Modern office equipment has long ceased to be simply peripheral devices requiring a mandatory cable connection for data transfer. Models of the series Epson L355 Equipped with a built-in wireless module, they can be placed anywhere in the room, as long as they have a router signal. However, initial setup can often be challenging for users accustomed to wired USB interfaces. Properly setting up a local network with a printer allows access to scanning and printing from any device in the home, be it a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
The process of integrating a device into a home network requires a series of sequential steps, from checking the compatibility of the equipment to fine-tuning the TCP/IP parameters. The key point The key here is to install the drivers correctly, as without specialized software, the Windows or macOS operating system may not recognize the printer's network address. In this article, we'll cover all connection steps in detail, paying special attention to possible errors and troubleshooting methods, so you can start enjoying all the wireless printing features right away.
It's worth noting that connection stability directly depends on the quality of the Wi-Fi signal and the correctness of your router's security settings. If you've just purchased an MFP or decided to switch an existing cable-connected printer to wireless mode, you'll need to closely monitor the control panel. Indicator lights will report the connection status, allowing you to quickly respond to any failures during the network configuration process.
Preparatory stage and compatibility check
Before beginning the active setup phase, you need to ensure your environment is ready to work with a wireless printer. First, check that your router is working properly, is providing internet access, and that you know the password for your Wi-Fi network. The Epson L355 supports IEEE 802.11b/g/n standards, ensuring compatibility with the vast majority of modern home routers. However, if you have a complex corporate network with MAC address filtering or hidden SSIDs, additional steps may be required from your system administrator.
It's also important to prepare the laptop or computer you'll be using for setup. Make sure the device has a network adapter installed and is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. Drivers It's best to download it in advance from the manufacturer's official website to avoid wasting time searching for it during the installation process. Having an installation disc doesn't guarantee the software is up-to-date, so downloading the latest package from the Epson website is the most sensible solution.
⚠️ Note: If your router is in "Guest Network" mode, the printer may not be detected by the laptop, and vice versa. For devices to work correctly on the local network, they must be on the same segment.
Don't forget to check the battery level if you're using a laptop, or the stability of the power supply. Interrupting the driver installation or updating network settings can cause a software failure, requiring you to reboot the device and start the process over again. Make sure the cartridges or continuous ink supply system (CISS) are filled, as many models perform a calibration procedure upon initial startup that requires ink to be present.
Reset network settings and enable Wi-Fi mode
If the printer was previously used in a different location or connected to a different router, its current settings may conflict with your current infrastructure. In this case, the best solution is to reset the network settings to factory defaults. To do this, locate the button marked with a wireless network icon on the Epson L355 control panel. Pressing and holding it for a few seconds initiates the reset process, indicated by the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct indicators flashing.
After the reset, the device will enter connection standby mode. A message may appear on the laptop screen indicating a new network device has been found, but don't attempt to connect to it directly yet. First, run the setup wizard included with the drivers. Wi-Fi Direct mode It allows you to print without a router, but for full functionality in a home network, we need the infrastructure mode via an access point.
It's important to correctly interpret the LED signals on the printer body. A solid green light indicates a successful connection to the network, a flashing green light indicates the connection is in progress, and an orange light indicates an error or setup mode. If the LEDs are behaving strangely, try unplugging the printer for 10-15 seconds and then plugging it back in. Sometimes, a simple hardware reboot can clear temporary communication module errors.
☑️ Check before setup
Installing software and drivers
Correctly installed software is the foundation for successful communication between your computer and printer. Don't rely on automatic driver installation by the Windows operating system, as it often installs basic drivers that prevent you from using all the MFP's features, such as network scanning. Download the full driver and utility package from the official website, selecting your model. Epson L355 and the operating system version.
During the installation process, the installer will prompt you to select a connection type. It's crucial to select "Wireless Connection" or "Wi-Fi Network." The program will automatically scan for available networks and prompt you to select yours. If the automatic search fails, you can use WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) if your router supports it. To do this, simply press the WPS button on the router and the corresponding button on the printer within two minutes.
| Software component | Purpose | Necessity |
|---|---|---|
| Printer Driver | Managing document printing | Necessarily |
| Scanner Driver | Scanner control | Necessarily |
| Epson Scan | Scanning software | Recommended |
| Remote Print | Printing from mobile apps | As desired |
If the installer prompts you to connect a USB cable for the initial network setup, follow this recommendation. After the Wi-Fi settings are transferred to the printer, you can disconnect the cable. This method is often more reliable than attempting to configure the network solely through the printer menu, especially if your network name contains special characters or Cyrillic characters.
What should I do if the installer doesn't see the printer?
Make sure your firewall or antivirus isn't blocking network discovery. Try temporarily disabling your security software and restarting the installation. Also, check if the SMB protocol is enabled in Windows settings.
Setting up a connection via WPS and the printer menu
There are two main ways to pair a printer with a router: automatic (WPS) and manual (via the menu). The WPS method is the simplest, as it doesn't require a password. On the Epson L355 control panel, press the Wi-Fi button, then select WPS (Push Button). Then, within a few minutes, press the WPS button on your router. The device will automatically exchange encryption keys and establish a connection.
If your router doesn't support WPS or you prefer manual entry, use the menu on the printer itself (if it has a screen) or a combination of buttons. For the L355, which may not have a screen, it's more convenient to use the "Smartphone Setup" method via the app. Epson iPrint Or set up the network through a computer using a cable, as mentioned earlier. In manual mode, you'll need to accurately enter the SSID (network name) and security key.
Please note the encryption type. The Epson L355 supports WEP, WPA-PSK (TKIP), and WPA2-PSK (AES) standards. Modern routers Mixed mode or WPA3-only mode is often used by default, which older printer models may not support. In this case, you'll need to temporarily enable WPA2 compatibility in your router settings or create a guest network with a simpler security protocol for connecting the printer.
Solution: IP address and visibility errors
One of the most common problems is when a printer is connected to Wi-Fi (green light is on), but the computer can't see it. This is most often caused by different subnets or dynamic IP address changes. The router may assign a new address to the printer each time it connects, causing the computer driver to continue searching for the device using the old path. The solution is to install static IP address for the printer in the router settings or in the Windows network port itself.
It's also worth checking your Windows firewall. It may be blocking incoming connections from the printer, considering them suspicious. In the firewall control panel, find the list of allowed applications and ensure that Epson and print services are marked as allowed for private networks. Sometimes a simple ping of the device helps: open a command prompt and enter ping 192.168.1.XXX (where XXX is the printer address). If there is no response, then there is no physical or logical connection.
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus software. Some integrated security solutions have built-in firewall modules that aggressively block unknown devices on the local network. After successfully printing, be sure to reset your security settings.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces and driver versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ from yours, please look for similar sections in the documentation for your specific equipment.
Using Epson iPrint and Mobile Printing
After successful setup on your computer, you can expand the functionality by connecting mobile devices. The application Epson iPrint Available for iOS and Android, it lets you print photos and documents directly from your smartphone while on the same Wi-Fi network. This eliminates the need to transfer files to your computer and makes the printing process instant.
For mobile features to work, make sure Client Isolation is not enabled on your router. This feature prevents devices connected to Wi-Fi from seeing each other, which is necessary for security in public places, but it prevents printing from your phone. At home, this option should be disabled.
In addition, technology Epson Print Enabler Allows you to integrate your printer into the Android system, making it accessible for printing from any app via the standard "Print" menu. This is especially convenient for students and office workers who need to quickly print from a browser or PDF editor without installing additional software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect Epson L355 to Wi-Fi without a USB cable?
Yes, this is possible. You can use the WPS method (the push-button on the router and printer), configure the network directly through the printer menu (if the model supports this), or use a temporary Wi-Fi Direct connection by transferring the settings through the Epson iPrint app.
Why does the printer say "Offline" even though the Wi-Fi is on?
This means the computer has lost connection to the printer. Check if the printer's IP address has changed. Go to "Devices and Printers" -> "Printer Properties" -> "Ports" tab and ensure the correct IP address is selected, or create a new standard TCP/IP port with the current address.
Does L355 support 5GHz network?
The Epson L355, like most devices of its generation, operates only in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts a single network with a common name (Smart Connect), problems usually don't occur. If the networks are separate, connect the printer to the 2.4 GHz network.
How do I reset my printer's network settings?
Resetting the network settings on an Epson L355 typically involves pressing and holding the Wi-Fi button on the control panel until the lights start flashing (usually about 5-10 seconds), which will return the network settings to factory defaults.