Connecting the Brother MFC-L2700DWR Printer to Your Computer via Wi-Fi: A Complete Guide

Connecting a multifunctional device Brother MFC-L2700DWR Connecting a computer wirelessly is a common task faced by both office workers and home users. While seemingly simple, the process can be complicated by incorrect router settings, outdated drivers, or operating system issues. This article will help you avoid common mistakes and set up your printer as efficiently as possible.

MFC-L2700DWR supports both direct connection to the router (infrastructure mode) and connection via Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows for direct printing. We'll explore both options and also examine network security settings, which directly impact device stability. If you've previously encountered issues like "the printer isn't visible on the network" or "the document is queued but doesn't print," you'll find solutions here.

It is important to take into account that Brother regularly updates firmware for its devices. Some steps may differ slightly depending on the printer software version or computer operating system. If the instructions differ from your interface, check the firmware update in your personal account on the manufacturer's website.

Preparing for connection: what you will need

Before you begin setup, make sure you have everything you need. This will save time and prevent interruptions.

You will need:

  • 📄 Printer documentation — the factory Wi-Fi settings are indicated there (SSID and default password for the mode Wi-Fi Direct).
  • 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux - with administrator rights to install drivers.
  • 📡 A router with Wi-Fi enabled — check that the network is stable (there are no frequent interruptions).
  • 🔌 Power cable and USB cable - the latter may be needed for initial setup.
  • 📱 Smartphone (optional) - to scan the QR code for settings or use Brother iPrint&Scan.

Pay special attention router settings. Brother MFC-L2700DWR poorly compatible with networks where:

  • 🔒 Used WPA3-Enterprise (WPA2-Personal or WPA3-Personal only).
  • 🔄 Enabled client isolation (AP Isolation) - it blocks data exchange between devices on the local network.
  • 📶 Active separation of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands under different SSIDs (the printer only supports 2.4 GHz).
⚠️ Attention: If your router uses 802.11r (Fast Roaming), please disable this feature before setting it up. It may cause connection issues. Brother-devices.
📊 How do you usually connect printers to the network?
By cable
Via Wi-Fi
I use Wi-Fi Direct
I don't connect it, I print from a flash drive.

Method 1: Connecting via a router (infrastructure mode)

This is a standard method where the printer connects to your home or office network like any other gadget. The advantage is the ability to print from multiple devices simultaneously.

Steps to set up:

  1. Turn on the printer and wait until the self-test is complete (the indicators will stop flashing).
  2. Click the button Menu on the control panel, then go to Network → WLAN → Assistant Setup.
  3. Select Infrastructure and confirm your choice.
  4. The printer will start searching for available networks. Find yours. SSID and enter the password.
  5. After successful connection, print network settings report (Menu → Network → WLAN → Print Report).

If the printer does not find your network:

  • 🔍 Make sure your router is broadcasting SSID (not hidden).
  • 📶 Check that the printer is within the network coverage area (no further than 5–7 meters from the router if there are any obstacles).
  • 🔄 Restart your router and printer.

Once connected to the network, install the drivers on your computer. Download them from Brother's official website, choosing a model MFC-L2700DWR and your OS. During installation, select the option Wireless Network Connection.

☑️ Checking the connection to the router

Completed: 0 / 5

Method 2: Connecting via Wi-Fi Direct (direct connection)

Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect your computer directly to the printer, bypassing the router. This is convenient for temporary printing or when access to the main network is limited.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. On the printer, press Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → On.
  2. Select Manual setup and ask:
    • Network name (SSID) - For example, DIRECT-BRWXXXXXX (default).
    • Password — minimum 8 characters (you can leave the factory one).
    • Security typeWPA2-PSK (AES).
  • On your computer, connect to the created network DIRECT-BRWXXXXXX.
  • Install the drivers by selecting the option during setup Direct Connection (Wi-Fi Direct).
  • Restrictions Wi-Fi Direct:

    • 🖥️ Only 1 can be connected at a time one device.
    • 📶 Data transfer speed is lower than in infrastructure mode.
    • 🔌 When the printer is turned off, the connection is broken.
    ⚠️ Attention: If you use Windows 10/11, after connecting to Wi-Fi Direct You may see a warning that says "No Internet Access." This is normal—the printer doesn't provide network access.
    How do I reset Wi-Fi Direct settings to factory defaults?

    Click Menu → Network → Wi-Fi Direct → ResetAfter this, the SSID and password will return to the default values ​​(indicated on the sticker on the back of the printer).

    Setting up a printer in the operating system

    A successful network connection is only half the battle. Now you need to configure the printer in the OS itself so the computer can print documents.

    For Windows 10/11:

    1. Open Settings → Devices → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click Add a printer or scanner.
    3. Wait for the system to find Brother MFC-L2700DWRIf this does not happen, click The printer you need is not listed..
    4. Select Add a printer by its TCP/IP address and enter the printer IP (you can find out from the printed report).

    For macOS:

    1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
    2. Click + and select the tab IP.
    3. Enter the printer's IP address, protocol Line Printer Daemon - LPD and queue BRNxxxxxxxxxxx (indicated in the report).

    If the printer is added but does not print:

    • 🖨️ Check if it is installed as default printer.
    • 📄 Make sure there are no stuck tasks in the checklist (Control Panel → Devices and Printers → View print queue).
    • 🔄 Restart the printing service:
      net stop spooler
      

      net start spooler

    Solutions to common problems

    Even with proper setup, glitches can still occur. Let's look at common errors and how to fix them.

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The printer is not visible online. Incompatible router settings (WPA3, client isolation) Switch your router to WPA2-PSK and disable AP Isolation.
    The document is sent to the queue but is not printed. Outdated drivers or print service failure Update drivers, restart spooler
    Slow Wi-Fi printing Weak signal or congested network Move the printer closer to the router, change the Wi-Fi channel to 2.4 GHz
    Error: "Unable to connect to printer" Invalid IP address or port Check the port settings (should be 9100 for LPD)

    If the printer is connected, but prints with artifacts (stripes, hieroglyphs):

    • 🖼️ Check it out print mode in the driver settings (should be Normal, Not Draft).
    • 📁 Make sure the document is not damaged (try printing a test page).
    • 🔧 Complete cartridge calibration via the printer menu (Settings → Maintenance).
    ⚠️ Attention: If your printer stops working after a Windows update, remove it from the system and reinstall it. Use full driver package from the Brother website, not the standard Windows drivers.

    Optimizing Wi-Fi for stable printing

    The quality of your wireless connection directly impacts printing speed and reliability. The following tips will help improve your experience. MFC-L2700DWR on the network.

    Recommendations for setting up a router:

    • 📶 Use 2.4 GHz channel with a width of 20 MHz - this will ensure maximum compatibility.
    • 🔄 Turn it off automatic channel selection and set it to a fixed number (eg 6 or 11) to avoid interference.
    • 🔒 Turn on WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) to prioritize traffic.
    • 📡 If the router is dual-band, give the networks different SSIDs (For example, MyWiFi_2G And MyWiFi_5G).

    To improve the signal:

    • 📍 Place the router centrally - not in the corner of the room and not near metal objects.
    • 🔌 Use Wi-Fi repeater, if the printer is located far from the router.
    • 📶 Check it out transmit power router (it should be in the settings) 100%).

    Critical Feature: Brother MFC-L2700DWR Doesn't support 5 GHz networks. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz, the printer won't be able to connect. In this case, either enable 2.4 GHz broadcasting or use Wi-Fi Direct.

    Additional features: network scanning and faxing

    MFC-L2700DWR — is not only a printer but also a scanner and fax machine. Using these features over Wi-Fi requires additional setup.

    To scan to a computer:

    1. Install the utility Brother ControlCenter (included in the driver kit).
    2. Open the program and select Scanner → Scan Settings.
    3. Specify the folder to save the scanned files and the format (PDF or JPEG).
    4. Place the document in the scanner tray and press Scan.

    To send a fax via the Internet (if a telephone cable is connected):

    • 📠 Set up fax settings in the printer menu (Menu → Fax → Sending Setup).
    • 📧 Use Brother PC-FAX to send faxes directly from your computer (driver required) PC-FAX Driver).

    If scanning does not work:

    • 🖥️ Check that ControlCenter sees the printer on the network.
    • 🔌 Make sure that on your computer the firewall is disabled or an exception has been added for the program.
    • 📡 Reconnect the printer to the network (sometimes resetting the network settings helps).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setup

    How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?

    Go to Menu → Network → Network Reset and confirm the action. After this, the printer will return to its default settings (it will turn on Wi-Fi Direct with factory password).

    Is it possible to connect a printer to Wi-Fi without a control panel?

    Yes, with the help of WPS. Click the button WPS on the router, then on the printer, hold Wi-Fi 2 seconds. The devices will connect automatically (if the router supports WPS).

    Why does my printer print blank sheets?

    Possible reasons:

    • Toner is low - check the level in Menu → Toner Status.
    • The laser unit is clogged - clean it through Menu → Service.
    • Incorrect driver settings - select the correct paper type and print mode.

    How to update printer firmware?

    Download the latest version from Brother website, unzip the archive and run the file FWUpdateTool.exeConnect the printer via USB and follow the instructions.

    Can the printer be used from mobile devices?

    Yes, install the application Brother iPrint&Scan (Android/iOS) Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, or use Wi-Fi Direct.

    If none of the methods helped, please contact support. Brother with printed network settings report and error logs. In 90% of cases, problems are resolved by flashing the device or changing the Wi-Fi channel on the router.