Multifunctional device Brother DCP-T520W It's a popular choice for homes and small offices thanks to its economical continuous ink supply system. However, to realize its full potential, it needs to be properly networked. Wireless connectivity eliminates unnecessary cables and allows printing from any device, including smartphones, tablets, or laptops, within range.
Integrating a printer into a Wi-Fi infrastructure may seem complicated at first glance. Modern communication protocols simplify the process, but require careful consideration when entering security parameters. In this article, we'll cover all available setup methods in detail, focusing on the nuances often overlooked by users during initial setup.
Successful setup depends not only on the actions taken with the device itself, but also on the state of your wireless network. Connection stability Proper router settings are key here. Before moving on to technical adjustments, make sure your router is working properly and is distributing internet, and you know the password for your Wi-Fi network.
Preparing equipment and checking router settings
Before you start setting up the printer itself Brother DCP-T520W You need to make sure your network infrastructure is ready to receive the new device. Most modern routers operate in two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. It's important to understand that this printer only supports the 2.4 GHz standard. 802.11 b/g/n, which means it operates exclusively in the 2.4 GHz range.
If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (SSID) for different bands, this can cause confusion. In some cases, it's recommended to temporarily separate the networks by giving them different names to ensure the printer connects to the correct one. Also, make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router, which could block new devices.
⚠️ Note: If you're using a guest Wi-Fi network, the printer may not be visible to other computers on the main network. For full functionality, we recommend connecting the MFP to the main network, not the guest network.
The location of the device also matters. Although Brother DCP-T520W If the printer has a built-in antenna, metal objects, microwaves, and thick walls can significantly weaken the signal. If you plan to use the printer for network scanning or printing large volumes of data, ensure that the signal strength in the location where it is installed is sufficient.
Connection method via the WPS button on the router
The fastest way to connect Brother DCP-T520W The easiest way to connect to a network is to use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method eliminates the need to manually enter a password, which is especially convenient if the security key is complex or long. To use this method, your router must support WPS, which is the case with most modern models.
The synchronization process takes only a couple of minutes. First, you need to find the WPS button on your router. It can be a physical button or a virtual one in the device's web interface. After activating search mode on the router, run the corresponding command on the printer.
On the MFP control panel, press the button Menu, then using the navigation arrows, go to the item Network (Network). Next, select WLAN and find the option WPS. Pressing the button OK will begin searching for a signal. The Wi-Fi indicator on the printer will begin blinking, waiting for confirmation from the router.
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router and hold it for a few seconds until the security indicator starts blinking.
- 🖨️ On your Brother printer, select WPS from the menu and confirm the action.
- 📡 Wait until the wireless network indicator stops blinking and turns solid.
- ✅ Make sure the printer screen displays "Connected."
If the connection fails on the first try, your router may have timed out. In this case, you should repeat the process, attempting to connect more quickly. It's also worth checking whether WPS is disabled in your router's security settings.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the printer menu
In cases where the WPS function is unavailable or doesn't work correctly, you'll have to resort to manual configuration. This method is more reliable, as you control the network selection yourself. First, access the wireless settings menu via the control panel. Brother DCP-T520W.
Using the navigation buttons, go to Menu → Network → WLAN → Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks. The SSIDs (names) of all detected networks within range will be displayed in the list.
Find your network name in the list and click OKIf your network isn't listed, make sure your router isn't hiding its SSID. You'll then be prompted to enter a password. Use the arrow keys to select characters and press the [Enter] button. OK to confirm each character. Be careful with the letter case.
Input sequence:1. Menu -> Network -> WLAN
2. Setup Wizard -> On
3. Select SSID -> OK
4. Enter your password -> OK
After entering the password, the printer will attempt to establish a connection. If the parameters are entered correctly, a connection report will appear on the display, containing the device's IP address. This address critical for further installation of drivers and printing settings.
☑️ Check before manual connection
Setup via USB cable using software
Sometimes setting up the printer via the control panel can be inconvenient due to a small screen or difficult character input. In such cases, the manufacturer provides an alternative method: setting up via a USB cable using a computer. To do this, you'll need an installation disc or a driver package downloaded from the official website.
Run the software installer Brother DCP-T520W On a computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network to which you want to connect the printer. During the installation process, select the "Wireless Network" connection type. The program will prompt you to connect the device to the computer via USB.
Follow the on-screen instructions. The software will automatically retrieve the network settings from your computer and transfer them to the printer. Once the data is successfully transferred, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on, the device will operate autonomously via Wi-Fi.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your wireless network name | On the bottom of the router or in the Wi-Fi settings |
| IP address | The printer's unique address on the network | Network report on the printer screen |
| Security key | Wi-Fi access password | On the provider's contract or on the router |
| Opening hours | Connection type (Infrastructure) | Network menu on the printer |
This method is especially useful if the printer can't find the network due to a hidden SSID. The computer acts as a trusted intermediary, transmitting all necessary credentials. After setup, make sure the USB cable is disconnected, otherwise the printer may switch to wired mode.
Installing drivers and checking the connection
After Brother DCP-T520W Once you've successfully connected to the router, you need to install the drivers on your computer. Even if the operating system automatically detected the device, proprietary software is required for the scanner to function properly and monitor ink levels.
Download the full driver and utility package from the official Brother website. During installation, select the network connection type. The setup wizard will find the printer on the network using its IP address. If the automatic search fails, you can enter the IP address manually by printing a network report on the device.
To test the connection, open a command prompt on your computer (in Windows, this is cmd) and enter the command ping with the printer's IP address. For example: ping 192.168.1.50If you receive a response from the node, then the physical and logical connection has been established correctly.
⚠️ Please note: The drivers included on the disc may be out of date. It's always best to download the latest software version from the manufacturer's official website, selecting your operating system.
Don't forget to install the utility Brother iPrint&Scan or a similar app for mobile devices. This will allow you to print photos and documents directly from your smartphone without using a computer. For mobile apps to work, the printer and phone must be on the same subnet.
What should I do if my computer can't see my printer on the network?
If the drivers are installed but printing fails, check your Windows Firewall or antivirus software. They may be blocking incoming connections from the printer. Try temporarily disabling them for diagnostic purposes. Also, make sure the network type in Windows is set to "Private" and not "Public."
Diagnostics and problem solving
During operation, situations may arise where the connection is lost or the printer stops responding. This is often caused by dynamic IP address changes in the router. To avoid this, it is recommended to reserve a static IP address for the printer in your router's DHCP settings.
Another common problem is the incompatibility of encryption standards. Brother DCP-T520W Supports WPA2-PSK (AES) security protocols. If your router is set to mixed mode or legacy WEP, the device may not connect. Check your wireless security settings in the router's admin panel.
If the Wi-Fi indicator on your printer flashes at a specific interval, it may indicate a specific error. The blinking pattern can be interpreted in the user manual. A simple reset of the printer's network settings to factory defaults and repeating the connection procedure often helps.
- 🔄 Restart your router and printer—this solves 80% of connection problems.
- 🔒 Check if your Wi-Fi password has changed after changing your provider or equipment.
- 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi channel isn't overloaded by neighboring networks (changing the channel on your router can help).
If the connection is constantly interrupted, try updating the printer's firmware. Firmware updates often contain compatibility fixes for new router models. The update can be performed using the device management utility on your computer.
Why doesn't the printer see the 5 GHz network?
The Brother DCP-T520W model has a radio module that operates only in the 2.4 GHz band. 5 GHz networks offer shorter range but higher speeds, but this device is physically unable to receive them. You need to enable 2.4 GHz broadcasting on your router.
How can I find out the IP address of my printer if I can't print a report?
You can find the IP address through the device's menu. Press Menu, go to Network, then WLAN, and select TCP/IP. The current IP address will be displayed there. You can also find this information in the list of connected clients in your router's web interface.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network?
Yes, this is possible, but only by manually entering the SSID. Hidden networks are not listed when using the Setup Wizard. You will need to select the option to manually enter the network name and enter the SSID accurately, taking into account the case of the letters.