Trouble connecting PIXMA TS9521C to computer over wi-fi because of network incompatibility

[Rirakku]

Hello,

I'm hoping that I can get a solution to this problem once and for all. I have a Pixma TS9521C, and I've always connected it to my laptop over wi-fi (I have T-mobile as an internet provider). Because the printer needs to connect to a 2.4G WPA/WPA2 network, and my computer and phone function better on a 5G WPA2/WPA3 network, I created a separate network in my wi-fi for my printer to connect to.  It was a royal pain in the a$$, but somehow I got my printer and laptop to communicate just fine with my old T-mobile Wi-fi modem, despite their being on different networks.

I recently had to upgrade my modem, and again--somehow--I managed to get the laptop to communicate with my printer. However, the connection would get lost at times, and I'd have to 'add' the printer back to my devices, or re-establish the connection in the computer settings. Today, once again, I couldn't print, but was also unable to re-establish the connection, so I downloaded a new driver for my printer to see if that would help. I can't get them to connect at all--the computer can't find the printer. How do I get them to communicate when they have to be on separate networks? Somehow it worked in the past, but it's not working now.

I appreciate any help you can give. 

Thank you,

Tracey

[shadowsports]

Hi Tracey,

You are correct about the printer's requirements. It requires a 2.4 GHz broadcast that supports WPA/WPA2 encryption.

Using a dual or tri-band router would allow you to create at least one 2.4 GHz network which could be used by the printer.  

Unless specifically told to do otherwise, your router will allow all connected devices to communicate with one another regardless of the connection or interface type.  This means a device connected to the wired ethernet port can connect / communicate with wireless devices on either band 2.4 or 5G.  The same is true for wireless devices on either band they too can communicate regardless of the wireless band or interface, the other device is using.  

Besides managing your internet connection and communication between your network devices, your router is also responsible for managing the IP addresses for all devices on the network.  Some devices come and go like a friend's phone when they visit your house.  Other devices like a printer are persistent.  It's often helpful to assign or reserve these devices with a static IP address.  This tells your router to always give that device the same IP "destination".  It only needs to be configured once.  This way the router never assigns that IP to another Device or system on your network.  This is true even if the device goes to sleep is turned off or is not used for an extended period of time.  

The setting is made on your router. The name of it varies by manufacturer.  Address reservation. Static IP reserved. IP, etc.  

Once the printer has this assignment, remove the device from your computer and re-add it using its IP address as the destination.  This will ensure a consistent and reliable connection to the device.  

If you have questions just let us know. 

[shadowsports]

Thanks Tracey,

In addition to providing solutions, providing knowledge is often helpful when solving problems.

[Rirakku]

Update: it's not working as smoothly as I thought it would. Yes, I was able to connect my printer to my laptop, but I now realize that the real problem is that the connection gets broken whenever I turn the printer off. After re-installing the software multiple times thinking that would lead to a solution, I've learned that I just need to re-connect my printer by hitting the 'double-linked-rings' icon on my printer to force it to reconnect to my laptop. Why I have to do that every time, I have no clue. It shouldn't be that way. But, whatever. As long as the connection is easily fixed by doing this, I won't complain too much.

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

Welcome back.  Based on your description, it sounds like the printer is losing its IP address.  Did you reserve an IP address on the router for the printer?

As I mentioned earlier, DHCP works well for devices that visit or "come and go" from your network.  Devices which are persistent, like a printer benefit from an assigned IP address.  

If you log into your router's Admin portal look for your list of "attached devices".  You can typically make the address reservation or assign a static IP address there.  The final step is removing The printer from your computer, restarting (your computer) and then reinstalling the printer specifying the IP is the destination.  It's the same for Windows or Mac. When you install the printer, you install using an IP address (which you specified in the previous step).  This only has to be done once and then you won't have to press the ellipses button on your printer each time you want to use it.  If you need help or guidance, just ask 🙂