Printer can't get an IP address via unmanaged ethernet switch

[Spark55]

I have my printer connected to my router via a simple unmanaged ethernet switch. It cannot get an IP address via DHCP and the printer self assigns address 169.254.147.222. When I connect directly to the router there is no issues obtaining an IP address. All cables are okay as they have been tested directly between the router and printer with no issues. Other devices connected via the same switch have no issues with DHCP. My only option is to use a switch due to availability of ethernet ports near the printer location.

[Max3Aj]

@Spark55, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

It sounds like your HP OfficeJet Pro 8122e is having trouble obtaining an IP address via DHCP when connected through the unmanaged switch, but works fine when connected directly to the router. Here are a few steps you can try to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

Check the Switch: Even though other devices connected to the switch are getting an IP address, the printer might be encountering a specific issue with the switch. Some unmanaged switches may have problems with certain devices, particularly those with specific networking protocols. Try connecting the printer to a different port on the switch, or try a different switch if available.

Power Cycle the Devices: Try power cycling both the printer and the switch. Turn off both devices, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn them back on. This can sometimes resolve any DHCP issues that may have arisen.

Static IP Setup: Since the printer is self-assigning an IP address (169.254.x.x), you can try setting a static IP address on the printer. Access the printer's control panel or web interface (if accessible) and manually assign an IP address within the same subnet as your router. For example, if your router's IP address is 192.168.1.1, you could assign the printer an address like 192.168.1.100.

Check Router Settings: Ensure that the router is set up to allow DHCP requests from all connected devices. Sometimes routers have settings that limit or restrict DHCP requests from certain types of devices.

Update Printer Firmware: Ensure that the printer's firmware is up-to-date. Manufacturers occasionally release firmware updates that address networking issues, and your printer's firmware may have an update that could resolve this problem.

Switch Configuration: If possible, check whether the switch has any configuration settings (e.g., VLANs or MAC address filtering) that could be affecting the printer's ability to get an IP address. Since it's an unmanaged switch, it should typically not have any settings, but it's worth verifying.

Test with a Different Switch: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, test with another unmanaged switch or even a managed switch (if available) to see if the problem persists. Sometimes, switches behave differently with certain types of traffic or devices.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[Spark55]

I have tried several different switch ports, power cycling both devices and updating firmware. As it is a simple unmanaged switch, there is no settings to check or configure. I tried connecting the printer by unplugging the "uplink" from the unmanaged switch and connecting that to the printer directly (therefore bypassing the unmanaged switch and connecting directly to my core switch), and the printer gets an IP address no problem. This proves there is no issue with my network setup or DHCP in my router as the printer successfully obtains an IP address within my local subnet. Another switch is not available. I would like to avoid static IPs if at all possible. Please provide some further guidance as to what could cause this issue with the printer. No other devices have an issue when connected to the network in the same way as the printer. 

[ds10git]

I have exactly the same problem with a D-Link DGS-105 5 port switch. The first installation of the printer worked without a problem with that switch but after the firmware had been updated by the printer it stopped working. Using a Conrad 4 port switch it's working again.