Multifunctional device Brother MFC-L2740DWR It's a popular choice for small offices and home workstations due to its reliability and wireless printing capabilities. However, initial wireless network setup often raises questions for users new to the laser printer interface. Proper network module configuration is the first and most important step, as it's essential for printing documents from a laptop or scanning over the network.
There are several proven methods for activating the Wi-Fi module, each with its own peculiarities depending on your operating system and whether you have a USB cable. In this article, we'll cover all setup methods in detail, focusing on security and connection stability. You'll learn how to avoid common password errors and how to make your device "see" the router even with a weak signal.
Before you begin manipulating the printer menu, make sure your wireless router is turned on and providing internet access. It's also critical to know the exact name of your network (SSID) and its password, as the system automatic input Data access in Brother printers often requires manual confirmation or selection from a list of available access points.
Preparing for wireless setup
Before beginning the pairing process, several preparatory steps must be completed, which are often ignored, leading to connection errors. Ensure the printer is installed close to the router, preferably no more than one meter away, to avoid interference from microwave ovens or metal structures during setup. If you plan to use a USB cable connection (the most reliable method for initial configuration), find a high-quality Type AB cable, which is usually included.
It is important to understand the difference between the operating modes of a network adapter. Device MFC-L2740DWR supports standards 802.11b/g/n, which means it's compatible with most modern routers. However, in rare cases, conflicts may occur if the router operates exclusively in the 5 GHz band. This printer only operates in the 2.4 GHz band, so make sure your access point broadcasts a signal in this frequency range.
⚠️ Important: If your router uses MAC address filtering, you need to find the printer's MAC address in advance (it is printed on the network configuration report or on a sticker on the back of the device) and add it to the whitelist of allowed devices in the router settings.
It's also worth checking the network indicator status on the control panel. If the Wi-Fi indicator is blinking, it means the module is active but the connection hasn't been established. A solid light indicates a successful connection. Before starting setup, it's recommended to reset the previous network settings if the device was previously used on a different network to avoid IP address conflicts.
- 📶 Make sure your router is turned on and within range of the printer.
- 🔌 Have a USB cable ready in case you need a wired setup.
- 📝 Write down your Wi-Fi network password to avoid mistakes when entering special characters.
Connection method via control panel menu
The most universal method, which doesn't require a computer, is to configure it directly using the buttons on the MFP. This method is ideal if you don't have an installation disc or cable handy, but have a smartphone or tablet with your network settings. To get started, press the button Menu (or All settings, depending on the firmware version) on the touch screen or using the navigation keys.
Using the arrow keys or the touchscreen, go to the section Net (Network). In the list that opens, select WLAN, and then Setup Wizard (Setup Wizard). The printer will begin searching for available wireless networks within range. This process may take a few seconds, during which time the screen may display the message "Searching..."
Once the list of networks appears, find your router's name (SSID) and tap it. If your network isn't listed, check to see if the network name (SSID Broadcast) is hidden in the router settings. After selecting a network, your device will prompt you to enter a security key. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the password. Please note: letter case is important, and special characters may appear on additional keyboard pages.
After entering the password, click OK or ApplyThe printer will attempt to connect. If all the information is entered correctly, the message "Connected" will appear on the screen, and the Wi-Fi indicator will turn green. The device is now ready for installing drivers on your computer.
Setup using USB cable and drivers
Using the installation software from your computer is the easiest option for Windows and macOS users, as the program will automatically transfer the Wi-Fi settings to the printer. To do this, download the full package of drivers and utilities. Brother MFC-L2740DWR From the manufacturer's official website. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the connection type selection step.
Select the "Wireless Network Connection" option. The program will prompt you to connect to the network. At this point, the installer will ask you to connect a USB cable between your computer and the printer. This temporary connection is only necessary for transferring network settings. After connecting the cable, the program will automatically detect the device and prompt you to select your Wi-Fi network from the list of available ones.
All you need to do is confirm your network selection and, if prompted, enter a password. The program will automatically configure the printer's network module. Once a successful setup message appears, the installer will prompt you to disconnect the USB cable. The printer will then switch to Wi-Fi mode, and the driver installation will continue wirelessly.
☑️ USB Setup Checklist
This method is particularly convenient because it immediately installs the necessary components for network scanning, such as ControlCenter4 or Brother iPrint&Scan, which eliminates the need to search for them separately.
Using WPS technology for fast connection
If your wireless router supports the technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), the connection process can be reduced to just two button presses. This method eliminates the need to enter a password or search for a network, minimizing the risk of error. First, locate the WPS button on your router; it may be physical or virtual in the router's web interface.
On the printer control panel, press the button Menu, go to Net -> WLAN -> WPS -> WPS with a button (Push Button). The printer will enter WPS signal waiting mode. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the router. The devices will automatically exchange encrypted data and establish a connection.
⚠️ Note: WPS is considered less secure than using a complex WPA2/WPA3 password, as it is vulnerable to certain types of brute-force attacks. It is recommended to use this method only for initial setup on a home network, and then disable WPS on your router.
There's also a method for entering a PIN code generated on the printer, but this requires access to the router's web interface to enter the code, making it less convenient than the push-button method. If the router's push-button doesn't work or is hidden in a menu, it's better to use the standard method of entering the password through the printer menu.
Network status indicator table
Understanding the various LED indicator states helps you quickly diagnose a problem without connecting to a computer. Below is a breakdown of the main signals emitted by the network module. MFC-L2740DWR.
| Indicator status | Description | Action |
|---|---|---|
| It doesn't burn. | Wireless connection is turned off | Enable WLAN in the settings menu |
| Flashing slowly (1 sec) | Searching for a network or setting up WPS | Wait for the search to complete or press WPS on the router |
| Flashes quickly (0.5 sec) | Connection attempt / Error | Check the password or distance to the router |
| It's on constantly | Connection established | The device is ready to print |
If the LED continues to flash rapidly for an extended period of time, this indicates that the printer is unable to obtain an IP address from the router's DHCP server. In this case, try rebooting the router while leaving the printer on.
Installing drivers and troubleshooting
Once the printer is successfully connected to the network, you'll need to install the software on your computer. Even if the operating system automatically detects the device, a full driver package is required for full functionality (especially scanning). Visit the Brother support website and enter your model number. L2740DWR and download the package for your OS.
During the installation process, you may encounter a "Device not found" error. If this occurs, check that your computer and printer are connected to the same network. This often happens when your computer is connected to a router's guest network or the 5 GHz band, while the printer is connected to the main 2.4 GHz network. Make sure your Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn't blocking the search for network devices.
If the problem persists, try assigning a static IP address to the printer. This can be done through the printer's web interface by entering its current IP address in the browser (the default login is often admin, password access). In the section Network -> IPv4 change the address retrieval method from DHCP on Static and enter the address manually so that it does not change after rebooting the router.
⚠️ Caution: When assigning a static IP address, make sure the address you select is in the same subnet as your router, but outside the range of addresses issued by the DHCP server to avoid IP conflicts.
Also worth mentioning is the utility Brother iPrint&Scan for mobile devices. It allows you to print and scan directly from your phone without installing drivers on your PC, using the same Wi-Fi channel you just set up.
What to do if the printer "falls off" from the network?
If your printer periodically loses connection, check your power saving settings. In the printer menu, go to Eco Mode and increase the sleep time or disable deep sleep for the network module. Also, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router to 1, 6, or 11 to avoid interference with neighboring networks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Brother MFC-L2740DWR be connected to a hidden Wi-Fi network?
Yes, this is possible, but it's more difficult to do through the printer menu. You need to select "Other" or "Enter Manually" in the list of networks and accurately enter the network name (SSID), case-sensitive, and then the password. The easiest way to do this is through the driver installer on your computer, temporarily connecting the printer via USB.
What is the maximum password supported by this MFP?
The device supports standard WPA/WPA2 passwords up to 63 characters long. If your password contains specific characters or is very long, we recommend temporarily simplifying the password in the router settings during setup, and then resetting it to a more complex password after reconnecting the device.
The printer can't see the 5 GHz network, even though the router is dual-band. Why?
Wi-Fi module in the model MFC-L2740DWR Only works in the 2.4 GHz band. Make sure your router is broadcasting in this band. If the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks have the same name (Smart Connect), try temporarily separating them in your router settings, giving the 2.4 GHz network a unique name, and connect the printer to it.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Click the button Menu (or Report), select Printing reports -> Network configuration (Network Config). On the printed page, find the "IP Address" line in the "Wireless" section. You can also see the IP address on the printer screen by pressing the Wi-Fi button or going to Network -> WLAN -> TCP/IP.