HP9020e Keeps Showing Poor Wifi Signal Quality

[ram54csu74]

Hello,

I recently purchased an all-in-one HP 9020e series  printer ~30 days ago. At least once a day, the printer display screen says that my device is not close enough to my Wi-Fi router (which is only 7 feet away). Complete message:

"To improve the quality of the wireless connection, consider moving the printer closer to the router. 

NOTICE: Poor quality of the wireless connection might affect printer performance."

This results in both 1) lost connectivity with my Dell Latitude 5320 laptop (both connected by hardwire, printer cable via a Dell docking station and Wi-Fi) and 2) if this message occurs after hours, it will cause the printer to freeze up: power button no longer works and touchscreen display is inoperable. Here are the steps I have taken to remedy this issue without any success:

1. Print out a connectivity/network report and the system says I have the following results for Wi-fi> Signal Strength: Excellent and Signal Quality: Good connectivity, Connectivity>Connected: PASS and all other network and settings details show PASS or connected with no errors anywhere. Referenced HP article: https://support.hp.com/nz-en/document/ish_1997043-2952612-16
2. If this occurs for more than a few hours or overnight, the device buttons and touchscreen are typically frozen.
   1. REMEDY: unplug the device for 10 seconds to 3minutes to reset.  Device returns to normal and shows connected via laptop and mobile versions of the HP Smart App for approximately 10 minutes before displaying the "poor signal quality" message. 

I need help to deal with this annoying daily issue with an almost $300 device, just over 1 year old.

[Dragon-Fur]

@ram54csu74 

Welcome to the HP Community --

Some ideas...

• Check your router logs
• Make sure the router firmware is updated.  An old, weak, outdated router can result in odd connection behavior on one or more devices.
  
• Less likely for "sometimes" errors,  Check your Firewall Rules for anything that might trigger a "defense" by the Firewall security.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Dual Band Network - Considerations

Reminders 

If the printer supports it, connecting using Ethernet is generally a better choice.

Some printers, particularly older models, only support Wireless at 2.4GHz

Some printers support Wireless at both 5GHz and 2.4GHz – but not at the same time

Regardless, if the printer won't work or cannot connect to your 5GHz SSID named network, connect to the 2.4GHz network.

If you are running a Dual Band Network,

 Check that the router is set up to broadcast all frequencies it supports.

Next,

If your router supports it,

On your router:

 Create a separate SSID named network for each frequency supported by the router

 What?  Create one SSID named network for 5GHz and one SSID named network for 2.4GHz

and

 Connect the printer to the SSID network on the frequency / band you want it to use.

In general,

• 2.4GHz is less fussy about obstacles and supports a longer distance (separation) between router and device (printer)
• 5GHz is faster

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Example – EWS – IPv4

EWS > HP Document / How-to

Use the HP printer Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Ethernet

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wired (802.3) > IPv4 Configuration

Wireless

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > IPv4 Configuration

As Available:

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Advanced

Network Interface on / off, Network SSID name, Security Settings, Passphrase / Password

Select and connect to the correct SSID / network name for the bandwidth you are using.

Note:   It is not mandatory that you use a manual / static IP address.  Doing so can improve stability.

EWS_9025_Network_IPv4_Configuration_3

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Connection type - TCP/IP

Relevant to Windows

-------------------- --------------------

Method – Add printer using TCP/IP

Please try adding the printer using the printer’s IP address

Find the IP Address of the printer on the Printer Control / Display Panel (touch Wireless button)

Control Panel > icon view Devices and Printers

Click in the top ribbon, Add a Printer

Wait till the menu starts…
Select / Click The printer that I want isn’t listed
Select / Click Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname

Select / Click Next
Device Type > Select in Drop-Down Menu: TCP/IP Device

Hostname or IP Address > Enter the IP Address of the printer

(Skip Port Name)

Select / Click Next

Complete any additional information

-------------------- --------------------

Method - Create TCP IP port (InkJet Printer)

Method - Create / Change-to TCP/IP port

TCP/IP can resolve odd connection, scanning, and installation problems.

Create / Switch to a TCP/IP Port to facilitate communication and prevent ‘offline’ issues

Find the printer's IPv4 address

Print a Configuration Page

OR

Tap on the wireless icon on the Front panel of your Printer to get the IP address

Next,

Windows 11

Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Select Printer > Printer Properties

OR
Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers > Right-Click the printer > Left-Click Printer Properties

Tab Ports
Click Add Port

Select Standard TCP/IP Port

Select New Port and follow the instructions
Type in the correct IP address for the printer

Example - How-to “Create TCP Port” Contributed by greenturtle

Video: Create & Use TCP IP port
“Note that you can ALWAYS revert back to the original port that the HP software installed by selecting the HP port within the Ports tab (in Printer Properties)”

=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=

References / Resources / Examples

  EWS -

Open your Browser > Type / enter the Printer IP address into URL / Address bar

Tab Network > Wireless (802.11) > Wireless Band Frequency

HP Printer Home Page - References and Resources

Learn about your Printer - Solve Problems

“Things that are your printer”

When the website support page opens, Select (as available) a Category > Topic > Subtopic

NOTE: Content depends on device type and Operating System

Categories: Alerts, Troubleshooting, Ink & Paper, HP Software / Drivers / Firmware Updates , Setup & User Guides, Product Specifications, Account & Registration, Warranty & Repair

Open

HP OfficeJet Pro 9020e All-in-One Printer series  

Thank you for participating in the HP Community --

People who own, use, and support HP devices.

Click Yes to say Thank You

Question / Concern Answered, Click my Post "Accept as Solution"