Printer goes offline until restarted

[corkycat]

My printer goes offline and I have to restart it to get it to print.  I have run the scan doctor and it shows everything is OK.  Everything was OK with this printer until my broadband provider replaced the router.  I don't know if those two events are related, but it is the only change that has occurred in my computer environment.  

I am not a very sophisticated user, so if I need to "install a new driver" or some such thing, please give me basic instructions.  Thank you!

[sabretooth04]

These settings are for setting up your wireless or wired printers to:

* Stay connected to your router
* Fix printer ‘offline’ status
* Wake from sleep mode
* Speed up wireless printing

While DHCP is convenient, devices such as printers (wired and wireless) should always be assigned a static (fixed) IP address manually to avoid conflicts on your wireless network and MUST be outside the DHCP address range of the router. This is because printers are the only external devices that do not have the ability to automatically interrupt the router for a new DHCP address once the least time expires.  Again, do not have the printers static IP within the DHCP range of the router as this is against Networking 101 rules and will confuse the router.

After setting the static IP, the computer(s) must be updated under Printer Properties/Ports to show a Standard TCP/IP port with the printers’ new static IP address.

1. Set a static IP in the printer outside the DHCP range of the router (check your manual).  This Static IP is important as DHCP IP addresses will change upon different power up sequences of your devices.  You always want your printer to come up with the same IP address all the time.  See how to do this here:

http://www.watchingthenet.com/linksys-tip-assign-static-ip-address-to-printer-while-using-dhcp-on-yo...

This is for Linksys routers but can be used for all routers. Verify your DHCP range and change this first if needed.  Then after setting the static IP in the printer, the computer(s) must be updated under Printer Properties/Ports to show a Standard TCP/IP port with the printers IP address.  

To see why this problem exists and how to fix it, watch this video here for Windows.   Scroll down for MAC information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEqvUKxWmq4

How to set a Standard TCP/IP port.  This is important.

a.    Click Start/Devices and Printers.  Right click on your HP Printer.  Select Printer Properties.  Select the Ports tab at the top.
b.    Select Add Port.  Select Standard TCP/IP Port.  Select New Port.
c.    Follow the Add Port Wizard.  Under Printer Name or IP Address, input the Static IP address you just set from the above information.  Example:  192.168.1.15.  The IP address will be copied under Port Name.  This is OK to leave this alone or you can put in your Printer Model.
d.    Select Next and Finish the Wizard.

If you create a TCP/IP port without a static IP above, you may lose your TCP/IP connection and have the same issue. This is because your network has powered up differently giving you a different DHCP address to the printer that does not match the TCP/IP address above.  This could occur at anytime just like the video shows.

For MAC PCs perform the above Static IP setting in the router and then watch here on how to perform your IP setting for MAC computers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5tNFjEBDOw

By performing the above, the printers Embedded Web Server (EWS) will now work all the time by going to your Printers Static IP address in your browser.  

2. Verify in the printer that 'Auto Off/Sleep/Energy Saving Mode' is disabled and/or the System Mode Time Out is set to zero (0) if your printer supports this.  Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by going to the printers IP address in your browsers address bar, click Settings Tab/Auto Off, or use the Printer Assistant, Printer Home Page (EWS). Also check your Printer Properties. This feature is automatically disabled when the printer is connected to a computer or mobile device, a network, or a fax line (if supported).   However, you may not find this setting.

3. If the printer supports and has IPv6 enabled, disable IPv6 in the printer.

4. Make sure printer is plugged directly into a wall outlet and not into a UPS, power strip or surge protector. This may cause the printer to intermittently drop offline and disconnect.

5.  Make sure your printer and router are at least 5 feet apart from each other.

6.  Check the HP web site for your printer to see if there is a Firmware Upgrade that affects the wireless operation.

Additional steps to be taken if you continue to have the problem (if they are posted)…

[corkycat]

Now THIS sounds like something I can do (with a little help from my friends) and it makes sense, since my router was recently replaced.  A million thanks for this clear, detailed set of instructions!

[corkycat]

Unfortunately, I could not get a simple answer from my broadband company who installed the router when I called to find the DHCP address range of the router.  The router is not a Linksys router.  It is made by Hitron.  I was told that the addresses number in the thousands etc. etc. and that if I had an IP address that was outside the address range the printer would not be able to find the router.  Hmmmm.  The best they could do was advise me to "add the printer to the router on the MAC ID list".  At this point I think I need to speak directly with someone who can solve this problem and have that knowledgeable person speak to the broadband tech folks directly if that is necessary.  Should I contact HP and (probably) pay for technical advice, or can you help me at this point?  

[sabretooth04]

Please call your ISP folks and tell them they are idiots as they know nothing about simple networking.    Sounds like you have a gateway device (modem + router combo), which are terrible for wireless connectivity. 

You gave no model number, but you can find the manual on the web and do it yourself.  Otherwise, call you ISP and tell them you want the DHCP in the router to be 192.168.1.100 through 192.168.1.150 (or 192.168.0.100 - 192.168.0.150)

This leaves you plenty of DHCP addresses and plenty of static IPs.  Suggest you set the printer to 192.168.1.10 (or 192.168.0.10).

If you can't do this you should put that gateway device in full bridge mode (makes it a simple modem only) and buy yourself a high quality router that you have full control over and connect it up to your modem. 

Sorry to be blunt here but ISP folks really don't have a clue about how things really work.

[sabretooth04]

This will probably do it for you...  do it yourself.

http://m.setuprouter.com/router/hitron-technologies/cgn2-rog/login.htm

[corkycat]

Thank you for this.  I am going to schedule a service call with my ISP provider, and if they cannot solve the problem, I will have this info.