Lexmark Impact S305 User Manual

							Adding a printer to an existing ad hoc wireless network
Note: The printer can communicate on only one wireless network at a time. Configuring the printer for an ad hoc
wireless network will remove it from any other wireless network, either ad hoc or infrastructure, for which it is
configured.
For Windows users
1Click  or Start.
2Click All Programs or Programs, and then select the printer program folder from the list.
3Navigate to:
Printer Home > select your printer > Settings tab > Wireless setup utility
4Follow the instructions on the computer screen.
Note: Windows Vista computers may need to be reconnected to the ad hoc network after restarting.
For Macintosh users
1From the Applications folder in the Finder, or from the Finder desktop, double-click the printer folder.
2Double-click Wireless Setup Assistant.
3Follow the instructions on the computer screen.
Configuring the printer wirelessly using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a method of configuring computers and printers on a secure wireless network. WPS is
faster than manual configuration, and it reduces typing errors when new devices are added to a wireless network. The
SSID and WPA passphrase are automatically detected and configured for you. The printer supports WPS and can be
configured for wireless access using WPS. In order to use WPS to configure the printer, the wireless router must also
support WPS.
If you want to use WPS to set up your printer, then insert the CD and follow the instructions on the computer screen.
Notes:
To use WPS to configure the printer wirelessly, all of the devices on your wireless network must support WPS. If
any device on your network does not support WPS, then you must type the SSID and security information when
prompted.
If you are using the PIN method to add your printer using WPS, make sure you type all eight digits when you are
asked to enter your PIN.
Switching between USB and wireless connections (Windows only)
You can change the way you access your printer, depending on your needs. The following procedures assume that you
have configured your printer for one type of connection and that the printer drivers are installed on the computer. See
related topics on troubleshooting specific connection types if you encounter difficulties during configuration.
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							Using the printer wirelessly
1Click  or Start.
2Click All Programs or Programs, and then select the printer program folder from the list.
3Select Printer Home.
4Click the Settings tab.
5Click the Wireless setup utility link.
6Follow the instructions on the computer screen to set up the printer wirelessly.
Note: There is no need to remove the USB cable connecting the printer to the computer during wireless configuration.
Using the printer locally (USB)
1Attach a USB cable to the computer and to the printer.
2Wait a moment for Windows to locate the driver and finish setting up the printer.
Note: You can continue to use the printer wirelessly.
Switching between USB and wireless connections (Macintosh only)
You can change the way you access your printer depending on your needs. The procedures below assume that you
have configured your printer for one type of connection. See related topics on troubleshooting-specific connection
types if you encounter difficulties during configuration.
Switching to a wireless connection
1Close all open applications.
2Insert the installation software CD.
If the installation dialog does not appear after a minute, then click the CD icon on the desktop.
3Double-click Lexmark Extras > Lexmark Setup Assistant.
4Follow the instructions on the computer screen for configuring the printer wirelessly.
Note: There is no need to remove the USB cable connecting the printer to the computer during wireless configuration.
Switching to a local (USB) connection
1Attach one end of a USB cable to the USB port on the back of the printer. Attach the other end to a USB port on
the computer.
2Add the printer:
In Mac OS X version 10.5 to 10.6
a
From the Apple menu, navigate to:
System Preferences > Print & Fax > + > Default tab > select your printer
Note: Choose the printer that corresponds with your selected connection type (Bonjour or USB).
bClick Add.
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							In Mac OS X version 10.4 or earlier
a
From the Finder, choose Utilities.
bDouble-click Printer Setup Utility or Print Center.
cFrom the Printer List dialog, choose the printer you want to use, and then click Add.
dFrom the Printer Browser, select your printer, and then click Add.
3A second print queue will be created. Remove the wireless queue if you do not want to switch back to accessing
the printer over a wireless connection.
Sharing a printer in a Windows environment
1Prepare the computers to share the printer:
aMake all computers printing to the printer accessible through Network Neighborhood by enabling File and Print
Sharing. See the Windows documentation for instructions on enabling File and Print Sharing.
bInstall the printer software on all computers that will print to the printer.
2Identify the printer:
aOn the computer that is attached to the printer, do one of the following:
1Click , or click Start and then click Run.
2In the Start Search or Run box, type control printers.
3Press Enter, or click OK.
The printer folder opens.
bRight-click the name of your printer.
cClick Sharing.
dFrom the Sharing tab, select Share this printer or Shared as, and then assign a distinctive name.
eClick OK.
3Locate the printer from the remote computer:
Note: The remote computer is the one that is not attached to the printer.
aDo one of the following:
1Click , or click Start and then click Run.
2In the Start Search or Run box, type control printers.
3Press Enter, or click OK.
The printer folder opens.
bRight-click the name of your printer.
cClick Properties.
dClick the Ports tab, and then click Add Port.
eSelect Local Port, and then click New Port.
fType the Universal Naming Convention (UNC) Port name, which consists of the server name and the distinctive
printer name that was specified in step 2 on page 73. The name should be in the form \\server
\printer.
gClick OK.
hClick Close on the Printer Ports dialog.
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							iMake sure the new port is selected on the Ports tab, and then click Apply.
The new port is listed with the printer name.
jClick OK.
Sharing a printer in a Macintosh environment
1From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences.
2From the menu bar, click Help  System Preferences Help.
3In the Search field, type sharing the printer on a network, and then press return.
4To let other Macintosh computers on the network that use Mac OS X version 10.3 or later use any printer connected
to your Macintosh computer, double-click Sharing your printer with Mac OS X users.
or
To let Windows computers on the network use any printer connected to your Macintosh computer, double-click
Sharing your printers with Windows users.
5Follow the instructions on the computer screen.
Note: Windows users should see the Windows documentation for information on adding a network printer connected
to a Macintosh computer.
Networking FAQ
What is Wi-Fi Protected Setup?
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a simple and secure configuration that allows you to establish a wireless home network
and enable network security without requiring prior knowledge of Wi-Fi technology. It is no longer necessary to
configure the network name (SSID) and WEP key or WPA passphrase for network devices.
Note:  WPS only supports networks that communicate through wireless access points (wireless routers).
The printer supports the following methods in connecting to a wireless network:
Personal Identification Number (PIN)—A PIN on the printer is entered into the wireless settings of the wireless
access point.
Push Button Configuration (PBC)—Buttons on both the printer and the wireless access point are pushed within a
given period of time.
Look for any of these identifier marks to check if your wireless access point is WPS certified:
You can find these WPS logos on the side, back, or top of your wireless access point.
For more information on accessing the wireless settings and determining the WPS capability of your wireless access
point, see the documentation that came with the wireless access point or contact your system support person.
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							Where do I find my WEP key or WPA passphrase?
To find the WEP key or WPA passphrase for the wireless network, view the security settings on the access point or
wireless router. Most access points have a Web page that can be accessed using a Web browser.
You can also check the manual that came with your access point or router. If your access point or router is using the
default settings, you can find the information in the manual. If someone else set up your network for you, that person
or company may have included the information in the manual.
If you do not know how to access the Web page, or if you do not have administrator access to the wireless access point
on your network, and are unable to locate the information in the manual, contact your system support person.
What is an SSID?
A Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name that identifies a wireless network. All devices on the network must know the
SSID of the wireless network or they will not be able to communicate with each other. Usually, the wireless network
broadcasts the SSID to allow wireless devices in the area to connect to it. Sometimes, the SSID is not broadcast for
security reasons.
If the SSID of your wireless network is not broadcast, it cannot be detected automatically and will not show up in the
list of available wireless networks. You must enter the network information manually in this situation.
An SSID can contain up to 32 alphanumeric characters.
Where do I find my SSID?
You can find the SSID for the wireless network by viewing the settings on the access point or wireless router. Most
access points have a built-in Web server that can be accessed using a Web browser.
Many network adapters provide a software application that allows you to view the wireless settings of your computer,
including your SSID. Check your computer to see if a program was installed with your network adapter.
If you are unable to locate your SSID using either of these methods, contact your system support person.
What is a network?
A network is a collection of devices such as computers, printers, Ethernet hubs, wireless access points, and routers
connected together for communication through cables or through a wireless connection. A network can be wired,
wireless, or designed to have both wired and wireless devices.
Devices on a wired network use cables to communicate with each other.
Devices on a wireless network use radio waves instead of cables to communicate with each other. For a device to be
able to communicate wirelessly, it must have a wireless network adapter attached or installed that lets it receive and
transmit radio waves.
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							How do I find out what type of security my network is using?
You must know the WEP key or WPA passphrase and the type of security (WEP, WPA, or WPA2) used on the wireless
network. To obtain this information, see the documentation that came with your wireless access point (wireless router),
see the Web page associated with the wireless access point, or consult your system support person.
Note: The WEP key or WPA passphrase is not the same as the password for the wireless access point. The password
allows you to access the wireless access point settings. The WEP key or WPA passphrase allows printers and computers
to join your wireless network.
How are home networks configured?
For desktop computers, laptops, and printers to communicate with each other over a network, they must be connected
by cables and/or have wireless network adapters built in or installed in them.
There are many different ways a network can be set up. Four common examples appear below.
Note: The printers in the following diagrams represent printers with internal print servers built into them so that they
can communicate over a network.
Wireless network examples
Scenario 1: Mixed wired and wireless connections on a network with Internet access

All computers and printers connect to the network through a router with Ethernet and wireless capabilities.
Some computers and printers connect wirelessly to the router; others connect over a wired connection.
The network is connected to the Internet through a DSL or cable modem.
Internet
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							Scenario 2: Wireless network with Internet access

All computers and printers connect to the network using a wireless access point or wireless router.
The wireless access point connects the network to the Internet through a DSL or cable modem.
Internet
Scenario 3: Wireless network with no Internet access

Computers and printers connect to the network using a wireless access point.
The network has no connection to the Internet.
Scenario 4: Computer connected wirelessly to a printer without Internet access

A computer is directly connected to a printer without going through a wireless router.
This configuration is referred to as an ad hoc network.
The network has no connection to the Internet.
Note: Most computers can connect to only one wireless network at a time. If you access the Internet over a wireless
connection, you will lose Internet access if you are connected to an ad hoc network.
Why do I need an installation cable?
When setting up the printer on your wireless network, the printer will need to temporarily connect to a computer using
the installation cable. This temporary connection is used to set up the wireless settings of the printer.
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							The installation cable connects to a rectangular USB port on the installing computer and the square USB port on the
printer.
How do I attach the installation cable?
The installation cable attaches to a USB port on the computer and to the square connector on the back of the printer.
This connection allows you to configure the printer for a networked or locally attached installation.
1Attach the large, rectangular connector to any USB port on your computer. USB ports may be on the front or the
back of the computer, and may be horizontal or vertical.
2Attach the small, square connector to the printer.
3Continue following the on-screen instructions.
How are infrastructure and ad hoc networks different?
Wireless networks can operate in one of two modes: infrastructure or ad hoc.
In infrastructure mode, all devices on a wireless network communicate with each other through a wireless router
(wireless access point). Devices on the wireless network must have valid IP addresses for the current network and share
the same SSID and channel as the wireless access point.
In ad hoc mode, a computer with a wireless network adapter communicates directly with a printer equipped with a
wireless print server. The computer must have a valid IP address for the current network and be set to ad hoc mode.
The wireless print server must be configured to use the same SSID and channel that the computer is using.
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							The following table compares the characteristics and requirements of the two types of wireless networks.
InfrastructureAd hoc
Characteristics
CommunicationThrough wireless access pointDirectly between devices
SecurityMore security optionsWEP or no security
RangeDetermined by range and number of
wireless access pointsRestricted to range of individual
devices on network
SpeedUsually fasterUsually slower
Requirements for all devices
Unique IP address for each deviceYesYes
Mode set toInfrastructure modeAd hoc mode
Same SSIDYes, including the wireless access
pointYes
Same channelYes, including the wireless access
pointYes
We recommend setting up a network in infrastructure mode using the installation CD that came with the printer.
Infrastructure mode is the recommended setup method because it provides:
Increased network security
Increased reliability
Faster performance
Easier setup
Finding the signal strength
Wireless devices have built-in antennas that transmit and receive radio signals. The signal strength listed on the printer
network setup page indicates how strongly a transmitted signal is being received. Many factors can affect the signal
strength. One factor is interference from other wireless devices or other devices such as microwave ovens. Another
factor is distance. The farther two wireless devices are from each other, the more likely it is that the communication
signal will be weaker.
The strength of the signal received by your computer can also affect the connectivity of the printer with the network
during configuration. When you installed the wireless adapter in your computer, the adapter software probably placed
an icon in your system tray. Try double-clicking this icon, and it will tell you how strongly the computer is receiving the
wireless signal from the network.
To improve signal quality, remove sources of interference and/or move wireless devices closer to the wireless access
point (wireless router).
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							How can I improve wireless signal strength?
A common reason wireless printers fail to communicate over a network is poor wireless signal quality. If the signal is
too weak, too distorted, or blocked by an object, it cannot carry information between the access point and the printer.
To determine if the printer is receiving a strong signal from the access point, print a network setup page. The Quality
field indicates the relative strength of the wireless signal the printer is receiving. Drops in signal strength can be
intermittent, however, and although the signal quality appears high, it may drop during certain conditions.
If you think signal strength is a problem between your access point and the printer, try one or more of the following:
Notes:
The solutions below are for infrastructure networks. If you are using an ad hoc network, adjust the computer when
the solution suggests adjusting the access point.
Ad hoc networks have a much shorter range than infrastructure networks. Try moving the printer closer to the
computer if they seem to have trouble communicating.
MOVE THE PRINTER CLOSER TO THE WIRELESS ACCESS POINT/WIRELESS ROUTER
If the printer is too far away from the access point, it will not be able to communicate with other devices on the
network. For most indoor wireless networks, the maximum distance between the access point and the printer is
approximately 100 feet (30 meters). This distance could be longer or shorter, depending upon the layout of the
network and the limitations of the access point.
REMOVE OBSTACLES BETWEEN THE ACCESS POINT AND THE PRINTER
The wireless signal from your access point will pass through most objects. Most walls, floors, furniture and other
objects will not block the wireless signal. However, there are materials that are too dense for the signal to pass
through. Objects containing metal and concrete can block the signal. Arrange your printer and access point so that
the signal is not blocked by such objects.
REMOVE SOURCES OF INTERFERENCE
Other types of radio frequencies can cause problems with the wireless signal on your network. These sources of
interference can cause printing issues that seem to come and go. Turn off potential sources of interference where
possible. Avoid using microwaves and cordless phones when printing over your wireless network.
If another wireless network is operating in the vicinity, change the wireless channel on the access point.
Do not place your access point on a printer or other electronic device. Such devices can also interfere with the wireless
signal.
ARRANGE THE NETWORK TO REDUCE SIGNAL ABSORPTION
Even when the wireless signal is able to pass through an object, it is slightly weakened. If it passes through too many
objects, it can be significantly weakened. All objects absorb part of the wireless signal when it passes through them,
and certain types of objects absorb enough to cause communications problems. Place your access point as high in
the room as possible to avoid signal absorption.
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