Which port to choose when installing a printer via Wi-Fi: Understanding protocols and settings

Connecting a printer via Wi-Fi seems like a simple task until you're faced with choosing a port. "Standard TCP/IP Port", "WSD", "LPR" These terms can confuse even an experienced user. Meanwhile, selecting the wrong port can lead to printing errors, frozen jobs, or complete device inoperability.

In this article, we'll explore the different ports available for network printers, how they differ, and which one to choose depending on your device model and operating system. You'll learn why port 9100 is considered universal when it is worth using LPR, and how to avoid common setup errors. Also, what to do if the printer doesn't detect the port or keeps dropping the connection.

Spoiler: 90% of the time for modern printers HP, Canon or Brother a standard one will do TCP/IP port to 9100, but there are nuances that manufacturers often keep silent about.

1. What ports are available for Wi-Fi printers: a quick overview

When adding a network printer, the operating system prompts you to select a port type. Here are the main options you may encounter:

• 🔌 Standard TCP/IP Port — a universal protocol for direct connection to a printer via IP address. Works on the port 9100 (RAW) or 515 (LPR).
• 🖨️ WSD (Web Services for Devices) — a Microsoft protocol for automatically discovering devices on a network. It's often used in Windows 10/11, but can cause printing delays.
• 📡 LPR (Line Printer Daemon) — an obsolete protocol still supported by some corporate printers (e.g., Kyocera or Ricoh). Requires specifying a print queue.
• 🔄 IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) — a modern standard for network printing, used in printers that support AirPrint or Google Cloud Print.

Most home printers (HP DeskJet, Canon PIXMA, Epson EcoTank) by default work through TCP/IP port 9100However, some models (especially office ones) may require LPR or IPPFor example, printers Brother HL-L2350DW often work better through LPR with a queue lp, and not through RAW.

If you are connecting the printer to macOS, the system usually selects automatically IPP or AirPrint, but in manual mode you can also specify TCP/IP.

2. Standard TCP/IP Port: Why 9100 is the "gold standard"

Port 9100 (aka RAW-port or JetDirect) has become the de facto standard for network printers due to its simplicity and reliability. It transmits data to the printer without additional processing, minimizing delays and errors.

Advantages of the port 9100:

• 🚀 Instant data transfer - no buffering, as in WSD.
• 🔧 Universal compatibility — works with 99% of modern printers.
• 🛡️ Minimum settings — it is enough to specify the printer’s IP address and port.

However, there are some nuances:

⚠️ Attention: Some printers (eg Xerox WorkCentre) may block the port 9100 default. In this case, try the port 9400 or turn on RAW printing in the printer's web interface.

How to check if your printer supports a port 9100:

1. Find the printer's IP address (usually printed on a test page or displayed in a menu) Network → Wi-Fi Settings).
2. Enter the IP into the browser's address bar to open the printer's web interface.
3. Check the section Ports, Network Settings or Print Server — the supported port must be indicated there.

What to do if port 9100 is not working?

If the printer does not respond on port 9100, try:

- Restart the printer and router.

- Check if a firewall (eg. Kaspersky or Windows Defender) outgoing connections.

- Specify the port 9400 or 9600 - some printers use them for alternative protocols.

3. WSD Port: When You Need It and Why You Should Avoid It

WSD (Web Services for Devices) — a protocol developed by Microsoft for automatic device discovery on a local network. It is often used by Windows 10/11 when adding a printer through the setup wizard.

Pros WSD:

• 🔍 Automatic printer detection without manual IP entry.
• 🔄 Support for dynamic IP addresses (DHCP).

Cons WSD:

• 🐢 Printing delays up to 30 seconds - the protocol first "polls" the device.
• 🚫 Instability — the connection may be broken when the printer IP changes.
• 🖥️ Doesn't work on macOS/Linux — Windows only.

When to use WSD:

⚠️ Attention: Choose WSD Only if the printer doesn't have a static IP address or you're connecting it to a laptop that frequently moves between networks (for example, between home and office). For desktop PCs, it's better to set up TCP/IP.

How to disable WSD and go to TCP/IP:

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Find your printer, right-click → Printer properties.
3. Go to the tab Ports and select Standard TCP/IP Port.
4. Specify the printer's IP address and port 9100.

4. LPR port: when and why it is still used

LPR (Line Printer Remote) — a protocol that appeared in the 1980s for Unix systems. Today it is rare, but some corporate printers (Ricoh, Kyocera, old models HP LaserJet) require its use.

Peculiarities LPR:

• 📋 Requires indication print queues (usually lp, print or raw).
• 🔒 Often used in office networks with print servers.
• ⚙️ May conflict with modern protocols if the printer supports multiple port types.

How to set up LPR in Windows:

1. When adding a printer, select Create a new port → Standard TCP/IP Port.
2. At the port specification stage, select Custom → LPR.
3. In the field Queue name enter lp (or another name as specified in your printer documentation).
4. Check the box LPR Byte Counting Enabled (if the printer requires it).

Example of printer settings Kyocera TASKalfa 3051ci:

5. IPP and AirPrint: Modern Protocols for macOS and Mobile Devices

IPP (Internet Printing Protocol) — a standard developed for printing over the Internet or a local network. It is widely used in:

• 🍎 Printers with support AirPrint (HP Envy, Canon Selphy).
• 🤖 Devices with Google Cloud Print (Even though the service is closed, many printers remain supported).
• 🖥️ Corporate MFPs with a web interface (Xerox AltaLink, Konica Minolta bizhub).

Advantages IPP:

• 🌐 Cross-platform — works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
• 🔒 Authentication support (login/password for accessing the printer).
• 📱 Optimized for mobile devices.

How to add a printer IPP in macOS:

1. Open System Preferences → Printers & Scanners.
2. Click + → Add a printer or scanner.
3. Select a tab IP.
4. In the field Address enter ipp://IP_PRINTER (For example, ipp://192.168.1.100).
5. Specify the driver (if required) and click Add.

For AirPrint There's no need to configure any ports—it's enough for the printer and Apple device to be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Make sure your printer supports IPP|Check if AirPrint is enabled in your printer settings|Update your printer firmware to the latest version|Disable your firewall during setup-->

6. Common mistakes when selecting a port and how to fix them

Even after properly configuring the port, the printer may not print. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

• 🚫 "Port unavailable" error:

  Reason: The printer is turned off, offline, or blocked by a firewall.

  Solution: Check the printer's power supply, reboot the router, and temporarily disable your antivirus software.

• ⏳ The document is "hanging" in the queue:

  Reason: Incorrect driver or port conflict (for example, both are selected WSD And TCP/IP).

  Solution: Uninstall the printer, install the driver from the official website and select only one port.

• 🔄 The printer prints garbage. (unreadable characters):

  Reason: protocol mismatch (for example, sending data to RAW, and the printer is waiting LPR).

  Solution: Change the port to 515 (LPR) or vice versa - on 9100 (RAW).

If the printer Epson or Canon does not print via Wi-Fi, but works via USB:

⚠️ Attention: The problem may be in the router settings. Some models (TP-Link Archer C6, ASUS RT-AX55) by default block multicast packets needed for printer discovery. Enable this option IGMP Snooping in the router settings.

Critical Information: Printers HP OfficeJet Pro 9010 And HP Neverstop require mandatory activation of the "Printing via Wi-Fi Direct" function in the menu Network → Wi-Fi Direct, even if you're connecting to a regular network. Without this, port 9100 won't respond.

7. How to check which port is used by the printer

If you're not sure what port your printer is configured to use, there are a few ways to find out:

Method 1: Via the printer's web interface

1. Enter the printer's IP address into your browser (e.g. 192.168.1.103).
2. Log in (login/password usually admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
3. Find the section Network, Ports or Print Server.

Method 2: Via the Windows command line

netstat -ano | findstr "PRINTER_IP"

This command will show active printer connections and the ports in use.

Method 3: Using the printer settings in Windows

1. Open Control Panel → Devices and Printers.
2. Right-click on the printer → Printer Properties → Ports.
3. Look at which port is checked.

8. Port settings for different brands

Printer manufacturers often use their own protocols or modify standard ones. Here's what you need to know about popular brands:

For printers Samsung (now produced under the brand HP) driver installation may be required Samsung Universal Print Driver, which automatically selects the port.

⚠️ Attention: Port settings in printers Kyocera And Ricoh are often tied to firmware. After a firmware update, the port may reset to factory settings (for example, with 9100 on LPR). Always check the software version before setting up.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about network printer ports

Can I use the same port for multiple printers?

No, each printer must have a unique IP address and port. If two printers use the same port (for example, 9100), a conflict will arise and only one device will print.

Exception: some network MFPs (eg. Xerox AltaLink C8100) support virtual ports for different functions (printing/scanning), but this is configured in their web interface.

Why does the printer print slowly via WSD, but fine via TCP/IP?

Protocol WSD Before each print, it "polls" the device, which takes 10-30 seconds. TCP/IP (port 9100) sends data directly without delays.

Solution: Switch to Standard TCP/IP Port in the printer settings.

Which port should I choose for an AirPrint-enabled printer?

For AirPrint There is no need to configure the port - the protocol uses IPP (port 631) automatically. However, if you are connecting the same printer to Windows, it is better to choose TCP/IP (9100) for stability.

Exception: printers HP Envy With AirPrint may require a port 9100 even for macOS, if Bonjour disabled.

Is it possible to change the printer port from 9100 to another one?

Yes, but this is done in the printer's web interface, not in Windows settings. For example, in printers Brother You can change the port to 9400 in the section Network → Protocol.

Warning: Changing the port may break proprietary utilities (for example, HP Smart or Epson Scan 2).

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