There are several possible reasons why your printer may not be connecting to the network. In order to determine the cause of the issue, it is important to first identify which type of printer you are using (e.g. wired or wireless).
Wired Printer
If your printer is wired to the network, the issue may be due to a faulty Ethernet cable, incorrect configuration of the printer’s IP address, or an outdated driver.
Faulty Cables
The most common cause of a network-related issue with a wired printer is a faulty Ethernet cable. When connecting a printer to a network, the Ethernet cable must be correctly connected to both the network router and the printer in order for the connection to be established. If the cable has become damaged or has become unplugged, the printer will not be able to connect to the network. It is important to check that the cable is firmly connected to both the router and the printer and is free of any visible damage or breaks.
Incorrect IP Address Configuration
The printer must be configured with an IP address that is within the same range as the rest of the devices on the network in order for the connection to be successful. If the IP address of the printer is outside of the range, the connection will not be established. It is important to check the settings of the printer’s IP address and make sure they match the network’s range.
Outdated Drivers
If the printer is connected to a computer, the printer may not be communicating with the network if the drivers installed on the computer are outdated. Check the version of the printer driver installed on the computer and make sure it matches the latest version available from the manufacturer’s website. If the installed driver is outdated, download and install the updated version of the driver.
Wireless Printer
A wireless printer typically connects to the network via Wi-Fi, but there are some models that also have the ability to connect to the network over Bluetooth. The most common causes of a network-related issue with a wireless printer are incorrect configuration of the printer’s wireless settings and/or outdated drivers.
Incorrect Configuration
Wireless printers require certain settings to be configured correctly in order for the connection to be successful. This includes, but is not limited to, the unique SSID (Service Set Identifier) name of the network and the security key. Check the settings of the printer’s wireless configuration and make sure they match the settings of the network.
Outdated Drivers
As with a wired printer, outdated drivers can also be the cause of a failed connection with a wireless printer. Check the version of the printer driver installed on the computer and make sure it matches the latest version available from the manufacturer’s website. If the installed driver is outdated, download and install the updated version of the driver.
Other Causes of Connection Failure
In addition to the causes discussed above, there are other potential causes of connection failure. It is possible that the printer is too far away from the router for the connection to be established successfully, or that there are too many devices on the network and the signal is being interfered with. Additionally, some routers may require additional configuration in order for the connection to be successful. If all of the causes discussed above have been checked and the printer is still not connecting to the network, it is recommended that you contact the manufacturer or your network administrator for assistance.