Setting up wireless printing for an office laser MFP often becomes a task that requires careful attention, especially if we are talking about a model Brother DCP-L2520DWRThis reliable device has proven itself in small offices and home environments thanks to its high print speed and low consumable consumption. However, initial connection to the router can be challenging for users unfamiliar with network protocols.
The main difficulty lies in choosing the right connection method, as the printer's interface is minimalist and lacks a full-screen display. You'll have to rely on LED indicators and button combinations to launch the setup wizard. Understanding the device's operating logic will help you avoid unnecessary reboots and resets.
In this article, we'll cover in detail all available methods for activating the Wi-Fi module, installing the necessary drivers on a Windows laptop, and troubleshooting common connection issues. Proper network configuration will ensure stable printing for all computers in the home.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin software configuration, you must ensure that your network environment meets the manufacturer's requirements. Model DCP-L2520DWR supports safety standards WPA/WPA2, which is relevant for most modern routers. Make sure your router broadcasts a signal in the 2.4 GHz band, as this model may not be able to see 5 GHz networks without specially configuring the router for mixed mode.
Knowing your wireless network password (SSID key) is also critical. Without entering the correct characters, including case-sensitive characters, authorization is impossible. It is recommended to write down the password in advance or copy it to the clipboard to avoid typing errors when using the printer's limited menu.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure all orange shipping locks and protective tapes are removed from the cartridge, otherwise the device may not pass the initial calibration and will not enter network setup mode.
Place the laptop and MFP close to the router during setup. A weak signal during pairing may cause the connection to time out, even if the printer is located further away during normal operation. After successful configuration, you can move the device to any convenient location within the coverage area.
Methods for connecting to a wireless network
There are several methods for activating Wi-Fi on this MFP, and the choice depends on the availability of a WPS button on your router and personal preference. The fastest option is to use Wi-Fi technology. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which allows you to transfer the password automatically without manual entry.
If your router doesn't support WPS or you prefer manual control, you can use the standard setup wizard via the device menu. This method is more reliable on corporate networks with hidden SSIDs or complex MAC address filtering rules.
For the manual method, you will need to navigate the menu using the arrow keys. Press the button Menu, then select Network and further WLANIn the list that opens, select Setup WizardThe printer will begin searching for available networks, and you will need to select your router's name from the list provided.
After selecting a network, the device will ask for a password. Use the arrow keys to navigate the symbols on the screen (even though the display is text-based, navigation is intuitive) or confirm the connection if using a PIN code. A successful connection will be indicated by the Wi-Fi indicator on the control panel lighting up.
Installing drivers and software
Once the printer is connected to the router, you need to install the drivers on your laptop. Don't rely on Windows Update's automatic driver installation, as it often installs a basic driver without full scanning and toner monitoring functionality. It's best to use the official installation package from the manufacturer's website.
Download the full package of drivers and utilities for the model DCP-L2520DWR From the official website. Run the installer and select the connection type. Wireless Network connectionThe program will automatically find the device on the network by its IP address.
☑️ Installing drivers
During the installation process, you may be asked to confirm use of the device. Agree to the terms and conditions to access all features, including Brother iPrint&Scan. This software not only allows you to print but also manage scanner settings directly from your computer.
If the automatic search does not return any results, select the manual installation option and enter the printer's IP address, which you can find out by printing a Network Configuration Report (by pressing the Menu -> Print Reports -> Network Config).
⚠️ Attention: Antivirus programs or the built-in Windows firewall may be blocking the network driver installation. We recommend temporarily disabling third-party antivirus programs or adding an exception for the Brother installer during installation.
Setting up a static IP address for stability
One common issue with network printers is a change in the IP address assigned by the router via DHCP. If the address changes, the computer will lose connection with the device, and printing will become impossible until the driver is reinstalled. To avoid this, it is recommended to configure a static IP address.
To do this, log in to the printer's web interface. Open a browser on your laptop and enter the MFP's current IP address in the address bar. Go to the section Network -> IPv4 or TCP/IPHere you need to change the method for obtaining the address from Auto (DHCP) on Static (Manual).
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | Permanent address of the device | 192.168.1.200 |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| Gateway | Gateway (router) address | 192.168.1.1 |
| DNS Server | Name server (optional) | 8.8.8.8 |
To avoid conflicts, ensure the selected IP address is in the same subnet as your router but outside the DHCP server's address range. For example, if your router assigns addresses from 100 to 199, assign the printer an address of 200 or higher.
After saving the settings, the printer will reboot with the new address. You will need to update the print port on your computer. Go to Devices and printers -> Printer properties -> Ports, add a new port type Standard TCP/IP Port and specify a new static address.
Using Wi-Fi Direct technology
Function Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to connect mobile devices or laptops directly to the printer without using a wireless router. This is convenient if you need to quickly print a document from a guest's phone or if the main Wi-Fi network is temporarily unavailable.
To activate this mode, press the Wi-Fi Direct button on the control panel or use the menu Network -> WLAN -> Wi-Fi DirectThe device will create its own network, the name of which usually contains the suffix -direct or -xx.
You can find the connection password by printing a configuration report or viewing the information on the MFP screen (if the model supports it) through the information menu. Connect to this network from your laptop as you would to a regular Wi-Fi hotspot.
Wi-Fi Direct Limitations
When using a direct connection, the device will not have internet access, as the Wi-Fi module is busy connecting to the printer. Data transfer speeds may also be lower than via a router.
Once connected, the drivers should already be installed, or the system will offer to find them automatically. Remember that in this mode, the printer is only visible to devices directly connected to its network; it won't be accessible to other computers on the primary local network.
Diagnostics and solution
If printing isn't working, first check the status of the indicators on the device's panel. A flashing error or network indicator usually indicates a lost connection or a problem with the cartridge. Restarting the router often resolves issues with the printer's network module freezing.
Check if the printer's IP address has changed. If you didn't configure a static IP address, the router may have assigned a new address after the DHCP lease expired. In this case, the easiest way is to remove the old printer from the system and add a new one with the current address.
It's also worth checking the Windows print service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the service Print SpoolerMake sure it is running and the startup type is set to AutomaticallyFailures in this service block any printing, regardless of the connection type.
⚠️ Attention: The web configurator interface and printer menu may vary depending on the firmware version. If you don't see the described options, consult the official user manual for your specific device version.
If driver issues persist, try completely uninstalling the device through Control Panel, clearing temporary print files, and reinstalling the software, after disabling your antivirus. Driver version conflicts often prevent proper operation.
Why can't my Brother printer see my Wi-Fi network?
The most common issue is the frequency range. The DCP-L2520DWR operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router only broadcasts 5 GHz or the network names (SSIDs) for 2.4 and 5 GHz are the same (Smart Connect), the printer may be confused. Separate the networks in your router settings by giving them different names, such as "Home_2G" and "Home_5G," and connect the printer to the network with the 2G suffix.
How do I reset my printer's network settings to factory defaults?
To completely reset network settings, click the button Menu, select Network, then Network ResetConfirm the action by clicking 1 (Yes). The printer will reboot and all Wi-Fi settings will be deleted. After this, you will need to start the connection process again.
Can this printer be connected to Mac or Linux?
Yes, Brother provides drivers for macOS and various Linux distributions (CUPS). However, functionality may be limited compared to Windows. For Mac, use AirPrint for driverless printing if the devices are on the same network. For Linux, you will need to download and install the LPR and CUPS drivers from the official support website.