The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is a versatile all-in-one color laser printer designed for small to medium-sized offices. Among its many features, the ability to connect to a wireless network is particularly useful, offering the convenience of printing from multiple devices without the need for physical connections. This comprehensive review will cover every aspect of connecting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW to a WiFi network, including setup steps, troubleshooting common issues, optimizing performance, and user experiences.
Table of Contents
1. Importance of Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity in printers provides several benefits:
- Convenience: Allows multiple users to connect to the printer without needing physical cables.
- Flexibility: Enables printing from mobile devices, tablets, and laptops from anywhere within the network range.
- Space-Saving: Reduces the clutter of cables and allows the printer to be placed anywhere within WiFi range.
2. Prerequisites for Connecting to WiFi
Before starting the connection process, ensure the following prerequisites are met:
- Wireless Network: A stable wireless network with a working router.
- Network Credentials: The SSID (network name) and password of the WiFi network.
- Printer Setup: The Brother MFC-L8850CDW is powered on and within range of the WiFi network.
3. Step-by-Step WiFi Setup Guide
The Brother MFC-L8850CDW offers multiple methods to connect to a WiFi network. Here’s a detailed guide for each method:
Method 1: Using the Control Panel
- Power On the Printer: Ensure the printer is powered on and the control panel is responsive.
- Access Network Settings:
- Press the “Menu” button on the control panel.
- Use the navigation keys to select “Network” and press “OK.”
- Select WLAN:
- Navigate to “WLAN” and press “OK.”
- Choose “Setup Wizard” and press “OK.”
- Search for Networks:
- The printer will search for available WiFi networks.
- Select your network (SSID) from the list and press “OK.”
- Enter Network Password:
- Use the keypad to enter the WiFi password.
- Press “OK” to confirm and connect.
- Connection Confirmation:
- The printer will attempt to connect to the network.
- A message will appear confirming the connection. Press “OK” to finish.
Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
- Ensure WPS Compatibility: Confirm that your router supports WPS.
- Initiate WPS on Printer:
- Press the “Menu” button.
- Navigate to “Network” > “WLAN” > “WPS” and press “OK.”
- Activate WPS on Router:
- Press the WPS button on your router within two minutes.
- Connection Confirmation:
- The printer will connect to the network and display a confirmation message.
Method 3: Using Brother Software
- Install Brother Software:
- Insert the installation CD that came with the printer or download the software from Brother’s official website.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the software.
- Connect to WiFi:
- Open the Brother software and select “Wireless Setup.”
- Follow the prompts to connect the printer to your wireless network.
4. Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW to a WiFi network is usually straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems:
Issue 1: Printer Not Detecting WiFi Network
Solution:
- Check WiFi Range: Ensure the printer is within range of the WiFi network.
- Network Visibility: Confirm that the network SSID is not hidden. If it is, manually enter the network details.
- Restart Devices: Restart both the printer and the router to refresh the network connection.
Issue 2: Incorrect Password
Solution:
- Double-Check Credentials: Ensure that the correct WiFi password is entered. Remember that passwords are case-sensitive.
- Re-enter Password: Use the control panel to re-enter the WiFi password carefully.
Issue 3: Connection Drops
Solution:
- Stable Network: Ensure your WiFi network is stable and not experiencing interruptions.
- Firmware Update: Check for and install any firmware updates for the printer.
- Interference: Reduce interference from other electronic devices and ensure the printer is not too far from the router.
Issue 4: Printer Offline
Solution:
- Check Printer Status: Ensure the printer is powered on and connected to the same WiFi network as your computer.
- Printer Settings: On your computer, go to “Devices and Printers,” right-click on the Brother printer, and select “Use Printer Online.”
5. Optimizing Wireless Performance
To ensure optimal performance of the Brother MFC-L8850CDW on a WiFi network, consider the following tips:
Network Configuration
- Router Placement: Position the router in a central location to ensure even coverage.
- Frequency Band: Use the 2.4GHz band for greater range or the 5GHz band for faster speeds and less interference.
- Network Congestion: Avoid heavy network usage during large print jobs to prevent slowdowns.
Printer Settings
- Sleep Mode: Adjust the sleep mode settings to ensure the printer remains responsive without consuming too much power.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check for firmware updates to keep the printer running smoothly with the latest features and fixes.
Print from Mobile Devices
- Brother iPrint&Scan: Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app on your mobile device to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
- AirPrint/Google Cloud Print: Utilize AirPrint for iOS devices and Google Cloud Print for Android devices for seamless printing.
6. User Experiences and Feedback
Real-world user experiences provide valuable insights into the WiFi connectivity of the Brother MFC-L8850CDW. Here’s a summary of feedback from various users:
Positive Feedback
- Ease of Setup: Many users find the WiFi setup process straightforward and appreciate the multiple setup methods available.
- Reliable Connection: Once connected, users report a stable and reliable connection with minimal dropouts.
- Versatility: The ability to print from multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, is highly valued.
Negative Feedback
- Initial Challenges: Some users encounter initial challenges with entering the correct WiFi credentials or dealing with network interference.
- Firmware Issues: A few users report issues with older firmware versions, which can cause connectivity problems until updated.
7. Advanced Configuration and Customization
For users with specific networking needs, the Brother MFC-L8850CDW offers advanced configuration options:
Static IP Address
Assigning a static IP address to the printer can prevent connection issues related to dynamic IP changes.
Setup:
- Access Network Settings: From the control panel, navigate to “Network” > “TCP/IP” > “IP Address.”
- Enter Static IP: Manually enter the desired static IP address, subnet mask, and gateway.
MAC Address Filtering
If your network uses MAC address filtering, you’ll need to add the printer’s MAC address to the allowed devices list on your router.
Find MAC Address:
- Print Network Configuration: Print a Network Configuration page from the printer’s settings to find the MAC address.
- Add to Router: Access your router’s settings and add the printer’s MAC address to the allowed list.
8. Connecting to WiFi via Mobile App
Brother offers a mobile app, Brother iPrint&Scan, that simplifies the process of connecting your printer to a WiFi network:
- Download App: Install Brother iPrint&Scan from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Connect to Printer: Open the app and follow the prompts to connect to the Brother MFC-L8850CDW.
- Configure WiFi: Use the app’s guided setup to connect the printer to your WiFi network.
9. Benefits of WiFi Printing for Businesses
For businesses, connecting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW to WiFi offers several advantages:
- Enhanced Productivity: Multiple employees can print from their desks without needing to share a physical connection.
- Mobile Workforce: Employees can print documents directly from their mobile devices, supporting a flexible and mobile workforce.
- Reduced IT Burden: Simplified connectivity reduces the need for extensive IT support and cable management.
10. Conclusion and Final Recommendations
Connecting the Brother MFC-L8850CDW to a WiFi network significantly enhances its functionality and convenience. Here’s a final summary and recommendations:
Summary of Key Points
- Multiple Setup Methods: The printer offers various methods to connect to WiFi, including using the control panel, WPS, and Brother software.
- Troubleshooting Support: Common connectivity issues can be resolved with straightforward troubleshooting steps.
- Optimized Performance: Following best practices for network configuration and printer settings ensures optimal performance.
- User Feedback: User experiences highlight the ease of setup and reliability of the WiFi connection, with occasional initial challenges.
- Advanced Options: Advanced users can benefit from features like static IP addressing and MAC address filtering for customized network configurations.
Final Recommendations
- Follow Step-by-Step Guide: Use the detailed step-by-step guide to connect the printer to WiFi, selecting the method that best suits your network setup and technical comfort level.
- Regular Firmware Updates: Ensure the printer firmware is up-to-date to benefit from the latest features and fixes, which can enhance wireless connectivity and performance.
- Troubleshoot Methodically: If issues arise, troubleshoot methodically using the provided solutions to resolve common connectivity problems quickly.
- Leverage Mobile Printing: Take advantage of Brother’s mobile printing solutions, such as Brother iPrint&Scan, AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print, for added flexibility and convenience.
- Optimize Network Configuration: Place the router centrally, use the appropriate frequency band, and minimize interference to maintain a stable and robust WiFi connection.