slow access to embedded web server for laserjet pro MFP M281fdw

[KLC2]

I just bought a new MFP M281fdw at Costco and I'm having many problems connecting my devices.  I'm using wireless connectivity and sometimes laptops connect, sometimes they don't, sometimes the printer is there, sometimes it isn't. I have many questions, few answers, but right now just a simple question.

As I've searched for solutions I came across accessing the printer through the embedded web server and making sure that the printer is not set for just 2.4gHz bandwidth.  I type in the IPv4 address in my Chrome browser, immediately the laser jet product name is displayed in the address bar, but then I get a blank window with the spinning cursor.  This will happen for 5-20 minutes, it never times out, and then finally I'll get the printer page.  But that is just the home page, if I want to access another section, say networking, the window goes blank, the cursor spins for 5-20 more minutes and then I sometimes get an unformatted page of text and once I got the formatted networking tab. But when I clicked on a submenu in that tab I get a blank window, a spinning cursor and then it times out after 10-15 seconds, reloading does nothing, it always times out.  So I can rarely get past the home page and even getting there is an ordeal, and I can never get to any submenu item to access the settings I need.  Any suggestions or help getting embedded web server access for my printer?

[KLC2]

I have also tried this with Internet Explorer with the same results.

[KLC2]

I have also tried the search function and have even found some promising results but when I click on them I get an internal error message every time for every search result.

[Repairatrooper]

The advice regarding 2.4 ghz may not be correct for this model. I say this because although this device does support 5  ghz wireless it only supports the older "N" protocol and we have found many customers with issues related to the printer being incompatible with newer 5Ghz "AC" protocol wireless. Our most successful resolution has been to apply a different SSID to the 2.4 and 5 Ghz channels on your router and force the printer to only connect to the 2.4 Ghz channel.

[ShlomiL]

Hi,

Such slowness usually occurs due to the wireless network conditions.

How far is the printer located away from your router?

From the printer click the Setup menu and select Self Help, then print a Wireless Test Report.

Can you see any error or alert indicated by the report?

How is the listed wireless quality and what channel is used?

[KLC2]

Repairatrooper, thanks for your quick reply.  Although I think I'm pretty knowledgeable about PCs I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to networking.  I've got a few questions.

1. The printer settings has the option to choose 2.4gHz only, 5gHz only and both frequencies together.  Right now it is set for both.  If I select 2.4gHz only in the menu will that be sufficient to force it to only connect with 2.4gHz without changing SSIDs?

2. Do I access my router via web browser to change the SSIDs?  I did that last night and didn't see a place where I could change names, but like I said, this is new territory for me and I've probably overlooked something.

Thanks again for the help

[KLC2]

ShlomiL, thank you for responding.  Yes, the printer and our router are at opposite ends of the house, but it's not a big house, 2000 sq ft. They are probably 40 feet apart.  I printed the wireless test report and the network summary report.  The test report reports very good signal strength and no errors.  It reports channel 11 being used. 

Under Troubleshooting it does mention that "more than one access point/router has been found that matches your wireless network's name (SSID)." Is that because my 2.4gHz and 5gHz signals are both named the same thing? I can't think of what else could be named the same, we only have one physical router in the house.

If it is a signal strength issue what are my options?  The printer is now next to the PC, I could move it next to the router although that would be a little inconvenient.  Are there signal boosters I can buy?  Like I said, I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to networking and I don't know what is out there to help me solve this.

Thanks again for responding and helping me out.