Many MFP users Samsung SCX 3400 Homeowners are looking to get rid of unnecessary wires and set up wireless printing on their home network. Although the basic model of this device doesn't come with a built-in Wi-Fi module, there are proven ways to integrate it into a local network. This allows you to print documents from a laptop or smartphone without being tied to a specific workstation.
Implementing a wireless connection requires an understanding of your network architecture and additional equipment. Unlike modern models with support Wi-Fi Direct, you'll have to use external solutions. However, the results are worth it: you'll gain flexibility in equipment placement and the ability to print from any device within range of the router.
In this guide, we'll cover the technical details of connection, selecting the right hardware, and step-by-step driver setup. You'll learn how to turn a wired printer into a network node accessible to everyone in the family. We'll also cover common setup errors and how to troubleshoot them.
Hardware limitations and ways to bypass them
The first thing an owner needs to understand is Samsung SCX 3400The downside is the lack of a built-in wireless interface as standard. Samsung engineers targeted this series at the budget segment, where the reliability of a wired USB connection was a priority. Therefore, to set up Wi-Fi, we'll need a third-party device that will act as a signal transmitter.
There are several effective methods for solving this problem. The most common option is using a Wi-Fi router with a function USB print serversYou can also use an old router in client mode or a dedicated USB Wi-Fi adapter if supported by your router's firmware. Each method has its own setup requirements.
⚠️ Caution: Do not attempt to connect a regular USB Wi-Fi dongle directly to the USB port of the printer itself. Samsung SCX 3400 does not have a built-in operating system for working with external network modules, so the device will simply ignore the connection.
The choice of equipment depends on the router you already have installed at home. Modern routers from Keenetic, Asus or TP-Link Often have built-in network printing support. All you need to do is check compatibility and enable the appropriate feature in the control panel.
Connecting via a router with a USB port
The most stable and reliable way to set up wireless printing is to use the USB port on your router. In this case, the router acts as a print servers, receiving tasks over the network and transmitting them to the MFP via a cable. First, make sure your router supports this feature, as not all models, even those with a USB port, are compatible with printers.
The process begins with a physical connection. Take a high-quality USB cable (type AB, standard for printers) and connect Samsung SCX 3400 With a router. It's important to use a cable no longer than 1.5–2 meters to avoid signal loss, as USB is length-sensitive.
☑️ Checking equipment readiness
Once connected, you need to log into the router's web interface. This is usually done through a browser at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Find the section for USB applications or network printing. Here, you need to enable printer support. Interfaces vary by manufacturer, but the logic remains the same: enable the service and save the settings.
If the router automatically detected the device, you will see its model in the list of connected devices. In some cases, manual protocol configuration may be required. The most commonly used protocol is LPR or SocketMake sure the printer's IP address is static or reserved in DHCP so that the path to the device does not change after rebooting the router.
| Parameter | Value for setting | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Connection type | USB | The cable must be in good condition. |
| Printing protocol | LPR / RAW | Depends on the router model |
| Port | 9100 | Standard printing port |
| IP address | Dynamic (DHCP) | It's better to fix it manually |
Setting up drivers on a computer
Once the router has paired the computer and printer at the network level, you need to configure the operating system correctly. Windows doesn't always automatically detect network printers, especially if they're connected via a third-party server. You'll need to manually add a new print port.
Go to Control Panel and select Devices and Printers. Click Add a Printer and select "The printer I want isn't listed." In the window that appears, select Add a printer using its TCP/IP address. This is key, as we'll be accessing the device as a network resource, not a local USB drive.
In the Name or IP Address field, enter the IP address of your router (e.g. 192.168.1.1). The system will attempt to detect the device. If prompted for the device type, select "TCP/IP Device" and find "TCP/IP Device" in the list of manufacturers. Generic, and in models - Network Card or leave the default option.
During the driver installation process, the system may prompt you to select a model from the list. Find Samsung SCX-3400 SeriesIf you don't have the exact model, you can try selecting a generic PCL6 driver or using a driver from a similar model, such as the SCX-3200. However, it's better to use the "Have Disk" feature and select the downloaded file.
After installation is complete, try printing a test page. If the document is queued and prints successfully, the "Computer - Router - Printer" connection is working correctly. Now other devices on the network can use this printer.
Using an old router as a Wi-Fi client
If your main router doesn't have a USB port or doesn't support print servers, you can use a second router, even an older one, in Client Mode or as a repeater with USB host functionality. This will turn it into a wireless bridge that connects the printer's USB port to the main Wi-Fi network.
To implement this method, connect the second router to your computer via a LAN cable and access its settings. You'll need to select the "Client" or "Bridge" mode. In this mode, the router connects to your main network's Wi-Fi like a regular device (like a laptop or phone), but shares the internet and printer through its LAN or USB port.
Connect Samsung SCX 3400 into the USB port of the second router. In the USB mode settings, select "Print Server." It's important to configure the IP addresses so that they are in the same subnet as the primary router, but don't conflict. For example, if the primary router 192.168.1.1, ask the second one 192.168.1.2.
⚠️ Important: When setting up a second router, be sure to disable its DHCP server function. Only the primary router should distribute IP addresses on the network; otherwise, addressing conflicts will occur, and internet access will be lost for all devices.
After setup, connect your computer to the main router and repeat the process of adding a printer via TCP/IP, specifying the IP address of the second router (our improvised print server). This method requires more advanced network configuration knowledge, but it allows you to put your old equipment to good use.
What should I do if the router doesn't see the printer's file system?
Some routers require the printer to be turned on before connecting it to the router's USB port. Try switching the power-up order: first turn on the router, wait for it to boot up, and then turn on the printer.
Mobile printing and cloud services
Modern users often want to print directly from their smartphones. Because Samsung SCX 3400 — the model is not new, native support Apple AirPrint or Mopria She doesn't have one. However, if you've set up your printer via a router, you can use software solutions for print forwarding.
For Android and iOS, an excellent solution is the app PrinterShare or similar utilities. They can find printers on the local network. If the router supports installing plugins (like Keenetic or routers with firmware OpenWrt), you can install a print server that emulates mobile device protocols.
An alternative is to use cloud printing. Install the printer drivers on a computer that's always on and connected to the network, and set up remote access or use services like Google Cloud Print (although support has officially ended, there are alternatives). The computer will act as a gateway, accepting jobs from the cloud and sending them to Samsung SCX 3400.
Port forwarding is also an option, but it's unsafe for a home network. It's best to stick to local methods or use an intermediate PC with a print server installed that will be visible to mobile devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
Diagnosing problems and troubleshooting errors
During setup, you may encounter a number of common issues. Most commonly, users complain about the printer showing as "Offline" or jobs getting stuck in the queue. First, check the physical connection: is the USB indicator on both the router and the printer lit?
A common error is the wrong port type. In the printer properties, on the Ports tab, make sure the port type is selected. Standard TCP/IP Port, not WSD. The WSD protocol often performs poorly with external print servers. Also, check your computer's firewall: it may be blocking incoming connections from the router.
If printing is choppy or very slow, the issue may be related to your Wi-Fi connection speed or interference. Make sure your router and printer (if it's located far from the router to which it's connected via a cable or a second client router) are within range of a strong signal. Samsung SCX 3400 Processing of large graphic files is typically slow, so when printing photos over the network, delays may be higher than usual.
⚠️ Please note: Router firmware and operating system drivers are updated regularly. Configuration interfaces may differ from those described in the instructions. Always consult the official documentation for your specific router model when locating the USB configuration menu.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to connect the Samsung SCX 3400 to Wi-Fi without a router?
No, it is impossible to directly connect this MFP to Wi-Fi without a router or a dedicated print server, as the device does not have a built-in wireless module.
Does the SCX 3400 support Wi-Fi Direct?
Basic model Samsung SCX-3400 Does not support Wi-Fi Direct technology. This feature is only available on more expensive models with the W or FW index (e.g., SCX-3405FW).
Why doesn't the computer see the printer through the router's USB port?
Your router may not support this printer model, or the TCP/IP port may need to be manually configured. Also, check the USB drive's file system format (if using a hub) and the power supply.
What cable do I need to connect to the router?
You'll need a standard USB cable (type AB, square connector on the printer side), the same as the one you use to connect to your computer. The cable should be no longer than 2-3 meters.
Is it possible to scan over Wi-Fi on this model?
When connecting via an external print server, network scanning is usually unavailable. The scanner will only work with a direct USB connection to the computer, as scanning protocols are more complex than printing protocols and are rarely supported by routers.