Before using your Brother printer in a network environment, you must configure the TCP/IP settings. In this chapter, you will learn the basic steps required to print over the network using the TCP/IP protocol.
We recommend that you use the Brother installer application on the CD-ROM we have provided with the printer. By using this application, you can easily connect your printer to your network and install the network software and printer driver which you need to complete the network configuration. You will be guided by the on-screen instructions until you are able to use your Brother network printer. Please follow the instructions in the supplied Quick Setup Guide.
IP addresses, subnet masks and gateways
To use the printer in a networked TCP/IP environment, you need to configure the IP address and subnet mask. The IP address you assign to the print server must be on the same logical network as your host computers. If it is not, you must properly configure the subnet mask and the gateway address.
IP address
An IP address is a series of numbers that identifies each computer connected to a network. An IP address consists of four numbers separated by dots. Each number is between 0 and 255.
| • | Example: In a small network, you would normally change the final numbers. | • | 192.168.1.1 | | • | 192.168.1.2 | | • | 192.168.1.3 |
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Subnet mask
Subnet masks restrict network communication.
| • | Example: Computer 1 can talk to Computer 2 | • | Computer 1 IP Address: 192.168.1.2 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 | | • | Computer 2 IP Address: 192.168.1.3 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 |
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Note
| | 0 denotes that there is no limit to communication at this part of the address. |
In the above example, we can communicate with anything that has an IP address that begins with 192.168.1.X.
Gateway (and router)
A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network and sends data transmitted via the network to an exact destination. The router knows where to direct data that arrives at the gateway. If a destination is located at an external network, the router transmits data to the external network. If your network communicates with other networks, you may need to configure the Gateway IP address. If you do not know the Gateway IP address then contact your Network Administrator.
