Wireless connection HP Office Jet Pro 8600

[gk804]

OK, my OfficeJet Pro 8600 computer was having issues when I tried to connect to my T-Mobile wireless internet router.  I had created a separate subnetwork for the printer for whatever reason, I got the printer signed into the network and it worked, sort of for a while.  Then I had issues where I had to sometimes, not always, turn the printer back off and then back on so that it would print.  So I did some reading on the subject and realized the printer should be connected to the same network as the computer and i eliminated the "subnetwork".  Well, the printer would not sign into the main wireless network.  I reset the printer network defaults, checked to make sure all the drivers were up to date.

The wireless network test results failed the no filtering.  I finally connected the printer to the router using an ethernet cable and things are working fine.  Problem is, in order to connect it to the router, I had to put the printer upstairs which is not very convenient.  I feel like I am overlooking a simple fix, I just can't see it.  Have worked on computers for years and know that the easiest fixes can be overlooked when frustrated.  So here I am, asking for someone to point the way.  Thanks.

BTW, I used HP Smart, Print and Scan Doctor, and Support Assistant to no avail.

[BeemerBiker]

I am guessing you have a second router or wifi booster that you put the printer on.  If so, it needs to be an access point, not a router as discussed here.

It is also possible you have a single router and it can create multiple subnets.

In either of the above two cases, I am guessing that the IP address of the printer has changed.  Alternatly, the printer went to sleep and the router cannot wake it up and turning if off and back on fixes the sleep problem.

See if you can disable sleep on the printer.

Another thing to try is to ensure that the PC always has the correct IP address by using its Host name or making the IP address fixed.  Fixed IP addresses for printers need to be used in flex systems (multiple WiFi boosters)

If the IP4 address of your printer is 192.168.1.120 then get its hostname and use that instead of the IP4 address

The printer needs to be online and you need to obtain the hostname. You can do this from the printer by asking for a network or status report. If the hostname is not listed then there should be an IP4 address. If the IP4 address is 192.168.1.120 then you can obtain the hostname using the windows administrator command prompt and entering the following command.

nslookup 192.168.1.120

The hostname "NPI40CB07.attlocal.net" can be used to access the printer even if the IP address of the printer changes.

In windows 11 use the "add a printer manually" and select the TCP/IP not IPP after clicking next.

Alternately, bring up printers and scanners, find your printer, and edit the existing IP4 address to use the hostname of the printer.

[gk804]

Thanks for the info, am going to be tied up over the next few weeks, but this looks promising.  At least I won't tackle the job frustrated and tired next time  🙂 As soon as I try it out, I will post a success/failure post for others.