M454DW WiFi Not Staying Connected

[DonaldFisher]

I have an issue similar to this one from November 2019, which was never really answered:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/LaserJet-Printing/Printer/m-p/7304398#M381846

I set up the printer to connect to my network and it works (stays connected) for several hours or even a full day but no more than one full day.  Every morning it is disconnected, which requires that it be powered down and back on, after which the WiFi reconnects.  This is not an acceptable situation and I would very much appreciate a remedy.  The device's firmware is up to date.  Any help would be much appreciated.

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

From the printer menu select Self Diagnostics and then Run Wireless Test.

Please share the test via a private message, so I may review any possible cause.

Shlomi

[ShlomiL]

Thanks for the information @DonaldFisher!

Could you please click Setup > Report > Configuration Page and let me know the exactly listed Firmware Datecode or version on your printer?

Additionally, how far is the printer located away from your router? I suggest making sure it is located nearby, but not closer than 2 meters away which may cause alternate connection drops.

Additionally, I suggest changing your router channel to use channel 6 or 12 and check if that may make any difference.

Shlomi

[Repairatrooper]

This may be related to your wireless router. Most smaller HP printers do not support 5Ghz wireless connections only 2.4 Ghz (802.11 b/g/n). Most newer routers supplied by internet companies offer both 5 Ghz and 2.4 Ghz channels. The problem is out of the box the SSID of both frequencies is the same. They do this to offer seamless transition from one to the other if one signal is weaker or blocked. The printers will try to connect to the 5Ghz signal but cannot communicate. The solution is the apply a different SSID to the 2.4hz channel and set the printer to only connect to that SSID.

[DonaldFisher]

Repairatrooper, Thank you for taking the time to respond as it is very much appreciated. This printer is capable of connecting to both the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz bands; however, it is currently configured to use only 2.4Ghz. The router already has two SSIDs; one for each band. One thing I have not yet attempted is to connect the printer to the 5Ghz band; I will give that a shot and see what happens.

[Repairatrooper]

I see the soec sheet states 5Ghz but in the list of wireless protocols it only shows the 2.4 standards being 802.11 b/g/n. Not ac, so I would be slightly suspicious of the 5Ghz support.

[DonaldFisher]

Hello ShlomiL and thank you for again responding!  I printed the Configuration Page but it contained no firmware information; I then printed a Printer Status Report that did have this information:

Firmware Version:  SHMNTOXXXN002.2002B.00

I did change the router channel to 6 and will monitor to see if it makes a difference.  The printer is approximately 20-25 feet; unfortunately, I need to keep the printer where it is...if the problem is the distance I may just need to live with powering down the printer and powering it back up to use it.

[DonaldFisher]

Hello Repairatrooper and thank you again for responding.  Under Wireless Settings there is a switch to enable the 5Ghz frequency; whether that is using the 802.11ac standard or 802.11n, I am unsure.  I will connect the printer to the 5Ghz band if changing channels on the 2.4Ghz band and other troubleshooting attempts do not work out.

[ShlomiL · Accepted solution]

Clarifying regarding my previous post, I meant to say to set channel 6 or 11 and just realized I had a typo, I didn’t meant to write 12... sorry for that.

Additionally, I do suggest to try moving the printer closer to the router, even temporarily for testing purposes, so you may know this is not the cause for sure.

I do see that the printer doesn’t see any network from your second report, and not only your own network, this can likely occur due to the wireless environment affecting the printer, bit from other reasons too, therefore I suggest testing it as possible, to deny any possible cause.

Cheers,

Shlomi

[DonaldFisher]

Hello again ShlomiL and thank you for continuing to help me with this. I have set the router to channel 6; again the printer did not maintain a connection. I have since set the router to channel 11 and will wait to see if it maintains a connection. If not, I will attempt the following report status as able:

- Turn on printer's 5Ghz option and connect to router's 5Ghz band

- Place printer closer to router and again connect to 2.4Ghz band

I am open to other suggestions as well; looking forward to getting this printer to stay connected via WiFi!