Printer techniques - ADHOC connection

Introduction

When the printer is set to the Ad Hoc communication mode, the printer communicates directly with other wireless devices on the network without the use of a Wireless Access Point. Ad hoc networks are typically small and simple. For example, a simple Ad Hoc wireless network might consist of a laptop and a printer communicating directly with one another.

Figure 1: Ad Hoc network example

Setting up an ad hoc network

All devices on an ad hoc network must have the following settings:

Be in Ad Hoc Mode
Have the same Network Name (SSID)
Be on the same subnet
Be on the same channel
Have the same 802.11 security settings

NOTE:

If there are multiple HP Deskjet printers in the area, you may need to use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to change the default printer SSID to a unique SSID, and change the 802.11 configuration on the computer to match. For more information on using the EWS, see (c00202841) Changing Network Setting Using the Embedded Web Server (in English).

Step one: Setup the computer

Use the software that came with the 802.11 card to configure an Ad Hoc profile with the following settings:

Communication Mode : Ad Hoc
Network Name : hpsetup
Network Security : None

Step two: Insure the printer is set to 802.11 defaults

By default, these HP Deskjet printers have the following settings:

Communication Mode: Ad Hoc
Network Name: hpsetup
Network Security: None

If the printer is set to factory defaults, and the 802.11 profile on the computer matches these defaults, then you will automatically be associated in Ad Hoc Mode.

To insure that the printer is set to factory defaults, follow these steps to reset the printer to the factory default settings:

Verify that the printer is powered on.
Press and hold down the Report Page button.
While holding down the Report Page button, press the Cancel button three times.
Release the Report Page button.
Insure the Reports Page has the following settings:
- Wireless Status : Connected
- Communication Mode : Adhoc
- Network Name (SSID) : hpsetup
- Authentication Type : Open System
- Encryption : None

Step three: Install the printer software

NOTE:

This document uses a computer running Windows XP. Screens and instructions may differ slightly with other operating systems.

Insert the software CD into the CD drive. If the CD doesn't automatically run, perform the following steps:
1. Click Start , and then click Run .
2. In the Run box, click Browse , and browse to the CD drive.
3. Double-click Setup.exe .
When the Setup screen opens, accept the license agreement.
Select Wireless connection type .

Figure 2: Connect Type selection screen
If a Notice about Firewalls screen opens, click Next> .

Figure 3: Notice about Firewalls screen
If Windows XP Service Pack 2 is installed, a Windows Security Alert message may display stating that the Windows Installer program is blocked. Click Unblock .
If the Internet Sharing Configuration screen opens, click Yes .

Figure 4: Internet Sharing Configuration screen
Wait while the software searches for the printer.

Select Yes , to install the printer.

NOTE:

If there are more than one HP Deskjet printer in the area, check that the IP address on the screen matches the IP address on the Report's Page.

Confirm the settings and click Next> .

Figure 5: Confirm Settings screen
Click Install .
If you have chosen the typical installation, wait for the HP Image Zone software to install.
When the Finish screen opens, installation is complete. Click Finish to close the installer.