Finding the signal strength

Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the printer network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect the signal strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens. Another factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the communication signal will be weaker.

The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably placed an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is receiving the wireless signal from the network.

To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access point (wireless router).

What is an SSID?

A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name that identifies a wireless network. All devices on the network must know the SSID of the wireless network or they will not be able to communicate with each other. Usually, the wireless network broadcasts the SSID to allow wireless devices in the area to connect to it. Sometimes, the SSID is not broadcast for security reasons.

An SSID can contain up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

How do I find out what type of security my network is using?

You must know the security key and security mode to properly set up the printer for use on the wireless network. To obtain this information, see the documentation that came with your wireless access point (wireless router), see the Web page associated with the wireless access point (wireless router), or consult your system support person.

Note: The network security key is not the same as the password for the wireless access point (wireless router). The password allows you to access the wireless access point (wireless router) settings. The security key is a WEP key or WPA passphrase that allows printers and computers to join your wireless network.

Can I use my printer on a USB and a wireless connection at the same time?

The printer can be configured in the following ways:

•Locally-attached (connected to a computer using a USB cable)

•Wireless network

•Wireless network and locally-attached simultaneously

If you want to use the printer as both a wireless and locally-attached printer at the same time, you will need to run the setup software again and select the additional connection type.

What is a MAC address?

A MAC address, or Media Access Control address, is a 48-bit identifier associated with the hardware of network equipment. The MAC address may also be called the physical address because it is connected to the hardware of a device instead of its software. The MAC address is displayed as a hexadecimal number in this format: 01-23-45-67-89- AB.