Why you can't connect a wireless printer to a network requesting additional security and information

[sabretooth04]

Updated -  Updated information because some readers thought this would work with Enterprise logon credentials.   Your simple home wireless printer will not work with a Enterprise network as it does not have the ability to answer authentication questions.

Updated -  This is why Instant Ink will not work because the printer needs to connect to the Internet.

This information is for most networks that use a standard WPA2 encryption and you want to connect your wireless printer to a hotel/motel or maybe a school network with just a simple SSID.  

First things first.  You never want to connect your wireless printer to a public network.  If you do, others will find it on the network and start to print nice large color files that use up your paper and ink.  Why?  Because that's what collage kids like to do. 

If the network is using a simple Browser page redirect to ask a question (after connecting to the SSID), 'Room number?' or 'School ID?' or Username/Password, this will work for your computer but not a printer since it can not answer these questions.

What you need to do is to create a Private LAN to connect your computer and printer to so it will be totally safe and secure.  

Just follow the information here to make your wireless printer work anywhere.

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Printer-Networking-and-Wireless/Connect-your-wireless-printer-when-away...

Be aware that the device mentioned WR-702N will not connect wirelessly to an Enterprise network either since it has no browser function and cannot answer any questions.   However it can connect through wired Ethernet to become a private LAN.  It can  connect wirelessly to a simple WPA2 SSID just like a simple Guest Network.

If you have an Ethernet connection in your room, connect this to the WR-702N and your wireless printer to the WR-702N also.  Now you can print and surf just fine on your private LAN.

This will allow you to print locally with your private LAN but the printer will NOT connect to the Internet if you need anything like Instant Ink.

NOTE -  If you need Instant Ink, create a hot spot on your cell phone and connect your wireless printer to that at least twice a month to send Instant Ink information.

Enterprise authentication is usually  found in the corporate world and school networks but may also be found in hotels/motels. 

Connect via USB cable for security.

[TreyRunnion]

Thanks..........I appreciate the comprehensive answer.