Orbi 970 & Epsom Printer issue

[Golf747]

egHi all

I Have recently installed the latest Orbi 970 mesh sytem (replacing my ISP standard modem/router) . The main system installed with no issues and internet etc fine. Had a few issues with the NAS that was attached to the network but eventually it was sorted. The issue I have now is the Epsom stylus Office BX630FW printer. If the printer is connected to pc via USB lead all is fine. However, over wifi is a problem. I can not get the printer to conect over wifi on the original wifi network even though it has the sam ID and password. (everything else connects OK) It just fails to connect, However if I select a different wifi network being put out by the orbi (ie the wifi labelled IOT) which is a separate network. the printer connects to the wifi ok. On the orbi app it shows as connected. However the issue I have is that windows cant see the printer. Have tried all the normal reinstall printer etc. Windows just cant see it....was there before and worked fine ....I guess some sort of conflict bewtween PC and windows (10) and the orbi...any ideas

Regards

[FURRYe38]

Something to contact the printer Mfr about. 

Have them make sure your connecting PCs, Drivers and IP address configuration of the printer is setup correctly with in the printer driver. 

[CrimpOn]

Does this printer support the WPS connection method:

https://support.epson-europe.com/onlineguides/en/bx635_nwg/html/setpn_1.htm 

[Golf747]

printer doesnt support WPS unfortunately. Epson not helpfull, just say log in to the wifi...which its has done but I think Orbi is not letting it onto home network for users to see....can see it ok on orbi app/page, it is connected and is an 'allowed' item...

[plemans]

that printer was released in 2013. many new devices have issues with wpa3 that needed driver updates. Doubtful that epson would update its driver on something over a decade old. Probably why the IoT network works as its wpa2. 

[CrimpOn]

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@Golf747 wrote:

printer doesnt support WPS unfortunately. Epson not helpfull, just say log in to the wifi...which its has done but I think Orbi is not letting it onto home network for users to see....can see it ok on orbi app/page, it is connected and is an 'allowed' item...

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So weird. The setup instructions seem to claim that it supports WPS (on page 4):

https://download.epson-europe.com/pub/download/3285/epson328560eu.pdf 

@plemans comment about WPA3 is also interesting.  While WPA3 is "wonderfully secure", older WiFi devices are not capable of using WPA3, which is why most WiFi systems offer a combination WPA2/WPA3 mode (which means, "not really secure" at all)

[Golf747]

When I setup the orbi I changed the wifi ID & Password to the same as I had with the previous ISP supplied modum. All other devices connected without any issues (yes the are newer than the printer!!) The printer says it is detecting the wifi but fails to conect. I have tried a reset of the printer but still doesnt like the original wifi network for some reason. I then enabled the orbi IOT network and the printer picks it up and allows me to register it onto the wifi. If I go on the orbi app or control panel I can see the printer and the IP address etc under conncted devices. (it is also 'allowed' device) However when you try to find the wifi printer on windows (10) it is not discoverable....so as far as I'm aware even using wps setup that just gets the wifi link sorted....I think the orbi is blocking the printer from being seen by windows some how....

[FURRYe38]

What is the IP address given to the printer when connected to the IoT network? 

[JWS9518]

I agree with Plemens.  That printer has been discontinued and looks like it was made in 2013.  Older devices tend to struggle with the new wi-fi protocols, especially with a mesh network or router that combines the signals or manages them in some way.  

I suggest connecting the printer to the IOT network which utilizes 2.4 GHZ only and allows older devices or devices that can't handle a mesh network well to connect and work.

I would also check to make sure you have the latest drivers/firmware possible for the printer.  Even though it has been discontinued, you may be able to get updated drivers.

[JWS9518]

Most likely, the printer is just simply too old to handle the protocols surrounding the combined network including the security protocols around WPA3 and its combination WPA3/WPA2.

The IOT or guest network would be your best bet to get the printer to connect and stay online, even with the latest drivers that the printer has available. 

[Golf747]

Printer is connected to the IOT network (as asked in other post) Wouldnt connect to the normal network anyway.

IP address given to printer according to Orbi is 192.168.1.197

[FURRYe38]

Ok, did you set that IP address with in the printer driver on the Windows PC? 

The IoT network is not isolated from the main LAN or WLAN as NG wanted to ensure connectivity between IoT devices on the IoT Network and there supporting apps on devices connected to the main LAN or WLAN. 

[Golf747]

The IP address was assigned by Orbi. The only place I can see the printer is on the Orbi app on connected devices. I can’t see it at all on the pc printer settings. Can see the printer OK and use it if I plug it in to the PC with the USB cable….but over WiFi no sign of it on the pc. This why I think Orbi is blocking it somehow from showing on my home LAN/network. Used to be able to print from an iPad and mobile phones at home using the WiFi printer but as it’s not showing anywhere except the Orbi app …..

I have been to Epson and downloaded drivers and setup programme but it fails as it can’t find the printer!!

[FURRYe38]

Have you tried to install the printer manually in Windows by manually adding the printer using the Local printer, then selecting TCP/IP in the Add Printer path in windows? 

Then continue to navigate to where you have the driver for the printer in a folder or select from the pre listed Epson drivers. Something to contact your printer Mfr about that. 

[CrimpOn]

Another test with Windows is to open a Command window and 'ping' the printer.

My Epson printer has an IP address of 192.168.1.4, so in my case it looks like this:

ping 192.168.1.4

Pinging 192.168.1.4 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.1.4: bytes=32 time=8ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.4: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.4: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=64
Reply from 192.168.1.4: bytes=32 time=2ms TTL=64

Ping statistics for 192.168.1.4:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 2ms, Maximum = 8ms, Average = 3ms

[Golf747]

just retried that…windows fails says addition port info required….asks me to select device type…which I do (Epson network printer…the only close option)and then it says to select printer from the list…but only lists some adobe pdf converters…..then gives option of letting windows to look for a printer and just gets stuck on that….

[FURRYe38]

This printer seems to have a ethernet port on it from the specs. Can you connect it directly to the back of the RBR with a ethernet cable and try to install it?