Lexmark X5650 User Manual

							Advanced wireless setup
Creating an ad hoc wireless network
The recommended way to set up your wireless network is to use a wireless access point (wireless router). A network
set up this way is called an infrastructure network. If you have an infrastructure network, you should configure the
printer for use on that network.
Note: The printer can communicate on only one wireless network at a time. Configuring the printer for an ad hoc
wireless network will keep it from working on any other wireless network, either ad hoc or infrastructure.
You can set up an ad hoc network if you:
Do not have an access point or wireless router
Do not already have a wireless network (but do have a wireless adapter for your computer)
Want to set up a standalone network between the printer and a computer with a wireless network adapter
In Windows Vista
1Click .
2Click Control Panel.
3Click Network and Internet.
4Under Network and Sharing Center, click Connect to a Network.
5In the Connect to a Network dialog, click Set up a wireless ad-hoc (computer-to-computer) network, and then
click Next.
6Follow the instructions in the “Set up a wireless ad hoc network” wizard. As part of the setup:
aCreate a network name or SSID for the network between the computer and your printer.
bWrite down the name of your network. Be sure to use the exact spelling and capitalization.
cGo to the Security Type list, select WEP, and then create a WEP key.
WEP keys must be:
Exactly 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A-F, a–f, and 0-9.
or
Exactly 5 or 13 ASCII characters. ASCII characters are letters, numbers, and symbols found on a keyboard
dWrite down the password for your network. Be sure to use the exact spelling and capitalization.
Windows Vista will enable the ad hoc network for you. It will appear in the “Connect to a network” dialog under
“Available networks,” indicating that the computer is configured for the ad hoc network.
7Close the Windows Control Panel and any remaining windows.
8Insert the installation software CD, and follow the directions for wireless installation.
Note: Do not connect the installation or network cables until instructed to do so by the setup software.
9When the available networks are displayed, provide the network name and the security information you created
in step 6. The installer will configure the printer for use with your computer.
10Store a copy of your network name and security information in a safe place for future reference.
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							In Windows XP
1Click Start.
2Click Control Panel.
3Click Network and Internet Connections.
4Click Network Connections.
5Right-click the icon for your wireless network connection.
6Click Enable, if it appears in the pop-up menu.
Note: If Enable does not appear, your wireless connection is already enabled.
7Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon.
8Click Properties.
9Click the Wireless Networks tab.
Note: If the Wireless Networks tab does not appear, your computer has third-party software that controls your
wireless settings. You must use that software to set up the ad hoc wireless network. For more information, see
the documentation for the third-party software to learn how to create an ad hoc network.
10Select the Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings check box.
11Under Preferred Networks, delete any existing networks.
aSelect the network to be removed.
bClick Remove to delete the network from the list.
12Click Add to create an ad hoc network.
13In the Network Name (SSID) box, type the name you want to give your wireless network.
14Write down the network name you chose so you can refer to it when running the wireless setup. Be sure to use
the exact spelling and capitalization.
15If Network Authentication appears in the list, select Open.
16In the “Data encryption” list, select WEP.
17If necessary, clear the “The key is provided for me automatically” check box.
18In the Network Key box, type in a WEP key.
19Write down the WEP key you chose so you can refer to it when running the wireless setup. Make sure you copy
it down exactly, including any capital letters.
20In the “Confirm network key” box, type the same WEP key.
21Select This is a computer-to-computer (ad hoc) network; wireless access points are not used.
22Click OK twice to close the two open windows.
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							23It may take a few minutes for your computer to recognize the new settings. To check on the status of your network:
aRight-click the Wireless Network Connections icon.
bSelect View Available Wireless Networks.
If the network is listed but the computer is not connected, select the ad hoc network and then click
Connect.
If the network does not appear, wait a minute and then click Refresh network list.
24Insert the installation software CD, and follow the directions for wireless installation.
Note: Do not connect the installation or network cables until instructed to do so by the setup software.
25When the available networks are displayed, provide the network name and the security information you created
beginning in step 13. The installer will configure the printer for use with your computer.
26Store a copy of your network name and security information in a safe place for future reference.
In Windows 2000
Refer to the documentation that shipped with your wireless network adapter for information on configuring an
ad hoc network with Windows 2000.
For Macintosh users
1Create a network name.
In Mac OS X version 10.5
a
From the Finder desktop, click  ΠSystem Preferences.
bClick Network.
cClick AirPort.
In Mac OS X version 10.4 and earlier
a
From the Finder desktop, click  Go ΠApplications.
bFrom the Applications folder, double-click Internet Connect.
cFrom the toolbar, click AirPort.
2From the Network menu, click Create Network.
3Create a name for the ad hoc network, and then click OK.
Note: Store the network name and password in a safe place for future reference.
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.
Using Windows
1Do one of the following:
In Windows Vista, click .
In Windows XP and earlier, click Start.
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							2Click All Programs or Programs, and then select the printer program folder from the list.
3Click Lexmark Wireless Setup Utility.
4Follow the instructions on the Welcome screen.
Using Macintosh
1From the Finder desktop, double-click the printer folder.
2Double-click Lexmark Wireless Setup Assistant.
3Follow the instructions on the Welcome screen.
Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) is a method of configuring devices on a secure wireless network using fewer steps than
in most other methods. The printer supports WPS and can be configured for a wireless access using WPS. In order to
use WPS to configure the printer, the wireless router must support WPS.
Using a WPS-capable router
If your router supports WPS, you can add the printer to your wireless network using the method supported by your
router. Refer to your router documentation for instructions.
Using Windows Vista
For information on using Windows Vista to set up the printer using WPS, refer to the documentation that came with
the operating system.
Note: Lexmark recommends that you use the installation software on the CD that shipped with the printer to
configure it for wireless access.
Frequently asked questions
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 built-in Web server that can be accessed using a Web browser. If you do
not know how to access the built-in Web server, or if you do not have administrator access to the wireless access
point on your network, 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.
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							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 print server attached or installed that lets it receive and
transmit radio waves.
What types of wireless network security are available?
The wireless printer supports four security options: no security, WEP, WPA, and WPA2.
No Security
It is not recommended to use no security at all on a home wireless network. Using no security means that anyone
within range of your wireless network can use your network resources—including Internet access, if your wireless
network is connected to the Internet. The range of your wireless network may extend far beyond the walls of your
home, allowing access to your network from the street or from your neighbors’ homes. Ad hoc networks, which do
not use wireless access points or routers, may be safely used without security. The range of an ad hoc network is very
short, making unauthorized access unlikely.
WEP
WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) is the most basic and the weakest type of wireless security. WEP security relies on
a series of characters called the WEP key.
Every device on the wireless network must use the same WEP key. WEP security can be used on both ad hoc and
infrastructure networks.
A valid WEP key has:
Exactly 10 or 26 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A-F, a-f, and 0-9
or
Exactly 5 or 13 ASCII characters. ASCII characters are letters, numbers, punctuation, and symbols found on a
keyboard.
WPA and WPA2
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) offer stronger wireless network security than WEP.
WPA and WPA2 are similar types of security. WPA2 is a newer version of WPA and is more secure than WPA. Both
WPA and WPA2 use a series of characters, called the WPA pre-shared key or passphrase, to protect wireless networks
from unauthorized access.
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							A valid WPA passphrase has:
From 8 to 63 ASCII characters. ASCII characters in a WPA passphrase are case-sensitive.
or
Exactly 64 hexadecimal characters. Hexadecimal characters are A-F, a-f, and 0-9.
Every device on the wireless network must use the same WPA passphrase. WPA security is an option only on
infrastructure networks with wireless access points and network cards that support WPA. Most newer wireless
network equipment also offers WPA2 security as an option.
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. Five common examples appear below.
Note: The printers in the following diagrams represent printers with internal print servers built in to them so that
they can communicate over a network.
Wired network example
A desktop computer, a laptop, and a printer are connected by Ethernet cables to a hub, router, or switch.
The network is connected to the Internet through a DSL or cable modem.
Internet
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							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
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
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							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 connect 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.
The installation cable connects to a rectangular USB port on the installing computer and the square USB port on the
printer.
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							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 connect to 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 connects directly to a printer equipped with a wireless
print server. There is no wireless router or access point in an ad hoc network. 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
Same SSIDYes, including the wireless access
pointYes
Lexmark recommends 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 offers:
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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