What To Know
- Whether you’re working from home, running a small office, or simply want to avoid the hassle of constantly moving your printer, knowing how to share your Brother printer on your network is a valuable skill.
- Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the two primary ways to connect your Brother printer to your network.
- Similar to wired connections, you’ll need to enable wireless sharing or “Network Print Server” in the network settings menu to allow other devices to access the printer.
Sharing your Brother printer across your network can be a game-changer for productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re working from home, running a small office, or simply want to avoid the hassle of constantly moving your printer, knowing how to share your Brother printer on your network is a valuable skill. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, covering different network types and troubleshooting tips along the way.
Understanding the Basics: Wired vs. Wireless Connections
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the two primary ways to connect your Brother printer to your network: wired and wireless.
- Wired Connection: This method involves connecting your printer directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections are generally faster and more reliable than wireless connections, especially for large print jobs or demanding applications.
- Wireless Connection: This method uses Wi-Fi to connect your printer to your network. Wireless connections offer greater flexibility in terms of printer placement, but they can be slower and more susceptible to interference than wired connections.
Setting Up Your Brother Printer for Network Sharing: Wired Connection
1. Connect the Printer: Connect your Brother printer to your router using an Ethernet cable. Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the printer and the router.
2. Locate the Network Settings: On your Brother printer, navigate to the network settings menu. This is typically done through the printer’s control panel, often accessed using buttons labeled “Menu,” “Setup,” or “Settings.”
3. Configure the IP Address: In the network settings menu, locate the option to set a static IP address. This is crucial for ensuring your printer can be consistently found on the network. Choose an IP address that is not already in use by another device on your network.
4. Enable Network Sharing: In the same network settings menu, look for an option to enable network sharing or “Network Print Server.” Activate this feature to allow other devices on your network to access the printer.
5. Print a Network Configuration Report: Most Brother printers offer the option to print a network configuration report. This report will provide details about your printer’s network settings, including its IP address, which will be useful for troubleshooting.
Setting Up Your Brother Printer for Network Sharing: Wireless Connection
1. Connect to Your Network: On your Brother printer, navigate to the network settings menu and choose “Wireless Setup.”
2. Select Your Network: Your printer will scan for available wireless networks. Select your network from the list and enter the password when prompted.
3. Confirm Connection: Once connected, your Brother printer will display a message confirming the successful connection. You can also print a network configuration report to verify the connection details.
4. Enable Wireless Sharing: Similar to wired connections, you’ll need to enable wireless sharing or “Network Print Server” in the network settings menu to allow other devices to access the printer.
Adding the Brother Printer to Your Computer: Windows
1. Open the “Devices and Printers” Window: On your Windows computer, search for “Devices and Printers” in the start menu and open the resulting window.
2. Add a Printer: Click “Add a printer or scanner.” Windows will automatically search for available printers on your network.
3. Select Your Brother Printer: Choose your Brother printer from the list of detected devices.
4. Install the Driver: Windows will automatically install the necessary drivers for your Brother printer. If drivers are not found automatically, you can download and install them from the Brother website.
Adding the Brother Printer to Your Computer: macOS
1. Open System Preferences: On your Mac, open “System Preferences” from the Apple menu.
2. Select “Printers & Scanners”: Click on the “Printers & Scanners” icon.
3. Add a Printer: Click the “+” button to add a new printer.
4. Select Your Brother Printer: Your Mac will scan your network for available printers. Choose your Brother printer from the list.
5. Install the Driver: macOS will automatically install the necessary drivers for your Brother printer. If drivers are not found automatically, you can download and install them from the Brother website.
Troubleshooting Common Network Sharing Issues
- Check Network Connectivity: Ensure your printer and computer are connected to the same network and have a strong signal.
- Verify IP Address: Confirm that your printer’s IP address is correct and hasn’t changed. If you’re using a static IP address, ensure it is not already assigned to another device on your network.
- Enable Firewall Exceptions: In your computer’s firewall settings, ensure that you’ve created exceptions for your Brother printer to allow communication.
- Update Drivers: Download and install the latest drivers for your Brother printer from the manufacturer’s website. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues.
- Restart Devices: Restart your printer, router, and computer to reset network connections.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Network Sharing Tips
- Use a Print Server: If you have a large network or frequently experience connectivity issues, consider using a dedicated print server. This device acts as a central hub for your printers, making them easily accessible to all users on your network.
- Set Up a Guest Network: If you have guests who need to print, consider setting up a separate guest network on your router. This allows guests to access the internet and your printer without needing access to your main network.
- Enable Network Discovery: Ensure that network discovery is enabled on your computer and printer. This allows devices on your network to find each other more easily.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Convenience of Network Printing
Sharing your Brother printer on your network offers a world of convenience and efficiency. By following these steps and understanding the basics of wired and wireless connections, you can unlock the full potential of your printer and streamline your printing workflow. Remember to troubleshoot any issues you encounter and consider advanced network sharing options for even greater control and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I share my Brother printer with devices on different networks?
A: No, you cannot directly share a printer between networks. However, you can use a VPN or other remote access solutions to connect to a different network and access the printer remotely.
Q: Do I need to install drivers on every computer that wants to use the printer?
A: Yes, you will need to install the appropriate drivers for your Brother printer on each computer that you want to use it from.
Q: What if my printer doesn‘t show up in the list of available devices?
A: There are several reasons why your printer might not appear. Check your network connection, verify the IP address, ensure network discovery is enabled, and update your drivers. If you’re still having trouble, consult your Brother printer‘s manual or contact technical support.
Q: Can I share my Brother printer with a Chromebook?
A: Yes, you can usually share your Brother printer with a Chromebook. Chromebooks often support network printing, and you can typically add printers through the Chrome browser‘s settings. Make sure your printer is connected to your network and that you have the correct driver installed.
