Modern office equipment requires flexibility, and having a printer tethered to a single computer becomes a serious limitation. Brother MFC-L2700DWR Equipped with a built-in wireless module, it can be placed anywhere in the room as long as there's a router signal. This frees up workspace and allows for printing from mobile devices without the hassle of cables.
The initial setup process may seem complicated at first glance, as the device's menu is feature-rich. However, by following a clear procedure, you can activate wireless mode in just a few minutes. It's important to understand that proper network configuration is the foundation for the stable operation of all peripheral equipment in the future.
In this article, we'll cover all available connection methods, from automatic setup via WPS to manually entering parameters through the control panel. We'll also cover common errors users encounter when installing drivers and selecting a connection type. Get ready to transform your printer into a fully-fledged network resource.
Equipment preparation and compatibility testing
Before you begin configuring the software, you need to ensure that your hardware is physically ready. Make sure your router is working properly and that other devices (smartphones, laptops) can connect to it successfully. For the model MFC-L2700DWR It is critical to be in an area with a strong signal, as laser MFPs are sensitive to interference from metal furniture or microwave ovens.
At this point, you'll need to know your wireless network name (SSID) and password. If you haven't changed your router settings, this information is usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the device. Also, make sure the cartridge is installed and the orange protective latches inside the device are removed; otherwise, the MFP may not enter ready mode.
- 📶 Make sure your router is transmitting a signal in the 2.4 GHz range, as this model may not support the new 5 GHz standards without special router settings.
- 🔌 Connect the MFP to the power supply and wait until the warm-up cycle is complete, when the time or "Sleep" status appears on the display.
- 📄 Prepare a computer or smartphone from which you will install drivers and configure the network.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses MAC address filtering, you need to find the printer's MAC address in advance (usually on a sticker on the back or in the "Network" -> "WLAN" menu) and add it to the whitelist.
It's also worth noting that for initial setup via USB, you'll need a USB 2.0 Type-B cable, which is often not included in the package. If you plan to use the WPS method, you won't need the cable, but it may be useful for installing the full software package.
WPS method: the fastest way to connect
Technology WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Allows you to connect devices without having to manually enter a long password. This is ideal if you don't want to search for router documentation or if the password contains complex characters. To use this method, your router must support WPS and have a corresponding physical button or software option.
On the MFP control panel Brother MFC-L2700DWR Find the "Wi-Fi" button or access the menu using the "Menu" key. Select "Network," then "WLAN," and find the "WPS" option. Once this mode is activated, a message will appear on the display indicating that the router is being searched for. At this point (usually within 2 minutes), press the WPS button on your router.
The device will automatically exchange encryption keys. The printer's screen will indicate success, and the wireless indicator will turn solid. A computer on the same network will immediately see the new device if the driver is installed.
- 🚀 The process takes less than 60 seconds and does not require knowing your WiFi password.
- 🔒 The connection is protected by the WPA2 protocol, which guarantees the security of transmitted data.
- 🔄 This method will not work if the SSID is hidden on the router or client isolation is enabled.
Setup via USB cable and installation wizard
The most reliable method, especially for office networks with complex security settings, is to use an installation disc or a driver package downloaded from a website. This method is advantageous because the installation program automatically retrieves the network settings from your computer and transfers them to the printer. You won't have to manually enter characters using an awkward keyboard on a small screen.
Download the full package of drivers and utilities for MFC-L2700DWR From the manufacturer's official website. Run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. When the installation wizard asks for the connection type, select "Wireless Network." The program will then prompt you to connect a USB cable between your computer and the MFP.
The order of actions in the installation wizard:1. Run setup.exe.
2. Accept the license agreement.
3. Select "Wireless network connection".
4. Connect the USB cable when prompted by the program.
5. Wait for the WiFi settings to be transferred.
Once the printer receives the settings, it will disable the USB port for data transfer and switch to WiFi. The program will prompt you to disconnect the cable. The device is now accessible to all computers on the local network.
☑️ Installation Preparation Checklist
Manually configure network parameters from the panel
If you don't have a computer or cable handy, you can enter all settings directly through the MFP's control panel. This method requires careful attention, as characters are entered by repeatedly pressing the keys on the numeric keypad or using the navigation arrows.
Press the "Menu" button on the control panel, then select "Network" -> "WLAN." Find your router's name (SSID) in the list of available networks. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually. After selecting the network, the device will prompt for the password (encryption key).
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Wireless network name | On the router sticker or in the WiFi settings |
| Security Mode | Security type (usually WPA2-PSK) | In the router security settings |
| Passphrase | Password for access | Set by the user when configuring the router |
| IP Address | The device's network address | Printed in the network configuration report |
Use the left and right arrow keys to select characters, and press "OK" to confirm each character. Be especially careful with case, as passwords are case-sensitive. After entering your password, press "OK" to apply the settings.
What to do if the network is not on the list?
If your network isn't listed as available, it may be in stealth mode or the printer may be too far from the router. Try moving closer or select the option to manually enter the SSID.
Using the Brother iPrint&Scan app
For mobile device users, the company Brother developed a user-friendly application iPrint&Scan, which significantly simplifies initial setup. This method is especially useful if you don't have a USB cable or a computer with a disc drive handy.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and launch it. The app will ask you to allow access to your location and local network—this is necessary to find the printer. Select "Set up a new device" or "Change WiFi settings."
Follow the instructions on your smartphone screen. The app will transfer your WiFi network information directly to the printer via a temporary direct connection or via Bluetooth (if supported). This is a modern and intuitive method that minimizes the risk of password errors.
⚠️ Please note: Mobile app and web interfaces are frequently updated. Button locations and menu item names may differ from those described. Always check the latest documentation in your router manufacturer's personal account.
Diagnostics and solution
Even with proper configuration, situations may arise where the printer isn't visible on the network or printing is delayed. First, print a network configuration report. To do this, press "Menu" -> "Print Reports" -> "WLAN Configuration." The report will show the connection status and IP address.
If the status shows "Not connected" or the IP address starts with 169.254.x.x, this means the device hasn't received an address from the router. Check if MAC address filtering is enabled on the router and make sure the password is entered correctly. Also, try rebooting the router and printer.
- 🔥 Make sure that AP Isolation is not enabled on your router, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
- 📡 Check the signal strength: if it is weak, the printer may constantly lose connection.
- 🛡️ Your computer's antivirus software may be blocking the detection of network printers. Try temporarily disabling your firewall.
If problems persist and nothing else helps, it's a good idea to reset the printer's network settings to factory defaults. This will restore the network module to its original state, allowing you to start the setup again, eliminating any errors in the previously entered settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the Brother MFC-L2700DWR be connected to a 5GHz network?
Model MFC-L2700DWR Only supports the 802.11 b/g/n standard, which operates in the 2.4 GHz band. If your router broadcasts 2.4 and 5 GHz networks under the same name, try separating them in the router settings or ensure the printer is connecting to the correct frequency.
How to find out the printer's IP address after connection?
Press the "Menu" button, select "Network" -> "WLAN" -> "TCP/IP." The current IP address will be displayed. You can also find the address in the network configuration report or through the "Brother Utilities" utility on the connected computer.
The printer prints, but the scanner doesn't work over the network. What's wrong?
To use the scanner over a network, you must install the full driver package, including the "Scanner Driver" component and utilities. The standard Windows driver only supports printing. Reinstall the software from the official website, selecting the full installation.
How do I reset network settings on an MFP?
Go to "Menu" -> "Network" -> "Reset Network." Confirm the action ("Yes" or "1"). The device will then reboot the network module and all WiFi settings will be cleared.