How to Perform a Network Setup for Your Brother DCP-L2640DW

Setting up your Brother DCP-L2640DW on a network allows for convenient wireless printing and scanning from multiple devices. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of various network setup methods.

1. Using the Wireless Setup Wizard (Printer Panel)

This method utilizes the printer’s control panel to directly connect to your wireless network. This method is the most direct method using the printer itself.

1. Ensure your wireless router is powered on and broadcasting.
2. Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
3. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Network and press OK.
4. Navigate to WLAN and press OK.
5. Select Setup Wizard and press OK.
6. The printer will scan for available networks; select your network’s SSID (name) and press OK.
7. Enter your network’s password (case-sensitive) using the control panel buttons and press OK.
8. The printer will attempt to connect to the network. Wait for confirmation of a successful connection.

2. Using the Brother Mobile Connect App (Mobile Device)

The Brother Mobile Connect app simplifies network setup using your smartphone or tablet. This is a user friendly method that utilizes your mobile device.

1. Download and install the Brother Mobile Connect app from your device’s app store.
2. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same wireless network you wish to connect the printer to.
3. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to add a new printer.
4. The app will guide you through the network setup process, including selecting your network and entering the password.

3. Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) Push Button Method

WPS simplifies network connections with a single button press. This method requires a WPS-compatible router.

1. Ensure your wireless router supports WPS and has a WPS button.
2. Press the WPS button on your router.
3. Within two minutes, press the WPS button on the printer’s control panel (or follow the printer’s menu to initiate WPS).
4. The printer and router will automatically establish a connection.

4. Using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) PIN Method

If your router supports WPS PIN, you can use a PIN generated by the printer for network setup. This method also requires a WPS compatible router.

1. Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to Network, then WLAN, and select WPS PIN Code.
3. The printer will display an 8-digit PIN.
4. Access your router’s configuration page through a web browser.
5. Locate the WPS settings and enter the PIN displayed on the printer.
6. The printer and router will connect automatically.

5. Using a USB Cable (Initial Setup)

For an initial wired setup, a USB cable can be used to configure the wireless settings. This method requires a computer.

1. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Install the full driver and software package from the Brother website.
3. During the installation process, select the wireless network setup option.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your network and enter the password.
5. Once the wireless setup is complete, you can disconnect the USB cable.

6. Checking Network Connection Status (Printer Panel)

Verifying the printer’s network connection is essential for troubleshooting. This method checks the current network status directly on the printer.

1. Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to Network and press OK.
3. Select WLAN and press OK.
4. Select Infrastructure Mode and press OK.
5. Select Network Settings and press OK.
6. Check the displayed information to confirm the connection status, IP address, and other network details.

7. Using the Brother iPrint&Scan App (Mobile Printing)

While not a direct setup, the Brother iPrint&Scan app can confirm network connectivity. This app allows you to print and scan from mobile devices.

1. Download and install the Brother iPrint&Scan app from your device’s app store.
2. Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same wireless network as the printer.
3. Open the app; it should automatically detect the printer if it’s on the network.
4. Attempt to print or scan a document to verify connectivity.

8. Checking Router’s DHCP Client List (Router Interface)

Confirming the printer’s IP address on the router’s DHCP client list can verify a successful network connection. This method requires access to your routers web interface.

1. Access your router’s configuration page through a web browser (usually by entering 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in the address bar).
2. Log in with your router’s username and password.
3. Navigate to the DHCP client list or connected devices section.
4. Look for the Brother DCP-L2640DW in the list to confirm its IP address.

9. Manually Assigning a Static IP Address (Printer Panel)

For more advanced network configurations, manually assigning a static IP address can be beneficial. This method requires network knowledge.

1. Press the Menu button on the printer’s control panel.
2. Navigate to Network, then WLAN, and select TCP/IP.
3. Select IP Address and enter a static IP address within your network’s range.
4. Enter the subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server addresses.
5. Save the changes.

10. Reinstalling the Full Driver and Software Package (Computer)

If network connectivity issues persist, reinstalling the full driver and software package can resolve conflicts. This method requires a computer.

1. Uninstall the existing Brother printer drivers and software from your computer.
2. Download the latest full driver and software package from the Brother website.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions, selecting the wireless network setup option.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully connect your Brother DCP-L2640DW to your wireless network. If you encounter persistent issues, consult your router’s documentation or contact Brother support for further assistance.