Connecting a multifunctional device Brother DCP-L2520DWR Connecting a regular laser printer to a wireless network is a critical step in transforming it into a fully-fledged network resource for an entire office or apartment. Wireless operation provides flexibility in equipment placement and allows you to print documents directly from mobile devices, eliminating the need for a USB cable to be constantly connected to a specific computer.
Configuration process Wi-Fi connections This model may seem confusing due to the lack of a full touchscreen, but knowing the correct sequence of actions minimizes any complications. You'll be interacting with the LCD display and physical buttons, requiring careful entry of passwords and selection of security protocols.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from preparing your router to the intricacies of installing drivers on Windows and macOS operating systems. We'll also cover common errors users encounter and how to troubleshoot them to ensure your device operates smoothly and quickly.
Preparatory stage and equipment testing
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that the equipment is physically ready to operate in wireless mode. Model DCP-L2520DWR It is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, but for it to work correctly, the device must be located within the range of your router's signal.
It's recommended to temporarily move the printer closer to the router during the initial setup, especially if you plan to use WPS or enter settings from the control panel. After a successful connection, you can move the printer to any convenient location within network range.
- 📶 Make sure your Wi-Fi router is turned on and broadcasting in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands (your model supports both, but 2.4 GHz is often more stable for printers).
- 🔌 Connect the MFP to the power supply and wait until the warm-up cycle is complete, when the display shows "Ready".
- 📄 Prepare your network details: the exact name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password, as they will be needed for manual configuration.
⚠️ Important: Make sure Client Isolation is not enabled on your router. If this feature is enabled, computers on the network will not see the printer, and printing will be impossible.
It's also worth checking whether the printer's MAC address is blocked in your router's security settings. While filtering is usually disabled by default, this can be a problem on corporate networks or with strict home internet security policies. If you haven't intentionally changed your router settings, you likely won't encounter any issues.
Setting up wireless mode via the control panel
The most reliable way to activate the wireless module is to use the built-in menu of the device itself. Interface Brother DCP-L2520DWR Built on logical navigation, where all network parameters are collected in one section.
First, you need to enter the settings menu. Press the button Menu (or the up/down arrows) until "Network" appears on the screen. Confirm your selection by pressing OK. Next, select "WLAN" and press OK again.
The submenu that opens will offer you several options. If you want to configure the network manually, select "Setup Wizard." The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks within range.
Once the list of networks is found, use the navigation arrows to find your router's name. After selecting the desired SSID, click OK. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually.
The next step is entering your password. This is the most crucial step, as the screen is small and case-sensitive. Use the arrow keys to select characters and the OK button to confirm each character. To switch between numbers and uppercase and lowercase letters, use the corresponding on-screen functions or the navigation buttons.
⚠️ Important: When entering your password, pay close attention to the case of letters and similar characters (for example, the number 0 and the letter O). A mistake in even one character will result in connection failure.
After entering the password, the printer will ask for confirmation ("Apply?"). Select "Yes." The device will attempt to connect to the router. A successful connection will be indicated by the message "Connected" or the display of the IP address.
Use WPS technology for fast synchronization
If your router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) significantly simplifies the connection process by eliminating the need to manually enter long passwords. This method is ideal for those who are afraid of typing errors on a small screen.
Most modern routers have a physical WPS button or a software button in the web interface. On the MFP control panel Brother There's also a corresponding function. In the "Network" -> "WLAN" menu, select the "WPS" or "WPS/AOSS" option.
After selecting this option, the printer will enter connection mode. You have about two minutes to activate WPS on the router. Press the WPS button on the router or in its control panel.
- 🔘 Press the WPS button on the router (hold for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light flashes).
- 🖨️ On the printer, confirm the start of the search by selecting "Start" or "OK" in the WPS menu.
- 🔄 Wait until the Wi-Fi indicator on the printer flashes, which indicates the process of establishing a secure connection.
The device will automatically exchange encryption keys and gain access to the network. A successful connection message will appear on the screen, and an IP address will be assigned. This method is especially convenient if you don't know the current Wi-Fi password or it's too complex.
Installing drivers and software
Once the printer is connected to the network, the computer needs to "get to know" it. This requires installing drivers. Model DCP-L2520DWR Supports various operating systems including Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux.
We recommend downloading drivers exclusively from the manufacturer's official website. This ensures the latest firmware version is available and free of malicious code. Please enter your exact device model in the search bar on the website.
During the installation process, the wizard will prompt you to select a connection type. Select "Wireless Network Connection." The search program will attempt to locate the printer on the network. If you followed all the previous steps correctly, the device will be found by IP address.
Example IP address: 192.168.1.45If the automatic search does not produce results, you can use the "Specify IP address" option and enter it manually, after printing a network configuration report from the printer itself (Menu -> Print Reports -> Network Config).
| Software component | Description | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Driver | Basic Print Driver | Necessarily |
| Scanner Driver | Scanning driver (TWAIN/WIA) | Required for scanner |
| ControlCenter4 | Scan management utility | Recommended |
| Brother iPrint&Scan | Mobile app | For smartphones |
After installing all components, it is recommended to restart the computer. This will allow the system to fully register the new network device and prioritize it in the print queue.
☑️ Checking driver installation
Mobile printing and additional features
One of the main advantages of setting up Brother DCP-L2520DWR Wi-Fi printing is possible from smartphones and tablets. iOS devices use AirPrint technology, which requires no additional drivers.
Just make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer. Open a document or photo, tap the "Share" button, and select "Print." The device should be detected automatically.
A proprietary app is also available for Android and iOS users. Brother iPrint&ScanIt offers advanced functionality: scanning to the cloud, printing directly from Google Drive or Dropbox, and toner level monitoring.
What should I do if AirPrint doesn't see my printer?
Make sure your router doesn't have separate guest and main networks. The devices must be on the same network segment (same subnet), otherwise Bonjour won't be able to detect the printer.
Additionally, Google Cloud Print is supported (although support is gradually being phased out, local printing via Mopria remains available) and Wi-Fi Direct. The latter mode allows you to connect directly to the printer even if the router is turned off or unavailable.
Diagnosing problems and connection stability
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer loses connection to the router or becomes inaccessible to computers. This is often due to a dynamic change in the IP address (DHCP) assigned to the printer by the router.
If your printer suddenly "disappears," first print a network configuration report. Check the current IP address. If it has changed (for example, from 192.168.1.45 to 192.168.1.50), you'll need to update the printer port in Windows settings or reinstall the driver with the new address.
To ensure stability in an office environment, it is recommended to assign an IP address to the printer in the router settings (Static DHCP or Address Reservation function) using the device's MAC address.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and firmware versions may differ. The exact names of the menu items for assigning an IP address may vary (LAN Setup, DHCP Server, Address Reservation). Please consult your router's manual.
Interference is also a factor to consider. Microwaves, cordless phones, and neighbors' routers can generate noise in the 2.4 GHz band. If the connection is unstable, try manually changing the broadcast channel in your router settings to 1, 6, or 11.
Why won't my Brother printer connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
Although the model DCP-L2520DWR Although the router formally supports dual-band networks, many older or budget routers may not correctly process requests from printers in the 5 GHz band. Furthermore, some Brother printers prefer the 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) standard due to its longer range in penetrating walls. If problems arise, try temporarily separating the networks on the router (by giving different names to 2.4 and 5 GHz) and connecting the printer strictly to the 2.4 GHz network.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
If you've changed your router or password and your printer can't connect, you need to reset its network settings. Go to Menu -> Network -> Network ResetConfirm the action ("Yes"). The printer will reboot, and you'll need to repeat the Wi-Fi setup procedure as described at the beginning of this article.
Is it possible to connect a printer via Wi-Fi Direct without a router?
Yes, model DCP-L2520DWR Supports Wi-Fi Direct. In the network menu, select "Wi-Fi Direct" and enable it. The printer's network name (SSID) and password will appear on the screen. Connect your phone or laptop to this network as you would to regular Wi-Fi, and printing will be done directly, bypassing your home network.
What does a blinking Wi-Fi light on a printer mean?
If the wireless network indicator is blinking, it means the device is searching for a network, attempting to connect, or transmitting data. If the indicator continues blinking for a long time without turning solid, the connection has failed due to an incorrect password, a weak signal, or a security standard mismatch.