Dell P513w 102, Eliminate Sources of Interference, Change the Channel the Wireless Router Uses

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ELIMINATE SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE

Common household items can potentially disrupt wireless network communications. Cordless phones (but not cellular phones), microwave ovens, baby monitors, almost any kitchen appliance, wireless surveillance equipment, nearby wireless networks, and any appliance containing a motor can disrupt wireless network communications.

Try turning on any potential sources of interference and see if it causes the problem. If it does, separate your wireless network from the device.

CHANGE THE CHANNEL THE WIRELESS ROUTER USES

You can sometimes eliminate interference from unknown sources by changing the channel your wireless router uses to broadcast. There are three distinct channels on a router. Check the documentation that came with your router to determine which three apply. Other channels are offered as options, but these overlap. If the router is configured to use the default settings, change the channel setting to use a different distinct channel. Refer to the manual that came with your wireless router if you are not sure how to change the channel.

CONFIGURE THE WIRELESS ROUTER WITH A UNIQUE SSID

Many wireless networks use the SSID that the router was originally configured by the manufacturer to use. Using the default SSID can cause problems when more than one network is operating in the same area with the same SSID. The printer or computer may attempt to attach to the wrong network, although it will appear to be trying to connect to the correct network.

To avoid this type of interference, change the SSID on your wireless router from the default. Refer to the manual that came with your router if you are not sure how to change the SSID.

Note: You must change the SSID on all of the other devices that access your wireless network if you change the SSID on the router.

ASSIGN STATIC IP ADDRESSES TO ALL DEVICES IN THE NETWORK

Most wireless networks use a DHCP server (dynamic host configuration protocol) built in to the wireless router to assign IP addresses to clients on the wireless network. DHCP addresses are assigned when they are needed, as when a new device is added to the wireless network or when it is powered on. Wireless devices must send a request to the router, and receive an IP address in response so they can function on the network. Because the router performs many other tasks besides assigning addresses, it sometimes does not respond quickly enough with an address. The requesting device sometimes gives up before it receives an address.

Try assigning static IP addresses to the devices in your network to resolve this issue. Static IP addresses cut down on the work your wireless router has to do. Refer to the manual that came with your router and your operating system documentation if you are not sure how to assign static IP addresses.

To assign a static IP address to the printer, do the following:

1Complete the wireless setup, allowing the printer to receive a DHCP address from a DHCP server on the network.

2Print a network setup page to see what IP address is currently assigned to the printer.

3Open a Web browser and then type the printer IP address in the address field. Press Enter. The printer Web page loads.

4Click the Configuration link.

5Click the TCP/IP link.

6Click the Set Static IP Address link.

Troubleshooting

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Contents Dell P513w Users Guide MayContents Copying ScanningTroubleshooting 104Safety information Minimizing your printers environmental impact About your printerThank you for choosing this printer Conserving energyFinding information about the printer Conserving inkRecycling Product Information Guide Understanding the parts of the printer UseAbout your printer Ordering and replacing supplies Ordering ink cartridgesReplacing ink cartridges Recycling Dell products Select Printer HomeUsing the printer control panel buttons and menus Using the printer control panelChanging the Power Saver timeout Sided/Eco-ModeChanging temporary settings into new default settings Saving paper and energy with Eco-ModeTo disable the settings timeout feature Resetting to factory settingsTo change the temporary settings into new default settings Using the printer control panel menusInitial Setup Complete appears on the display Software installed during printer installation Using the printer softwareUsing the Windows printer software Minimum system requirementsUsing the printer software Uninstalling the printer software Reinstalling the printer softwareChecking for software updates Installing the printer softwareLoading paper and original documents Loading paperSheets of heavyweight matte paper Saving paper default settings Loading original documents on the scanner glass Printing basic documents PrintingTips for printing Printing a documentPrinting pages in reverse order Printing multiple pages on one sheetIf the printer is using a USB connection Printing specialty documentsPrinting envelopes Printing labels Printing on custom-size paperTips on loading label sheets Using a memory card or flash drive with the printer Working with photosPrinting photos using the printer control panel Supported memory cards and file typesEditing photos using the printer control panel You canPrinting photos from a PictBridge-enabled digital camera Printing photos from a memory device using the proof sheet Printing photos from a digital camera using Dpof Bluetooth Dongle Connected appears on the display Setting the Bluetooth security level Printing from a Bluetooth-enabled devicePrinting on both sides of the paper duplexing Printing on both sides of the paper duplexing automaticallyPrinting on both sides of the paper duplexing manually Pausing print jobs Setting your printer as the default printerChanging the printing mode Changing the printing mode for a single print jobCanceling print jobs Resuming print jobsCopying Tips for copyingMaking copies Copying photos Copying an ID cardCopying a two-sided document Adjusting copy quality Enlarging or reducing imagesMaking a copy lighter or darker Collating copies using the printer control panel Repeating an image on oneMaking a duplex copy automatically Copying multiple pages on one sheetMaking a duplex copy Making a duplex copy manuallyCanceling copy jobs Scanning Tips for scanningScanning to a local or network computer Using the printer control panel Scanning to a flash drive or memory cardScanning photos into an editing application Using the printer software Scanning documents into an editing applicationScanning directly to e-mail using the printer software Scanning FAQHow can I improve the quality of a scan? What is an application list, and how do I update it? Canceling scan jobsWhy am I being asked for a PIN? How do I scan in black and white?Networking Installing the printer on a wireless networkWireless network compatibility Supported network security optionsPrinting a network setup Installing the printer on a wireless network Installing the printer on other computersInterpreting the colors of the Wi-Fi indicator light Assigning a static IP address Special wireless installation instructionsAdding the printer to your wireless network Before you beginCreating an ad hoc wireless network Advanced wireless setupChanging wireless settings after installation Windows VistaWindows XP Adding a printer to an existing ad hoc wireless network WindowsSwitching between USB and wireless connections Windows only Using the printer wirelesslyUsing the printer locally USB Sharing a printer in a Windows environment Prepare the computers to share the printerWhere do I find my WEP key or WPA passphrase? Networking FAQWhat is Wi-Fi Protected Setup? What is an SSID?What is a network? How are home networks configured?Wireless network examples Scenario 2 Wireless network with Internet access Why do I need an installation cable? How do I attach the installation cable?Characteristics How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks different?Finding the signal strength How can I improve wireless signal strength?Remove Obstacles Between the Access Point and the Printer Arrange the Network to Reduce Signal Absorption Remove Sources of InterferenceWhat is a MAC address? How do I find the MAC address?How to locate a printer IP address What is an IP address?What is TCP/IP? How do I locate IP addresses?What is a key index? How are IP addresses assigned?Checking ink levels Maintaining the printerMaintaining ink cartridges Aligning the printheadCleaning the exterior of the printer Cleaning the printhead nozzlesCleaning the scanner glass If Troubleshooting does not solve your problem TroubleshootingUsing the Service Center to solve printer problems Setup troubleshootingPrinthead errors Change the Language Using the Printer MenusIncorrect language appears on the display Remove and Reinsert the Printhead Software did not install Reconnect the Printer Power SupplyRemove and Reinstall the Printer Software Print job does not print or is missing pagesMake Sure the INK Cartridges are Inserted Correctly Printer is busy or does not respond Make Sure the Printer is not in Power Saver ModePrinter is printing blank pages Cannot delete documents from the print queueCannot print through USB Jams and misfeeds troubleshootingMake Sure the USB Port is Enabled in Windows Paper jam in the printerPaper jam in the paper support Paper jam in the duplex unitPaper or specialty media misfeeds Check Paper ConditionCheck Paper Loading Print troubleshooting Poor quality at the edgesStreaks or lines on printed image Print speed is slow Copy and scan troubleshootingComputer slows down when printing Maximize Computer Processing SpeedPoor copy or scanned image quality Copier or scanner does not respondScanner unit does not close Partial copies or scans of documents or photosScan was not successful Memory card troubleshootingMemory card troubleshooting checklist Scanning takes too long or freezes the computerReinsert the Memory Card Nothing happens when a memory card is insertedCannot print documents from a memory card or flash drive Check the Network ConnectionWireless troubleshooting Wireless troubleshooting checklistTurn the Wireless Access Point OFF and then Back on Resetting the wireless settings to factory defaultsCannot print over wireless network Disconnect from VPN SessionCheck the Wireless Signal Quality Make Sure Demo Mode is Turned OFFMove Your Access Point Away from Other Electronic Devices Check Your WEP KEY or WPA PassphraseCheck Your Advanced Security Settings Continue button is unavailable Wi-Fi indicator light is not lit Check PowerCannot print and there is a firewall on the computer Select the Wireless Printer Allow the Wireless Installation to CompleteEnable the Printer Select the Wireless PortWi-Fi indicator light is still orange Check Network NameCheck Security Keys Make Sure the Access Point is on Move Your Access Point to Minimize InterferenceCheck MAC Address Ping the Access Point to Make Sure the Network is Working Configure the Printer for Wireless Access Again Make Sure Your Computer can Communicate with the PrinterWireless print server not installed How to locate a printer IP addressMake Sure the Wireless Port is Selected 100Resolving intermittent wireless communications issues 101102 Change the Channel the Wireless Router UsesConfigure the Wireless Router with a Unique Ssid Eliminate Sources of Interference103 Check for Known Issues with the Wireless RouterCheck for Wireless Adapter Updates Change ALL Network Devices to the Same TypeIndex 104105 106 Dpof107 Ssid108 VPN