A modern office or home workspace is unimaginable without a reliable multifunctional device capable of quickly handling large volumes of documents. Model Brother MFC-L2700DWR It has proven itself to be one of the most reliable workhorses in its class, offering users not only laser printing but also wireless networking. However, initial Wi-Fi setup often presents difficulties for those accustomed to using only a USB cable or encountering this device for the first time.
The main advantage of wireless connectivity is the freedom to place your equipment. You no longer need to locate your printer directly next to your computer or run long cables across the room. Wireless network Allows you to print from a laptop, tablet, or smartphone from anywhere in your home or office where there's signal coverage. This also reduces the amount of clutter on your desk, which is especially important for smaller spaces.
In this guide, we will go through the entire process of integrating your MFC-L2700DWR to a local network. We'll cover both automatic installation methods via WPS and manual configuration, which is often necessary for complex corporate networks or specific router settings. Understanding the principles of network protocol operation TCP/IP in the context of peripheral devices will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure stable operation of your equipment for many years.
Preparing equipment and checking network parameters
Before beginning software setup, ensure the physical component is ready for use. Make sure the MFP is plugged in, paper is loaded in the tray, and the cartridge and drum unit are installed correctly. It may take a few seconds for the device to initialize system processes after powering on to begin using the wireless module.
Knowing your Wi-Fi network settings is crucial. You'll need the exact network name (SSID) and a password for access. Please note that some older router models or specific security settings may require selecting a specific frequency range. Device Brother MFC-L2700DWR supports the 802.11b/g/n standard, which means it is compatible with most modern routers, but in the 2.4 GHz range.
⚠️ Attention: The device does not support 5 GHz networks. If your router broadcasts two networks with the same name (Dual Band), temporarily separate them in the router settings or connect strictly to the 2.4 GHz network during setup.
It's also a good idea to prepare the computer you'll be using for setup. Ideally, it should already be connected to the same Wi-Fi network you plan to connect the printer to. This will avoid password confusion and ensure automatic search tools work correctly. If you're using a corporate network with MAC address filtering, find the physical address of your MFP in advance.
To find the MAC address on the device itself, you don't need to connect it to the network. Simply print a configuration report or look it up in the menu. This information is unique to each network interface and serves as the device's digital ID on the local network.
Automatic configuration via WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
The fastest way to establish a connection, if your router supports it, is to use WPS. This method automatically transfers network information (SSID and password) to the printer, eliminating the need to manually enter them using the MFP's cumbersome keyboard. This is especially convenient if the Wi-Fi password is complex and contains many special characters.
The process begins by activating WPS mode on the router itself. This is usually a physical button on the device itself or a software button in the router's administrator interface. After pressing it, you have about two minutes to initiate a similar process on the Brother printer. On the MFP's control panel, press the button Menu, then select Net (Network) and find the item WLAN.
In the WLAN menu, select the option WPS and confirm the action. The printer will begin searching for a signal. If you activate WPS on the router within two minutes (or press the button, if available), the devices will successfully "shake hands" and exchange encryption keys.
- 📡 Press the WPS button on your router or activate the function in its web interface.
- 🖨️ On the printer control panel, go to
Menu→Net→WLAN→WPS. - ✅ Wait for the “Connected” message to appear on the MFP display screen.
- 💻 The computer will automatically detect the new network device in the environment.
If the connection is successful, a connection confirmation message will appear on the screen, and the wireless network indicator on the printer's control panel will turn solid. If you see a "Connect Fail" or "No Router" error, check to see if the connection timeout (usually 2 minutes) has expired and that the printer is in a strong signal range.
Manual Wi-Fi setup via the MFP control panel
In cases where WPS technology is not supported by the router or is configured incorrectly, manual data entry is required. This is a more labor-intensive process that requires careful attention, as the Wi-Fi password must be entered accurately, respecting the case of the letters. The management interface on MFC-L2700DWR It is implemented through a rotary drum and a display, which requires a certain amount of skill.
To begin, enter the main menu by pressing the corresponding button. Use the wheel to select the option Net (Network) and click OK. Next, go to the subsection WLAN and select Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The device will warn you that turning on Wi-Fi will disconnect the cable LAN connection - confirm this action by selecting Yes (Yes).
The printer will begin scanning the air and display a list of available wireless networks. Find your network name (SSID) in the list. If your network is hidden (not broadcasting its name), select the option Other (Others) and enter the name manually. After selecting the network, the system will ask for a password.
⚠️ Attention: When entering your password, use the button
EscorClearto correct errors, and the up/down arrows on the wheel to select symbols. Be careful with case, as Wi-Fi is sensitive.
After entering the password and confirming the connection, the printer will attempt to connect to the router. This process may take up to a minute. A successful connection is confirmed by a printed connection report or a corresponding message on the screen. If the connection fails, check your network security. Encryption protocol WPA2-PSK is the most recommended and supported standard for home networks.
In some cases, especially in office environments, manual IP address configuration may be required. By default, the device is configured to obtain an address automatically via DHCPHowever, if you want the printer address to remain the same after rebooting the router, it is better to set a static IP.
What to do if the printer does not see the network?
Make sure the distance between the router and the printer isn't too great. Concrete or metal walls can significantly weaken the signal. Try temporarily moving the printer closer to the router for setup, then returning it to its original location. Also, check if MAC address filtering is enabled in the router settings.
Installing drivers and software on your computer
Once the printer is connected to the Wi-Fi router, you need to introduce it to your computer. This requires installing a full package of drivers and utilities. Don't rely on automatic Windows driver installation, as it often only provides basic printing functionality without network scanning or toner level monitoring.
Download the latest version of drivers and utilities Brother iPrint&Scan or the full software package from the manufacturer's official website. When launching the installer, select the "Wireless Network" connection type. The program will automatically scan the network and find your device by the IP address or name you specified.
If the automatic search doesn't yield results, select the "Specify address manually" option and enter the IP address found in the network configuration report or displayed on the printer screen. This ensures the installer will connect to the correct device, even if there are multiple printers of the same model on the network.
During the installation process, you may be prompted to install additional components, such as Brother Utilities or scanner drivers. We recommend installing the full set, as this will ensure full functionality of the MFP, including the ability to scan directly to a folder on your computer or to the cloud.
- 💿 Run the downloaded driver installation file.
- 📡 Select the connection type: "Wireless network".
- 🔍 Wait until the search for devices on the local network is complete.
- 🖨️ Select your MFP from the list and complete the installation.
After successful installation, we recommend printing a test page. This will confirm not only that the driver is installed but also that two-way communication between the computer and printer is working correctly. Also, check the scanner's operation by running a test scan using the installed utility.
☑️ Checking driver installation
Setting up a static IP address for stable operation
For office use or scenarios where a printer is shared between multiple computers, it's critical that the device's network address doesn't change. By default, the router assigns addresses dynamically (via DHCP), and after rebooting the equipment, the printer may receive a new IP address. This will cause computers to lose connection with it, and printing will stop.
The solution is to assign a static IP address to the printer. This can be done in two ways: reserving an address in the router settings (binding by MAC address) or setting a static IP directly in the printer menu. The second method is easier if you don't have access to the router's admin panel.
To configure the settings via the MFP menu, go to Menu → Net → WLAN → TCP/IPHere you will need to change the method for obtaining IP from Auto (or DHCP) on StaticAfter this, the fields for manual entry will become active: IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway (Default Gateway).
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address | The printer's unique address on the network | 192.168.1.150 |
| Subnet Mask | Subnet mask (usually default) | 255.255.255.0 |
| Gateway | Your router's address | 192.168.1.1 |
| DNS Primary | Primary DNS server (you can specify a router) | 192.168.1.1 |
It's important to select an address outside the DHCP range to avoid address conflicts. For example, if your router assigns addresses from 192.168.1.100 to 192.168.1.199, set your printer's address to 192.168.1.200 or higher. After entering all parameters, save the settings and reboot the printer.
After rebooting, make sure the printer is accessible at the new address. Open the command prompt on your computer (Win+R, enter cmd) and enter the command ping 192.168.1.200 (substituting your new IP address). The "Reply from..." response will confirm successful configuration of the static address.
Troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions
Even if you carefully follow the instructions, unexpected situations may arise. If your Brother MFC-L2700DWR printer displays a connection error or "Offline" status, first check the indicators on the device's panel. A blinking Wi-Fi indicator typically indicates a connection attempt, while a solid one indicates a successful connection.
One common issue is incompatibility of security standards. If the router is configured for mixed mode or uses the outdated WEP, the printer may refuse to connect. The modern standard is WPA2-PSK (AES)Make sure this encryption type is selected in your router's wireless network settings.
You should also check your computer's firewalls and antivirus software. Sometimes they can block detection of network devices. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to test. If this helps, add an exception for the printer's IP address or the Brother software in the security settings.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces and printer firmware versions are subject to update. If the menu items described differ, please refer to the official documentation or the manufacturer's website for the current section names.
If connection issues persist, reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. To do this, find "Reset Network" in the network menu. This will reset all Wi-Fi settings to their default values and allow you to start setup again, eliminating any errors from previous configuration attempts.
Why doesn't the computer see the printer on the network, even though the Wi-Fi is on?
Most often, the problem is that the computer and printer are on different subnets. Check that the first three digits of the computer and printer's IP address match (e.g., 192.168).1.X). Also, make sure that the "Private Network" profile is selected in Windows network settings, not "Public", as device discovery is often blocked in the public profile.
How do I find out my printer's IP address if it doesn't print?
You can find out the IP address by printing a network configuration report directly from the device's panel. Click Menu → Printing reports (Print Reports) → Network configuration (Net Config). On the printed sheet, find the line "IP Address." The address is also often displayed on the screen when you press the Wi-Fi button or in the network status.
Is it possible to connect a printer to a hidden network (Hidden SSID)?
Yes, this is possible, but it requires manual configuration. When selecting a network in the WLAN setup wizard, select "Others" or "Enter Manually." You will need to know the exact network name (SSID) and security type. Automatic detection will not work in this case, as the router does not broadcast its name.
What to do if your Wi-Fi password contains special characters?
When entering a password on the printer panel, use the key to switch between uppercase and lowercase characters (numbers, letters, and special characters). If entering a password is too complex, it's best to temporarily simplify the password in the router (leaving it only for letters and numbers), configure the printer, and then, if necessary, restore a complex password. However, in most cases, the printer correctly processes the standard set of special characters.