Comp doesnt see wireless printer anymore?

JohnnyScience · 24 Apr 2011

I've had problems with my wireless printer going "offline" a lot and its one of the most frustrating situations when you go to hit print and theres a 35% chance it will be offline.

Now I tried to "Add a new printer" and for some reason after trying time after time my computer is not discovering my wireless printer any more?

My printer sucessfully pairs up with my router every time I try to go through the wireless setup wizard.

I've restarted/unplugged the printer time & time again & also restarted the computer.

Anyone have an idea how to get my computer to see this printer again & KEEP it online?

Thanks.

TVeblen · 25 Apr 2011

No.
I have been struggling with this issue for a while now. I have an Epson all-in-one that is connected to my network wirelessly and to my main pc by usb. After a period of time the printer goes into a low power "standby mode". Separately, after a period of time the printer drops off the network (can't be pinged by any computer, can't be accessed for printing wirelessly). The printer works, in any mode, by usb always.

I originally thought that the "standby mode" triggered the drop off. After much trial and error testing I no longer think that.

I have been in contact with both Epson and TrendNet (the manufacturer of my router). Epson says the issue lies with my router, Trendnet says it lies with the printer. I have done too many settings changes to possibly remember them all.

Long story short: I now believe there is no issue with the printer. Even in standby mode it sends a wireless signal and it's IP is seen by the router. I believe the issue lies with the TrendNet TEW-691GR router. There must be some timeout threshold being met that causes the router to drop the printer off the active list of connections.

The clunky solution is always to either turn off and back on the printer, or to reset the router. But I am sure you, like me, want a more elegant solution. Let me know if you find one.

I have tried:

giving the printer a fixed IP at the printer level
giving the printer a fixed IP at the router level
Upgrading the router's firmware
Changing the beacon interval
Playing with the DTIM Interval Settings
Playing with the RTS THreshold
Changing the Preamble setting
Probably several other settings changes I have forgotten
Cursing

I think tech support at TrendNet threw a small party when I finally gave it up.

JohnnyScience · 25 Apr 2011

lol

Technology sucks!

Does anyone know how I can force my computer to see my printer?

It will not discover it any more & I've unplugged & reset the computer & linked it back up with the router successfully.

I need this printer for business & now my business is down because this stupid printer issue.

THanks

Shootist · 25 Apr 2011

Did you assign a Static IP address to the printer? And it should be outside the DHCP range your router uses to hand out IP addresses to equipment on your LAN, PCs, whatever.
You do that either at the printer, giving it own IP address (taking off auto IP), or at the router by assign a IP by MAC address. This is so it never changes.

This may not be the cause of your problem but it is a start to make sure the printer always has the same IP address. Otherwise the IP can change at any given time which will stop all connections to it.

JohnnyScience · 25 Apr 2011

I dont even know how to assign the printer its own IP address or anything else you said to do.

Any idea of an easy walk thru to set all that up?

I really need to get this printer working.

I just dont see why it isnt auto-discovering it like it was before...?

TVeblen · 25 Apr 2011

What is the brand and model of the printer?
What is the brand and model of the router?

Do you know the printer's MAC address?

Can you access your routers settings through your internet browser?

On your router settings, usually under LAN Settings, there may be a section to add "DHCP Reservations" You use the printer's MAC address and then give it an IP address. Outside the normal range as Shootist suggested is best.