How do I set up a mini-network between my printer and my computer?

Sometimes, certain printer features are only available when connected to the printer through TCP/IP.

If security policies in your company do not allow to connect the printer to the corporate network, you can set up a mini-network by connecting you printer directly to your computer, using a crossed UTP cable instead of a USB cable.

1. Configuring your printer

Set your printer's the IP address to 192.168.100.1 and the subnet mask to 255.255.255.0. (Refer to your printer's user manual on how to configure the network settings).

2. Configuring your computer

Using a Macintosh:

  1. Go to System Preferences
  2. Go to Network -> Built-in Ethernet and set the IP Address to 192.168.100.2 and the Subnet Mask to 255.255.255.0
  3. Click "Apply"
  4. Close the System Preferences

Using Windows:

  1. Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Local Area Connection.
  2. Right mouse click on "Local Area Connection", and select "Properties". The "Local Area Connection Properties" dialog box shows up.
  3. Check "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)".
  4. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" and click the Properties button. The "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties" dialog box shows up.
  5. Check "Use the following IP address". Enter "192.168.100.2" in the IP address field. Enter "255.255.255.0" in the subnet mask field.
  6. Click the OK button to close the "Local Area Connection Properties" dialog box.
  7. Click the Close button to close the "Local Area Connection Properties" dialog box.

You have now set up a mini-network between your computer and your printer.