Re: Printer and computer are on different frequencies

mark5122 · ‎2019-02-11

I bought a wifi printer that only uses 2.4Ghz. The computer will connect to router using 5Ghz. The computer and router are on different frequencies, so the computer cannot see the router.

Is there a way to fix this?

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-02-11

The printer and PC will see each other even though being on different frequencies.

Make sure the driver is pointed to the correct IP address of the printer given by the router.

Set a IP address reservation for the printer ON the router.

Test printing from a wired PC as well.

What is the Mfr and model # of the printer?

What FW is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?

mark5122 · ‎2019-02-11

It is a Canon Pixma TR 8520 printer.

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-02-11

Ensure the drivers are up to date as well.

Review any printer setup installation manuals for setting it up with the driver.

Ensure the PC driver is pointed to the correct IP address given to the printer by the router.

Any wireless or wired device should be able to print to it regardless of frequency or connections.

CrimpOn · ‎2019-02-11

@Furrye38 is entirely correct. Even though the computer and the printer are on different frequencies, they can connect as long as the PC knows the IP address that the Orbi has assigned to the printer. Their radios do not "see" each other. Their radios talk to the Orbi and the Orbi transmits their data to where it needs to go. The trick lies in how the PC learns the IP address of the printer. What often happens is that the PC learns a printer is at a particular IP address, but then the printer gets a different IP address. Oh, dear. The printer is gone! You and I can plainly see, "It's sitting right there, stupid! Just where it's always been." But, the PC has no eyes. It has only an IP address to connect to, and that IP address is now an iPad, a Smart Plug, or maybe even nothing at all.

What I do (and what I believe Furrye38 does as well) is go to the Orbi web interface, Advanced->Setup->LAN Setup, and assign a specific IP address to the printer by ADDing the printer's MAC address into the Address Reservation table. Once the PC has "learned" this IP address, it will not change.

Chuck_M · ‎2019-02-12

Mark, did you check your printer to make sure it works properly on your network? If so, let us know.

If you still believe your printer cannot see your computer, you may have multiple wireless networks in your home that you were unaware of or you may have an cable modem/router combination that you need to disable the radio in.

Please follow up with us or mark this thread as resolved.