Connecting a laser multifunction device Brother DCP-L2520DW Connecting your device to a wireless network significantly expands your printing options, making it accessible to everyone in your home or office without the need for additional cables. Switching to a wireless connection frees you from being tied to a specific computer and allows you to print documents directly from your smartphone or tablet, which is critical in today's fast-paced work environment. The setup process may seem complicated at first, but if you follow the steps, it only takes a few minutes.
Before you begin configuring, you need to make sure you have access to the router and know the password for your Wi-Fi network, as this information will be required during the installation of drivers and the device itself. Signal stability plays a key role, so it is recommended to place the printer not too far from the access point, especially if there are concrete walls or metal structures between them that can shield the signal.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at all available connection methods, including the use of technology WPS, manual configuration via the control panel, and the classic USB cable method, which is often the most reliable initial configuration method. You'll learn the intricacies of working with drivers and understand how to avoid common mistakes users encounter when first installing hardware.
Preparing to set up a wireless connection
The first step in successfully integrating a printer into your local network is properly preparing the hardware and software. Make sure your router is turned on, working properly, and providing internet access, as the printer doesn't necessarily need internet access to work on the network, but the network itself must be active. It's also important to check that your computer or laptop has the latest drivers or at least the basic software from the manufacturer.
You will need to know the SSID (name) of your wireless network and the access password, as automatic detection of these parameters does not always occur, especially if the network visibility is hidden. For models of the series DCP-L2520DW characterized by support for safety standards WPA2-PSK And WPA3, which ensures reliable encryption of transmitted data.
⚠️ Attention: If your router broadcasts signals on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies under the same name, identification issues may arise. Temporarily separate the networks or ensure the printer is connecting to the 2.4 GHz band it supports.
Be sure to download the full driver and software package from the manufacturer's official website in advance, selecting your operating system. This will save you the trouble of searching for components during installation and ensure compatibility with all device functions.
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and within range of your printer.
- 🔑 Write down the network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password for quick entry.
- 💻 Download the full driver package for your OS from the official website.
- 🔌 Check that your computer has a free USB port for initial setup.
WPS method: Quick connection without entering a password
The easiest way to establish communication between the printer Brother and the router is the use of technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to connect devices with the press of a single button. This method is ideal for users who don't want to bother entering complex passwords or are afraid of typing a keyboard error. However, for it to work, your router must also support this feature and have a corresponding physical button.
The process begins with activating WPS mode on the router itself: typically, you press and hold the button on the device for a few seconds until the wireless network indicator flashes. After this, you must perform actions on the printer's control panel within two minutes so that it can "see" the connection request.
Click the button Menu on the MFP control panel, then use the arrows to go to the item Network (Network) and press OK. Next, select WLAN and again OK, then find the item WPS and confirm your selection. The printer will begin searching for available WPS signals, and once a connection is established, a message will appear on the screen. Connected, and the wireless network indicator will light up steadily.
| Stage | Action on the router | Action on the printer | Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Press the WPS button | Menu → Network → WLAN → WPS | The network indicator is flashing |
| 2 | Waiting (up to 2 minutes) | Waiting for connection | Network search |
| 3 | Automatic key transfer | Automatic key reception | It's on constantly |
| 4 | Connection established | Printing a network report | Message "Connected" |
Setting up via the printer menu (Infrastructure Mode)
If your router doesn't support WPS or you prefer manual configuration for greater control, use the device's built-in menu. This method requires precise network name and password entry, but it's universal and works with any wireless equipment. Switches on the panel DCP-L2520DW allow you to navigate the menu, although it is not as convenient as a touch screen.
Click the button Menu, go to the section Network, then WLAN and select Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). To the question WLAN Enable? answer On or Yes, after which the printer will begin scanning for available wireless networks within range. From the list that appears, select your router's name (SSID) and press OK.
After selecting a network, the device will ask you to enter a password. Use the up and down arrows to select characters and the button OK to enter each character. Be careful with the case of the letters, as Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive. After entering the last character, press Stop/Exit or follow the screen prompts to confirm.
⚠️ Attention: When entering your password, pay close attention to the keyboard layout. Even a single character error will result in access being denied, and you'll have to repeat the process.
If the password is entered correctly, the following message will appear on the screen: Connected, and the printer will automatically print a connection report, which will show the device's IP address on the network. This address will be useful for further driver installation or access to the web management interface.
Using a USB cable for initial configuration
The most reliable setup method, eliminating password errors and network visibility issues, is using a USB cable. This method is especially useful if you're installing drivers from a disc or downloaded installer, which will automatically guide the device through the connection process. You'll need a USB 2.0 Type-B (printer) cable, which is usually included.
Run the driver installation file on your computer and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted to select a connection type, select Wireless (Wireless), but then select the USB cable setup option. Connect the cable to the computer and printer ports when prompted.
The software will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings from your computer to the printer. After the data transfer is successful, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable, as further communication will take place over the air. This method ensures that the printer receives the exact network settings that are currently active on your PC.
☑️ Setup via USB
It's important not to connect the USB cable until prompted by the installation program. Connecting it too early may cause the system to attempt to install the device as a local drive, and wireless functionality will remain disabled.
Installing drivers and software
Once the printer is connected to the network, you need to install drivers on the computers and mobile devices that will be printing. For Windows operating systems, the process begins by running the previously downloaded installation package. Select the option Install Drivers and Software and accept the terms of the license agreement.
During the installation process, select the connection type Wireless (Wireless). The installer will begin searching for the printer on the network. If it is found by IP address, the system will prompt you to complete the installation. If the automatic search fails, you can manually enter the IP address found in the network report or printer menu.
For mobile devices (Android and iOS) it is recommended to use the app Brother iPrint&ScanDownload it from the app store, make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, and start searching for devices. The app will automatically detect DCP-L2520DW and will allow you to print photos and documents without installing additional drivers.
⚠️ Attention: Windows Firewall or antivirus software may be blocking the installation of your network printer. If the installation freezes, temporarily disable the firewall or add an exception for the Brother installer.
Please remember that for the scanner to work fully over the network, you may need to install additional components, such as Brother ControlCenter4These components allow you to initiate scanning directly from your computer, even if the physical scan button on the printer is not configured for network transmission.
Diagnosing and resolving connection problems
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, situations may arise where the printer doesn't see the network or loses connection. Often, the problem lies in the router's security settings, such as MAC address filtering or the use of complex encryption standards that older equipment may not correctly interpret. Check if your router limits the number of devices that can connect.
If the printer shows a "Not Connected" status or the network indicator is blinking, try rebooting both devices: the router and the MFP. Often, simply clearing temporary errors in the device's memory resolves IP address conflicts or a frozen network module. It's also a good idea to print a Network Report from the printer menu to see the error code.
What should I do if my printer can't see the 5 GHz network?
The DCP-L2520DW model only supports the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only distributes 5 GHz or combines them into a single network with 5 GHz as the priority, the printer may not connect. You must enable 2.4 GHz support in your router settings.
If the problem persists, you can reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, go to the menu Network → Network Reset → Reset and confirm the action YesAfter rebooting, the device will be ready for a new setup with clean parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect Brother DCP-L2520DW to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires manual configuration. When selecting a network in the printer menu, you'll need to enter the network name (SSID) manually, as it won't appear in the list of available networks. Make sure you know the exact network name and security type.
What is the maximum Wi-Fi range of this printer?
The range depends on your router's power and the room conditions. In open spaces, it can reach 30-50 meters, but in an office with concrete walls and interference from other equipment, the range can be reduced to 10-15 meters.
Does this model support Wi-Fi Direct for printing without a router?
Model DCP-L2520DW Supports connection to an infrastructure network via a router. Wi-Fi Direct (direct device-to-device connection without an access point) may not be available in this model or may require specific settings, so it is recommended to use the standard Infrastructure mode via a router.
What to do if the orange error indicator is on?
An orange light usually indicates a printing error or out of paper/toner. If the wireless light is blinking, it indicates a connection issue. Print a network report to see the specific connection error code.