How to Switch from a Wired Ethernet Connection to a Wireless Connection with a Pro 700, 800, 900 Series All-In-One Inkjet Printer

Document ID:HO3574
 
  Properties  

Problem

Unable to rejoin; Wireless network; Not communicating; Communication failure; Cannot re-connect; Unable to configure printer wireless; Cannot switch; Printer will not join wireless network; Configuration not working; Associate; Authenticate; Wi-Fi connection not possible albeit previously configured; How to connect; wired network; Rejoin wireless network; No Wi-Fi indicator light; Active network;

Solution

Overview and Table of Contents 


This article explains how to switch to wireless from a wired network, or switch back from a wired to a wireless (Wi-Fi) network without the use of a USB configuration cable or the Wireless Setup Utility.

Topics included in this article:

 

Wired ethernet vs. wireless Wi-Fi Indicator light behavior


IMPORTANT! What you need to know:

1.   A simultaneous wired and wireless connection is NOT supported.

2.   If the default "Active Network" setting is set to "Auto", you must first turn OFF the printer, disconnect the ethernet cable, and then power the printer back ON to rejoin your wireless network.

Connection Type

Indicator Light
Wireless Green  () 
Wired Ethernet Off ()

 

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Procedure: How to switch to a Wired Network Connection

Step
Action
1 Plug the ethernet cable into the printer's ethernet port.
2 Wait for the Wi-Fi indicator light to turn Off ().
3 Print out a network setup page.

NOTE: Click here for sample Ethernet 10/100 network setup page.

 

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Procedure: How to switch back to a Wireless Network Connection


Two methods are available for re-joining the wireless network based on the previous connection state:

If...

Then...

the wireless configuration and security settings are unchanged and still valid – Follow Method 1 to rejoin the wireless network.
the wireless security settings are no longer valid – Follow Method 2 for re-entry of proper wireless security values.

Method 1

Step
Action
1 Turn the printer OFF.
2 Unplug the ethernet cable.
3 Turn the printer back ON.
4 Briefly observe a flashing orange Wi-Fi indicator () light before the printer rejoins the wireless network ().

NOTE: Click here for a sample Wireless 802.11b/g/n network setup page. 

Additional information on the Wireless network setup page:

a.   Active
b.   BSS Type
c.   Network Mode
d.   SSID
e.   Wireless Security Mode
f.    Signal Strength
g.   Current Access Point
h.   Current Channel
i.    Quality
j.    Parwise and Groupwise Ciphers
k.   Trouble Code

Method 2

IMPORTANT! Attempt this method only if the first method fails to re-establish a wireless network connection.   

Before you begin

Step
Action
1

Identify your router's IP address.

Note: See router's documentation for router's IP address, Username and Password.
2

Navigate to the web configuration utility.

Entry example: http://router_IP_address, where router_IP_address is the router manufacturer's IP address.
3

Capture all access point (router) Configuration and Security settings:

  • Service Set Identifier (SSID) or network name
  • Network (802.11) mode – 802.11b/g, 802.11b/g/n, or 802.11n
  • Security type – No Security, WEP, WPA (TKIP cipher), or WPA2 (AES cipher)
  • Authentication Security key or passphrase

Important! Lexmark is not responsible for identifying these values. Improperly identifying these values will result in configuration failure and the printer will not rejoin the wireless network.
4

Lastly, make sure you have your printer's ethernet-connected IP address.

Note: Click here for instructions.

Procedure

Perform the following steps in the order specified:

Step
Action
1

Open the printer's web page or Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Note: Click here for instructions.
2
Navigate to Configuration > Wireless.
 
3

Enter all router settings as identified under Configuration and Security Settings, and then click Submit.

Note: Click here for illustration.
4


Turn OFF the printer.
 
5
Disconnect the ethernet cable from the back of the printer.
 
6
Turn ON the printer.
 
7
Observe a brief orange flashing light () while the printer shares security credentials.
 
8
Observe a upon successful connection to the wireless network.
 
9
When the printer turns ON, print out the network setup page that the status shows "Connected", identify the IP address, and then verify acceptable signal strength.
 

 

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Reasons for Failure


See reasons and follow corresponding numbered suggestions.

Failure
Reason(s)
Suggestions
I cannot switch to a wired network.
  1. The Active Connection is forced to Wireless 802.11b/g/n
  2. Defective ethernet cable
  3. Inactive ethernet drop/port
  4. Defective ethernet drop/port
  5. Improper ethernet drop/port
  1. See Procedure below for how to set "Active Network" back to "Auto".
  2. Try a different ethernet cable.

For reasons 3 – 5, try a different port on the router or access point.
I cannot switch to a wireless network.
  1. The Active Network is forced to Ethernet 10/100.
  2. The wireless network settings are no longer valid.
  1. See Procedure below for how to set "Active Network" back to "Auto".
  2. See Method 2.

 

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Procedure: Set "Active Network" back to "Auto"


In the "Auto" configuration, the Wi-Fi indicator light will remain OFF until the ethernet cable is disconnected, and the printer is powered OFF and ON.

Step
Action
1

Press Setup ().
2

Press Network Setup.
3

Press Active Network.
4

Change setting back to Auto.
5 Press Accept.

 

"Active Network" Settings and Wi-Fi Indicator Behavior


Active Network Setting

Wi-Fi Indicator light

Wi-Fi Indicator Light behavior when an ethernet cable plugged into printer

Ethernet 10/100 OFF
Indicator light stays OFF.
 
Wireless 802.11g/b/n GREEN (if connected), or flashing orange if it cannot connect.
Ignores the ethernet cable connection and remains GREEN.
 
Auto Dependent upon type of network detected when the printer is turned ON. 
  • OFF when active ethernet network connection is detected.
  • GREEN if an active ethernet network connection is not detected but the printer is able to establish an active wireless network connection.
  • Flashing ORANGE if neither connection type is detected.

NOTE: Click here for an example of a forced Ethernet 10/100 illustration.

 

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Last Resort Tips


If unable to get the printer to join the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), you should consider the following:

Action

Rationale

a. Again, turn the printer off and on. A possible timing issue could be the culprit.
b. If you used method 2 above, verify proper entry of configuration and security settings and repeat the procedure. Improper entry of spaces, symbols, or capitalized letters when entering the passphrase will prevent success.
c. Verify existence of router filters or firewall settings. Router firewalls, MAC filtering and other network security features will prevent wireless devices from joining the network.
d. Log off the Virtual Private Network (VPN) and try again. VPNs create a secure network connection with your business workplace and shuts out normal communication over a WLAN. If this scenario presents itself, VPN tunneling would have to be discussed with your workplace.
e. Consider adjusting the antenna angle or relocating the printer. Distance or printer placement considerations will prevent wireless devices from joining the network.

f. Attempt WPS from the printer; e.g., Setup > Network Setup > Wireless Networking > Wi-Fi Protected Setup.

 This is one of the easiest ways to join a wireless network if your router supports this feature.
g. Click here for more suggestions.

 

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Still Need Help? 


If you require additional assistance, please contact Lexmark Technical Support. NOTE: When calling for phone support you will need your model/machine type and serial number (SN).

For improved technical support, all callers should be near the computer and printer in case the technician on the phone asks you to perform a task involving one of these devices.

 



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