dbill]

I do not have your model printer, my printer is the Brother MFC495CW, please check your documentation on the printer carfully. on the MFC495CW you must choose between ethernet and wireless, the documentation specifically says you cannot do both.

One thing that works if it helps you, is I have my printer connected via USB printer cable (PC to the printer) and also use the wireless connectivity for my laptop.

I hope this helps --- Bill

[thecreator]

Hello,

I recently purchased a DIR-655 and everything's working fine -- Internet access, visibility of local shares, etc. -- with the one except accessing to my printer (Brother MFC-7440N) that's hard-wired to a port on the router.

After installing the latest PC SharePort Utility on my two Windows 7 desktops, they're both able to connect and use all of the features of the printer (print, scan, etc.). 

However, I can't say the same for my two Macbook Pro's connected via WiFi (802.11N).  I installed the latest Mac SharePort Utility on both, but neither can "see" the printer.  Caveat:  If I connect the laptops via a LAN cable (ie. hard-wired directly into the router), they're able to see the printer.  What gives?

Does anyone have any ideas on how to configure the router (or Mac) to allow them to see the printer? 

This is really frustrating given that I just "upgraded" to the DIR-655 from a WRT160N (which never had any issues with sharing a hard-wired printer over my local network).

HELP!

Hi kyeck,

I had a Brother MFC-5440Cn model that was plugged into the Router. You must install the Brother Software on all computers. It has a Status Icon that tracks the IP Address of the Machine.

[kyeck]

I do not have your model printer, my printer is the Brother MFC495CW, please check your documentation on the printer carfully. on the MFC495CW you must choose between ethernet and wireless, the documentation specifically says you cannot do both.

One thing that works if it helps you, is I have my printer connected via USB printer cable (PC to the printer) and also use the wireless connectivity for my laptop.

I hope this helps --- Bill

Thanks for the reply Bill,

The Brother MFC-7440N *only* supports a wired LAN connection (it doesn't have built-in WiFi).  With it plugged into a LAN port on the DIR-655 router, it should be visible to *any* computer on my local network.  However, for some reason, my two Mac laptops that are connected to my local network via WiFi cannot see the printer.

[kyeck]

Hi kyeck,

I had a Brother MFC-5440Cn model that was plugged into the Router. You must install the Brother Software on all computers. It has a Status Icon that tracks the IP Address of the Machine.

Thanks, but even with the software installed, I still can't see the printer (ie. When I try to add the printer via Bonjour it cannot find the printer).  Note:  I've configured the printer to have a static IP (and reserved the same IP on the router), so tracking it shouldn't be an issue. 

Additional Info:  I can add the printer by hard-wiring it to the IP of the printer (using the IPP or LPD protocols), but then the scanner won't work.  I don't understand why the software can't just find it on the network like the LinkSys WRT160N AP can.

[kyeck]

Follow-up...

I believe I have found a resolution to this issue.

I unchecked the "Use Unicasting" checkbox under "Manual Internet Connection Setup" and now the printer is showing up automatically in the Add Printer dialog.  I admit I don't understand why, but my family can print again so I'm happy.

[dbill]

Kyect,

Glad to hear you have found a resolution, and for posting it here. It will likely help someone down the road.

Happy Holidays -- Bill

[Sunnyshots]

Kyeck - Not sure if you'll see this, but I wanted to let yo know that your solution did the trick for me today. I also use a Macbook Pro, and I just converted from an old G router to the DIR655. Everything worked but I couldn't see the printer from my Mac. You saved me time, worry, and probably hours of frustration on the phone with tech support. Thanks for taking the time to share.

BTW, my printer is an HP Officejet 6310, also connected to router via ethernet.