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AlainDeMan's avatar
AlainDeMan
Follower
Dec 05, 2025

Printer behind ORBI not found

Dear friends,

 

I have a standard configuration, with a WiFi modem from my Telco provider in the basement, and an (RBR50) ORBI access point (set-up as Router) in my kitchen. Both have a different SSID. All works well, but my Epson app can't find my printer, even if I give it its IP address.  I read somewhere that the app sends an "mDNS/Bonjour" message to the printer(s) on the home-network, but that the ORBI might block this message ? How can I fix this ?

 

Thanks for your help & advise !

not listed

2 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 05, 2025

    Make sure the printer and the printers app on the mobile device are connected on the same network. Either on the ISP router or Orib router system. 

     

    If your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
    https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
    Couple of options,
    1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
    2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
    3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router.
    https://community.netgear.com/kb/en-orbi-knowledge-sharing/static-ip-address-configuration-for-ap-mode/2456256
    https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop 

    Try option #2 first...

     

    Be sure to contact the printer Mfr for additional help and support for there product. 

  • StephenB's avatar
    StephenB
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 05, 2025
    AlainDeMan wrote:

    All works well, but my Epson app can't find my printer, even if I give it its IP address.

    What model printer?  Have you tried both iPrint and Smart Panel?

     

    It's been a while since I used the RBR50 (currently I am using an Orbi 870), but I did (and still) have two epson printers on my network.

    • Epson iPrint discovers both printers
    • Epson Smart Panel doesn't find either.

    As FURRYe38​ says, you need make sure both devices are connected to the same network.  Also, guest won't work for this, as the wifi devices on guest are isolated by the router.