Breaking Barriers: How to Connect Brother Printer to WiFi Without WLAN – A Comprehensive Tutorial

Connecting your Brother printer to your Wi-Fi network is often a straightforward process. However, you might encounter situations where a direct WLAN connection isn’t possible. This could be due to your printer lacking built-in Wi-Fi, or perhaps your router doesn’t support the necessary connection type. Fear not, as this guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to connect your Brother printer to your Wi-Fi network without relying on a traditional WLAN connection.

Understanding the Basics: WLAN vs. Wi-Fi

Before diving into the methods, let’s clarify the difference between WLAN and Wi-Fi.

• WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): This refers to the physical infrastructure that enables wireless communication within a limited area, typically a home or office. It involves using a specific protocol (usually 802.11) for data transmission.
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity): This is a brand name for a set of standards developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance. It specifies how wireless devices communicate with each other using radio waves.

In essence, WLAN is the underlying technology that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect. However, not all printers come equipped with a dedicated WLAN module, which is necessary for direct connection via the standard Wi-Fi setup.

Method 1: Connecting via USB Cable

This method is a reliable option for printers that don’t have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It involves connecting your printer to your computer using a USB cable and then sharing the internet connection from your computer to the printer.
Steps:
1. Connect the USB cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into your printer and the other end into a USB port on your computer.
2. Install the printer driver: Ensure you have the latest driver software installed for your Brother printer. You can usually download this from the Brother website.
3. Share the internet connection:

• Windows: Go to “Control Panel” > “Network and Sharing Center” > “Change adapter settings.” Right-click on your active internet connection and select “Properties.” Click on the “Sharing” tab and check the box for “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s internet connection.”
• Mac: Open “System Preferences” > “Sharing.” Check the box next to “Internet Sharing.” Select your active internet connection from the “Share your connection from” dropdown. Choose “Wi-Fi” from the “To computers using” dropdown.

4. Configure the printer: Open the printer properties in your computer’s settings. Navigate to the “Network” or “Connectivity” tab. Select “USB connection” as the preferred connection type.
5. Test the connection: Print a test page to confirm that your printer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Method 2: Using a Wireless Router with USB Port

Some routers come equipped with a USB port that allows you to connect a printer directly. This eliminates the need for a separate WLAN module in your printer.
Steps:
1. Connect the printer to the router: Plug your printer into the USB port on your router.
2. Configure the printer: Use your router’s web interface to configure the printer connection. The specific steps may vary depending on your router model, but generally, you’ll need to select the printer from the connected devices list and configure its settings.
3. Test the connection: Print a test page to ensure that your printer is successfully connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Method 3: Utilizing a Wireless Print Server

A wireless print server acts as a bridge between your printer and your Wi-Fi network. It allows you to connect printers without built-in Wi-Fi to your wireless network.
Steps:
1. Connect the printer to the print server: Connect your printer to the print server using a USB cable.
2. Connect the print server to your Wi-Fi network: Follow the instructions provided with your print server to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. This usually involves using a web interface or a mobile app.
3. Configure the printer: In your computer’s settings, add the print server as a new network printer. The print server will then handle the communication between your printer and your Wi-Fi network.

Method 4: Connecting through a Smartphone App

Some Brother printers allow you to connect to your Wi-Fi network using a dedicated smartphone app. This method is often simple and straightforward.
Steps:
1. Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app: Download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone to your Wi-Fi network: Ensure that your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network you want to connect your printer to.
3. Launch the app and follow the instructions: The app will guide you through the process of connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network. This may involve scanning a QR code on the printer or entering your Wi-Fi network password.

Choosing the Right Method

The best method for connecting your Brother printer to Wi-Fi without WLAN depends on your specific situation and the capabilities of your printer and router.

• USB cable: This is the most reliable option for printers without built-in Wi-Fi.
• Wireless router with USB port: This offers a convenient solution if your router supports this feature.
• Wireless print server: This is a versatile option for connecting multiple printers or when your router doesn’t have a USB port.
• Smartphone app: This is often the easiest and most intuitive method for printers that support it.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter issues connecting your printer to your Wi-Fi network, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working properly.
• Restart your router and printer: A simple restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
• Verify your Wi-Fi password: Double-check that you are entering the correct password when configuring your printer.
• Update your printer driver: Outdated drivers can sometimes cause connectivity problems.
• Check for firmware updates: Update your printer’s firmware to the latest version to ensure compatibility.
• Try a different connection method: If one method isn’t working, try a different approach.

Beyond Wi-Fi: Exploring Other Connection Options

While Wi-Fi is the most common way to connect printers, other options exist:

• Ethernet cable: This offers a wired connection that is often faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
• Cloud printing services: Services like Google Cloud Print allow you to print wirelessly from any device without directly connecting to your printer.

The Bottom Line: Achieving Seamless Printing

Connecting your Brother printer to your Wi-Fi network without WLAN might seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and a little patience, you can achieve seamless printing. By understanding the various methods and troubleshooting tips provided, you can overcome any obstacles and enjoy the convenience of wireless printing.

Questions You May Have

Q1: Can I connect my Brother printer to Wi-Fi without a wireless router?
A: No, you need a wireless router to establish a Wi-Fi network. While some methods like USB connection share your computer’s internet connection, they still require a router to provide the internet access.
Q2: What if my printer doesn‘t have a USB port?
A: If your printer lacks a USB port, you can explore alternative methods like connecting through a network cable (Ethernet) or using a wireless print server.
Q3: Is it possible to connect my printer to a guest Wi-Fi network?
A: Yes, you can usually connect your printer to a guest Wi-Fi network. However, it’s important to check the specific instructions for your printer model and ensure that the guest network is configured appropriately.
Q4: Can I connect multiple printers to the same Wi-Fi network?
A: Yes, you can connect multiple printers to the same Wi-Fi network. However, make sure each printer has a unique name or IP address to avoid conflicts.
Q5: What if I’m still having trouble connecting my printer?
A: If you’re still facing issues, consult the Brother support website or contact their customer service for assistance. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your printer model and network configuration.