PIXMA TR4720 Unable to connect via Wi-Fi Direct

[Gcherkas]

Trying to set up our new Pixma TR4720 for use with standard WIFI and WIFI Direct. I think I have it set ok on my android phone but I need it especially on our laptops. My laptop is an Acer running Windows 11. I've downloaded the software and drivers and can print using standard wifi from my Starlink or Hotspot from my phone. But when attempting to print using wifi direct I have to select the printer showing the wifi direct icon which says driver is unavailable.  I'm stuck and don't know where to go from here.

 

 

[Stephen]

Hello!

Are your laptops connected to the same WiFi that your printer is on? If they are, then you don't need WiFi Direct. If you're in a situation where your computers are not networked, then you would use WiFi Direct. Check out THIS ARTICLE. 

[Gcherkas]

We live aboard a sailboat and frequently are without internet. Sometimes it's not practical to use our telephone as a Hotspot so we definitely want the option of the wifi direct. We have Starlink but it's a power Hog and we try to limit it's use. Any suggestions on how to make our wifi direct work as designed? That option was part of the reason we selected this model.

[Stephen]

Our setup software will walk you through the process https://canon.us/TR4720setup 
If you need additional assistance, contact support at 1-800-OK-CANON (800-652-2666).

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

You will need to use these technologies separately.  

When you are using the network, you will connect your laptop and printer to the starlink router to print.

On those occasions when you print directly from your mobile device, you will use Wi-Fi direct.

Wi-Fi direct is an ad hoc network. The printer acts as a host.  Individual devices can connect directly to the printer (one at a time) Perfect for printing in a pinch.

Printing when using the Starlink Network.  This is the most versatile since it allows any device connecting to the router to print.  I am familiar with starlink, we have it on our boat as well.  However, we have solar panels and large batteries.  We only turn it off at night.

You will run into the following issue with this configuration.  You will not be able to maintain consistent connectivity using DHCP if the network is powered off for extended periods.  I think lease times for DHCP are about 24 hours.  Starlink does not support static IPs or address reservation for devices on its LAN.   You can try to set a static IP on the printer which might help.  This is needed because the IPs of devices will change when you turn the wireless network on and off.  Starlink's DHCP may assign a different IP address to the printer each time it's turned on, if more than 24 hrs goes by.  You'll have to test this.  Starlink works well if it remains on consistently. 

You are always free to use wireless direct from a mobile device, as the two technologies will not conflict with one another.  

Let us know if you have other questions 😉

[Gcherkas]

Just to clarify, I have no issues connecting via Starlink or my hotspot. I have already downloaded the printer software. With all that, when I attempt to print from my laptop using wifi direct I get the message which appears on my screen (see above photo) which says TR4720 Driver is unavailable and it will not allow me to select that option. Again, I have already downloaded the software for this and followed the instructions to the letter but I can't select the wifi direct printer function. This is what I'm asking for help on. 

[shadowsports]

Thanks for the clarification.  I'll review again.  🙂