imageCLASS MF284dw how to use with pc (wired lan connection) and laptop (wifi)

[bruce80513]

I have 2 PCs with wired ethernet connection to my home network, and a laptop with a WiFi connection. I can't get all of them to connect to the printer. If I set the printer to connect to my network via ethernet, the laptop can't detect it. If I connect the printer via LAN, the laptop can't detect it. Since my PCs don't use WiFi, I have to connect the printer via ethernet, but why can't my laptop access the printer? It's on my network. What am I missing?

[Stephen · Accepted solution]

Hello!

It’s a great question, and you can absolutely have the best of both worlds with your printer. Since you have a mix of wired and wireless devices, the most stable way to do this is to treat the printer as a "hub" on your network.

Here is a quick checklist to make sure your setup goes smoothly:

• Go Wired for the Printer: Plug your printer directly into your router using an Ethernet cable. Note that most of our printers can't hold a wired and wireless connection at the same time, so Ethernet is the way to go here.
• The "Same Room" Rule (VLANs): Make sure your laptop isn't hanging out on a "Guest" Wi-Fi network. Guest networks are usually isolated, meaning your laptop won't be able to "talk" to your wired PC or printer.

• Match the Digits: A quick way to check if they are on the same VLAN/Subnet is to look at their IP addresses. The first three sets of numbers (like 192.168.1.xxx) should match across your PC, laptop, and printer.

• Software Sync: You'll need to install the MF Drivers and the MF Scan Utility on both the PC and the laptop. When the installer asks how you’re connecting, just choose "Network Connection". Grab the software from https://ij.start.canon/mf284dw

If you hit a snag, just let us know which operating systems you're running (Windows or Mac), and we can get more specific with the steps!

[DerrickL]

Does your laptop detect the wired PCs? If not then the wireless laptop may not detect the LAN wired printer due to a setting called Wireless Isolation on the router, which prevents devices on the wireless network from communicating with those on the wired network. To resolve this, check your router settings and ensure Wireless Isolation is disabled.

[bruce80513]

That worked, thanks for your prompt and helpful support.