Establishing wireless printing in a modern office or home office significantly simplifies the workflow, eliminating unnecessary wires and distance restrictions. Model Brother DCP-L2520DWR The MX200 is a popular laser multifunction device that supports direct network connection, but initial configuration often presents challenges for users. Proper setup allows you to print documents from any computer on the network and scan files directly to network folders, improving overall work efficiency.
Before starting the process, make sure your router is working properly and providing internet access, and that the printer is turned on and ready to use. It's important to understand that for a successful connection, you'll need to know the name of your wireless network. SSID and its password. If you plan to use the device in a corporate environment, you may also need to confirm security settings, such as the encryption type, with your system administrator.
In this article, we will examine in detail all available connection methods, including automatic activation via WPS and manual configuration via the device's menu. Following the instructions will help you avoid common mistakes and save time. We'll cover the nuances of driver operation and the specifics of choosing a connection type to ensure your MFP operates reliably and without interruptions.
Preparing for wireless connection
The first step in the configuration process is to physically prepare the equipment and verify the initial data. Make sure that the MFP DCP-L2520DWR The device is connected to the power supply, and the control panel indicators are lit or flashing, indicating readiness. This step should not be skipped, as unstable power supply may interrupt the process of writing network settings to the device's memory.
You need to know your WiFi network settings in advance, as the printer can't guess them manually. The network name and password can usually be found on a sticker on the back of the router or in your ISP contract. If you've changed these settings yourself, remember them or access the router settings through a browser to view them.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your router is broadcasting at 2.4 GHz. This printer model may not support modern 5 GHz-only networks without appropriate router configuration.
It's also recommended to temporarily disable antivirus programs and firewalls on your computer, as they may be blocking the detection of a new device on the network. While this isn't always necessary, it can often help avoid problems finding the printer during driver installation. After a successful connection, you can restore the protection to its original state.
☑️ Pre-launch check
WPS Push Button Method: The Fastest Way
The easiest and fastest way to establish a connection between a printer and a router is to use technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup). This method allows you to transfer the password automatically, without having to enter it using the printer's buttons, which is especially convenient given the lack of a full keyboard on the control panel. BrotherTo get started, press the WPS button on your router and hold it for a few seconds until the security indicator starts flashing.
Immediately after this, go to the printer and press the button WPS on the control panel, or enter the menu via the button Menu, select the item Network, then WLAN and activate WPS PushButtonThe device will begin searching for an active request from the router. If successful, a message will appear on the screen. Connected, and the wireless indicator will turn green.
- 🟢 Press the WPS button on the router to activate pairing mode.
- 🖨️ On the printer, select the Push Button method in the network menu.
- ⏳ Wait for connection confirmation on the MFP display.
- 📄 Print a network report to check your IP address.
It's worth noting that the WPS method doesn't work with all routers, especially those from providers with limited functionality. In some cases, the router's button may be hidden inside the casing or require activation via the web interface. If automatic connection doesn't occur within two minutes, the process will be interrupted, and you'll have to try other methods.
What to do if WPS doesn't work?
If your router doesn't support WPS or the feature is blocked by your ISP, you'll need to configure the SSID manually. The failure may also be caused by excessive distance between devices or thick concrete walls blocking the signal. In this case, try moving the printer closer to the router during setup.
Manual setup via the device menu
If automatic mode doesn't work, you'll have to manually enter network settings. This method is more reliable, as you explicitly tell the printer which network it needs to connect to. To get started, press the button Menu on the control panel, then use the arrows to navigate to the item Network and select WLAN. Next, select the option Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard).
After you launch the setup wizard, the printer will begin searching for available wireless networks within range. Once the list is complete, a list of found networks will be displayed on the screen. SSIDYou need to find the name of your home or office network and click OK to select. If your network is hidden, select
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Wireless network name | Home_WiFi_2.4 |
| Auth Type | Authentication type | WPA2-PSK |
| Encrypt | Encryption type | AES |
| IP Address | Network address (auto/static) | 192.168.1.55 |
The next step will prompt you to enter your password. Using the arrow keys or the numeric keypad (depending on the interface version), enter the security key. Be extremely careful: the symbols may not be obvious, and the letters are case-sensitive. After entering the password, press OK, and the printer will attempt to establish a connection. A successful connection will be confirmed with a message Connected.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan installer
Modern configuration methods often involve the use of specialized software that takes care of most of the work. Utility Brother iPrint&Scan Or a full driver package from the manufacturer's website allows you to set up WiFi even without accessing the printer menu, using a USB cable for initial data transfer. Download the latest driver version from the official website, selecting your operating system.
Run the setup file and follow the on-screen instructions. When prompted for a connection type, select Wireless Network connectionNext, the installer will ask you to connect the MFP to your computer via a USB cable. This is necessary so that the program can automatically transfer WiFi settings from the computer to the printer, eliminating manual input errors.
- 💻 Run the downloaded driver installer on your computer.
- 🔌 Connect the printer to the PC via USB when starting the setup.
- 📡 Select your WiFi network from the list provided by the program.
- ✅ Wait until the setup is complete and the USB cable is disconnected.
After the program reports successful setup, it will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. From this point on, the printer operates independently and is accessible to all devices on the network. This method is especially convenient if you can't access the router to use WPS or if the printer interface seems too complex.
Connection problems and their solutions
Even if you follow the instructions carefully, situations may arise where the printer doesn't see the network or can't connect. One common cause is incompatible security standards. Make sure your router isn't using an outdated protocol. WEP or too new WPA3, which may not be supported by the printer firmware. The optimal choice is mixed WPA/WPA2 mode.
Another common problem is filtering by MAC addressIf whitelisting is enabled in your router settings, a new device won't be able to access the network until you add its MAC address to the allowed list. The physical device's address can be found on a sticker on the back of the printer or by printing a network configuration report.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please refer to the user manual for your specific software version or the router's web interface.
It's also worth checking the channel range your router is operating on. Printers of the series DCP-L2520 Works best on channels 1 through 11. If your router automatically selects channel 12 or 13 (which often happens in "Auto" mode), the printer may simply not see the network. Go to your router settings and manually set the channel to 6 or 7 to test.
Printing reports and network diagnostics
For in-depth diagnostics of the MFP connection status Brother Provides the ability to print network configuration reports. These documents contain comprehensive information about the current network status, IP address, MAC address, and signal strength. To print such a report, click Menu, go to Print Reports, select WLAN Report and press OK.
In the printed report, pay attention to the field Link Status. If it is indicated there Connected, which means the physical and logical connection to the router is established correctly. Also check the field IP Address: If you see an address like 169.254.xx, this means that the printer has not received an address from the router's DHCP server, and you need to check the automatic address distribution settings.
Regularly reviewing these reports helps quickly identify problems, especially in office environments where passwords or security settings may have changed. Saving a copy of the report with the current settings can be an excellent starting point for restoring network functionality in the event of a failure.
Why can't my printer see my WiFi network?
The most common cause is the frequency band. The Brother DCP-L2520DWR printer only supports the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts the 5 GHz band or the network names (SSIDs) for both bands are the same, the printer may be confused. Separate the networks on your router by giving them different names, for example, "Home_2.4" and "Home_5," and connect the printer to the first one.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
To reset all network settings to factory defaults, press the button Menu, select Network, then Network ResetConfirm the action by selecting Yes and press OKThe printer will reboot, and you will have to set up the WiFi again, as if the device was fresh out of the box.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a guest network?
Yes, this is possible if the guest network doesn't require additional authorization via a web page (Captive Portal). The printer should simply request a password upon connection. However, keep in mind that guest networks often prohibit file transfers between devices, so printing from a computer may not work, only direct printing from mobile devices.