Wirelessly connecting a printer to a computer or network is a convenient solution for home and office use, but users often face the problem of choosing the right one. printer port during setup. This parameter affects not only the stability of the device, but also the availability of additional features: double-sided printing, network scanning, or remote control. In this article, we'll look at the ports available for Wi-Fi connection (LPR, RAW, WSD, IPP), how they differ and which one is better to choose depending on the printer model and operating system.
Many people mistakenly believe that a port is simply the "address" of a printer on the network, but in fact it is data transfer protocol, which determines how the computer and printer communicate. An incorrect choice can result in printing errors, loss of quality, or even complete device failure. For example, older models HP LaserJet often require LPR-port, while modern Canon PIXMA work better through IPPWe'll analyze each option so you can make an informed choice without unnecessary experimentation.
What is a printer port and why is it important for Wi-Fi?
The printer port is virtual communication channel, through which the operating system sends data to be printed. When connected via Wi-Fi, the port determines:
- 📡 Transfer protocol (how exactly the data will be transmitted: with confirmation, encryption, or without)
- 🔌 Compatibility with the printer model (not all protocols are supported by all devices)
- 🛡️ Security level (some ports are vulnerable to data interception)
- ⚡ Print speed (For example, RAW faster LPR, but less reliable)
In Windows and macOS, the port is configured when adding a printer. If you select the wrong protocol, typical errors may occur:
- 🖨️
0x0000007c— "Port busy" (protocol conflict) - 🔴
0x00000057— "The parameter is specified incorrectly" (port incompatibility with the driver) - ⚠️
Connection error 0x0000011b(problems with WSD in the latest versions of Windows)
Most modern printers (Epson EcoTank, Brother DCP, Xerox WorkCentre) support multiple protocols simultaneously, but the least optimal one is often chosen by default - WSD, which can slow down the printing of large documentsNext, we'll look at each port in detail.
Wi-Fi Port Comparison: LPR, RAW, WSD, IPP
Let's look at the four main types of ports available when setting up a network printer. They differ in their data transfer mechanism, level of feature support, and operating system compatibility.
| Port | Protocol | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LPR (Line Printer Remote) | TCP/IP (port 515) |
✅ Stable operation ✅ Print queue support ✅ Compatibility with older printers |
❌ Requires printer configuration ❌ Slower RAW for large files |
HP LaserJet, Kyocera, office MFPs |
| RAW (Standard TCP/IP Port) | TCP/IP (port 9100) |
✅ Maximum transfer speed ✅ Minimal delays ✅ Supported by most printers |
❌ No queue control ❌ Data loss is possible if the connection is interrupted |
Canon, Epson, budget models |
| WSD (Web Services for Devices) | SOAP/HTTP (port 5357/5358) |
✅ Automatic printer detection ✅ Support for advanced functions (scanning, faxing) ✅ Compatibility with Windows 10/11 |
❌ Common errors in recent Windows updates ❌ Slow graphics printing ❌ Problems with Linux/macOS |
Modern MFPs with support WSD |
| IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) | HTTP/HTTPS (port 631) |
✅ Traffic encryption (IPP over HTTPS) ✅ Support for all modern operating systems ✅ Possibility of online printing |
❌ Requires configuration on the router (port forwarding) ❌ Delays are possible on weak Wi-Fi |
Brother, Xerox, cloud printers |
For most home users, the best choice would be RAW (port 9100) - it provides high speed and minimal overhead. However, if the printer supports IPP, it is better to use it: this protocol is not only faster WSD, but also more secure thanks to encryption. Office MFPs with network scanning functionality may require LPR for correct operation of all features.
⚠️ Attention: In Windows 11 after the updateKB5005039(2023) port WSD may cause an error0x0000011bwhen printing from multiple PCs. In this case, it is recommended to manually switch to RAW or IPP.
How to determine which port your printer supports
Before setting up, you need to find out which protocols are available for your model. This information can be found in several ways:
- Printer documentation
In the user manual (section
Network SettingsorWireless Setup) supported protocols are usually indicated. For example, for HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e This IPP, LPR And RAW, and for Brother HL-L2350DW - only RAW And LPR. - Printer web interface
Connect to the printer via Wi-Fi, enter its IP address in the browser (for example,
192.168.1.100) and find the sectionNetworkorProtocols. Available ports will be listed there. - Manufacturer's utilities
Programs like HP Print and Scan Doctor, Epson Software Updater or Canon PRINT Utility automatically determine the optimal settings, including the port.
If your printer is not new, check its specifications on the official website. For example, for models Samsung SL-M2020W (manufactured before 2018) may require manual configuration LPR, while newer devices in the same line support IPP.
How to find the IP address of a printer?
Press the button on the printer Wi-Fi or Network, then print the network settings report (Network Configuration Page). It will indicate the IP, MAC address, and supported protocols.
If the documentation specifies multiple protocols, prioritize them in the following order:
- IPP (if encryption or printing via the Internet is required)
- RAW (for maximum speed)
- LPR (for office MFPs with a scanner)
- WSD (only if others don't work)
Step-by-step printer port setup in Windows 10/11
Let's add a network printer in Windows and select the optimal port. These instructions are suitable for all operating systems, starting with Windows 7.
- Open Devices and Printers
Click
Win + R, entercontrol printersand selectAdding a printer. - Select "Add a local printer"
Even for Wi-Fi connection, select this item, then press
Create a new port→Standard TCP/IP Port. - Specify the printer's IP address
Enter the address (eg.
192.168.1.150) and pressNextThe system will try to detect the port automatically, but often chooses WSD - It's better to replace it. - Select the port type manually
Click
Configure the portand select the desired protocol:- 🔹
Raw- port9100(recommended for most printers) - 🔹
LPR- port515, specify the queue name (usuallylporprint) - 🔹
IPP- port631, path of the type/ipp/print
- 🔹
Select your printer model from the list or install the driver manually from the manufacturer's website. Canon MG3600, for example, you need a driver Canon IJ Network Tool.
The printer's IP address is correct|
RAW (port 9100) or IPP (port 631) protocol selected|
Queue name for LPR is set to "lp"|
The driver matches the printer model-->
After adding the printer, test printing a test page. If the document doesn't print or an error appears 0x0000000d, try:
- 🔄 Restart the printer and router.
- 🔧 Change the port to another one (for example, from RAW on IPP).
- 📥 Update your printer driver via
device Manager.
⚠️ Attention: If the printer is connected via WSD and periodically "disappears" from the list of devices, disable the functionEnergy savingfor the network adapter inDevice Manager(chapterNetwork adapters).
Configuration Features on macOS and Linux
On computers Apple and distributions Linux The process of adding a network printer is different from Windows, but also requires selecting the correct port.
🍎 macOS (Ventura, Sonoma, and later)
Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners and press +Select your model from the list of network printers. The system will automatically detect the protocol, but you can change it:
- Click
Options and consumables→Driver. - In the section
URIchange the address fromdnssd://...on:lpd://IP-address/queue(For LPR)socket://IP address:9100(For RAW)ipp://IP-address/ipp/print(For IPP)
🐧 Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora)
Use the utility CUPS (Common Unix Printing System). Open in your browser. localhost:631, go to Administration → Add Printer and select:
- 🔹
LPD/LPR Host or Printer— for the record LPR. - 🔹
AppSocket/HP JetDirect- For RAW (port9100). - 🔹
Internet Printing Protocol (ipp)- For IPP.
For printers Brother You may need to install proprietary drivers:
sudo apt install brother-lpr-driversAfter adding the printer, check the status in the terminal:
lpstat -tHow to change a printer port if it is already added
If the printer was added with the wrong port (for example, it was automatically selected WSD), it can be changed without deleting the device. Instructions for Windows:
- Open
Control Panel → Devices and Printers. - Right-click on the printer →
Printer properties. - Go to the tab
Portsand check the box next to the desired port (for example,Standard TCP/IP Portwith address192.168.1.100:9100). - If the required port is not in the list, click
Add port→Standard TCP/IP Portand create a new one.
For LPR-Additionally specify the port:
- 📌 Printer or queue name: usually
lp,printorP1(check the documentation). - 📌 Protocol:
LPR. - 📌 Port number:
515.
After changing the port, restart the print service:
net stop spooler
net start spooler
or restart your computer.
Common errors and their solutions
Incorrect port configuration can cause various problems. Let's look at common issues and how to fix them.
| Error | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
0x0000011b |
Driver or port conflict WSD in Windows 10/11 | Install the port RAW (9100) or update Windows to the latest version. |
The port is occupied (0x0000007c) |
Another printer is using the same IP/port | Change the printer's IP address in your router settings or use a different port (e.g. 9101 instead of 9100). |
Unable to connect to printer |
Blocked by firewall or antivirus | Add a port exception 9100, 515 or 631 in security settings. |
| Printing is very slow. | The protocol is used WSD or LPR instead of RAW | Change the port to RAW (9100) or IPP (631). |
Authentication error |
For IPP login/password required | Specify the printer credentials in the port properties (usually admin/empty password or data from the printer's web interface). |
If the printer prints but with artifacts (stripes, hieroglyphs), the problem may be a protocol incompatibility with the driver. Try:
- 🔄 Install a universal driver (for example,
Generic PostScript PrinterFor Linux/macOS). - 📥 Update printer firmware via the web interface.
- 🔧 Switch from RAW on LPR (or vice versa).
⚠️ Attention: On some routers (for example, TP-Link Archer C6) port9100By default, it is blocked for the local network. To unblock it, go to the router settings (192.168.0.1) and in the sectionSecurity → FirewallAdd a rule for internal traffic.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Printer Ports
🔹 Can I use a USB port for a Wi-Fi connected printer?
No, the USB port is for wired connections only. For Wi-Fi, you need to select the following network protocols: RAW, LPR, WSD or IPPHowever, some printers (for example, HP Envy 6000) allow you to switch between USB and Wi-Fi in the settings, but the port in the system must still be a network port.
🔹 Which port is the fastest for printing large documents?
RAW (port 9100) provides the highest speed, as it transfers data without any additional processing. However, it doesn't support queue control, so for office tasks it's better to choose IPP - it's only a little slower, but more reliable.
🔹 Why does my printer appear and then disappear from the list of devices?
This problem is typical for the protocol. WSD, especially in Windows 10/11. Solutions:
- Switch to RAW or IPP.
- Disable the feature
Energy savingfor the network adapter. - Set a static IP address for the printer in your router settings.
🔹 Do I need to open ports on my router to print over Wi-Fi?
For local printing (within the same network), open ports on the router no needThis is only required if you are setting up remote printing over the Internet (for example, for IPP with external access). In this case, it is necessary to forward the port 631 to the printer's IP address and configure DDNS or a static IP from your provider.
🔹 Is it possible to print over Wi-Fi without specifying a port?
Yes, some printers (eg. Canon PIXMA TR8620) support technology Bonjour (for macOS) or WS-Discovery (for Windows), which automatically detect connection parameters. However, in this case, the protocol is selected randomly, which can lead to slower speeds or errors. For stable operation, it's better to specify the port manually.