What is TCP/IP?
Networks are able to function because computers, printers, and ot her devices are able to send data to each other,
either through cables or by using wireless signals. This transfer of data is mad e possible by sets of data transmission
rules called protocols. A protocol can be thought of as a language, and like a language, it has rules a llowing participants
to communicate with each other.
Different types of networks use different protocols, but Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) i s the
most popular. TCP/IP is used to send data over the Internet as well as ove r most corporate and home networks.
Because computers do not understand words and instead rely upon numbers for co mmunication, TCP/IP requires that
every device on a network using TCP/IP to communicate must have an IP address . IP addresses are essentially unique
computer names in a numeric format, used to transfer data around a ne twork. IP addresses allow TCP/IP to confirm
requests for and receipt of data by various devices on the network.
How do I locate IP addresses?
For Windows users
1Click , or click Start and then click Run.
2In the Start Search or Run box, type cmd.
3Press Enter, or click OK.
The Command Prompt window opens.
4Type ipconfig, and then press Enter.
The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.100.
For Macintosh users
1From the Apple menu, choose About This Mac.
2Click More Info.
3From the Contents pane, choose Network.
4If you are connected over a wireless network, choose AirPort from the Active Services list.

How to locate a printer IP address

•You can locate the printer IP address by viewing the printer net work setup page.
How are IP addresses assigned?
An IP address may be assigned automatically b y the network using DHCP. Once the printer is set up on a computer , the
computer sends all print jobs across the network to the prin ter using this address.
If the IP address is not automatically assigned, you will be asked during wireless setu p to manually enter an address
and other network information after selecting your printer from the available list.
Networking
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