ENUS26202Cannot print over network; Communication test; Confirm network connectivity; Verify valid IP address; Check packet loss; Overview
A ping is a low-level network connectivity and communication test that verifies that an IP address is in use. This article outlines the various methods for performing a ping test in different operating system (OS) environments.
NOTE: This test can also be performed to ping a router'sIP or IP gateway address.
Before You Begin
Print the network settings page to obtain the printer's IP address. xref_HO775_xref to view how to obtain your printer's User's Guide.
NOTE: If the network settings page shows Status: Not Connected, the procedure below will not be effective. Consider other Wi-Fi signal or setting issues, defective cables, faulty or disabled ethernet drops (ports), and firewall issues – that may be preventing TCP/IP traffic.
Performing the Ping Test
Microsoft Windows Operating Systems
| Step | Action | Click Image to Enlarge |
| 1 | Click on or . | No Image |
| 2 | Select Run....
Note: Alternatively, you may press the Windows logo key + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.
| |
| 3 | In the dialog box, type cmd or command, and then click OK. | |
| 4 | At the command prompt C:\...., type ping followed by the IP address of the printer, and then press Enter. For example, type: ping <ip_address>, replacing <ip_address> with the IP address of the printer. | Successful Ping Sample |
| 5 | The response will either inform you that the Request timed out (the ping failed) or give the time (in milliseconds) required to complete the ping. |
Macintosh OS X Operating Systems
Via Macintosh Network Utility
| Step | Action | Click Image to Enlarge |
| 1 | Double-click on Macintosh HD on your desktop. | No Image |
| 2 | Locate the Applications folder and double-click to open it. | |
| 3 | Locate the Utilities folder and double-click to open it. | |
| 4 | Locate the Network Utility program and double-click to start the application. | |
| 5 | Select Ping from the list of functions displayed across the top of the screen. | |
| 6 | Type the printer's IP address in the appropriate field. | |
| 7 | Choose the Send only <x> pings, then click on the Ping button. Tip! The <x> denotes the number of ping reply you will receive. We recommend entering 4 in the dialog box. | |
| 8 | The response will either inform you that the Request timed out (the ping failed) or give the time (in milliseconds) required to complete the ping. | Failed Ping Sample |
Via Macintosh Terminal
| Step | Action | Click Image to Enlarge |
| 1 | Double-click on Macintosh HD on your desktop. | No Image |
| 2 | Locate the Applications folder and double-click to open it. | |
| 3 | Locate the Utilities folder and double-click to open it. | |
| 4 | Locate the Terminal program and double-click to start the application. | |
| 5 | At the terminal prompt, ping <ip_address>, replacing <ip_address> with the IP address of the printer. | |
| 6 | The response will either inform you that the Request timed out (the ping failed) or give the time (in milliseconds) required to complete the ping. | Failed Ping Sample |
| 7 | Click Control + C to break the operation. | |
Unix and Linux Operating Systems
Each Unix version has its own location for accessing the command prompt.
NOTE: The command prompt in these environments is often referred to as the command line, terminal session, or the shell.
Common Unix version examples:
Solaris 2.9/9: Right-click on Desktop, click on Tools, then on Terminal, or go to This Computer > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.RedHat 9: Right-click on Desktop and click on New Terminal, or go to the Main menu icon > System tools > Terminal. AIX/HP-UX: Follow similar steps as for the above versions of Unix, or go to Application Manager > Desktop Apps > Terminal.
Type PING followed by the IP address. Ctrl + C breaks the operation.
AS 400
The Ping command is performed from the AS400 Selection or Command prompt.
NOTE: You may hear references to the 'command console' in this environment.
Type PING at the AS400 system prompt and press ENTER. Enter the IP address value next to Remote System and press ENTER again. Press Page Down to review results.
NOTE: If unsure how to access the command line in a particular operating system, refer to the associated documentation.
Other Considerations
IMPORTANT! Since a ping is a low-level TCP/IP communication test that verifies that an IP address is in use. Keep in mind that a ping does not necessarily mean the printer is communicating, it just means that some device with that address is communicating.
If the network adapter is not responding to print jobs but does respond to a ping, power off the printer and see if the ping still replies. If it replies with the power off, another device is using the same IP address as this printer. If two or more devices share the same address, communication issues will arise.
Ping Statistics and Packet Loss
Sample Statistics
--- 169.254.1.22 ping statistics --- (ad hoc example)47 packets transmitted, 26 packets received, 44% packet loss round-trip min/avg/max/stddev = 2.147/2.891/12.736/2.55 ms (milliseconds)
Effects – Packet Loss
This sample indicates some packet loss; however, packet loss does not always indicate a problem. Packet loss occurs for many reasons, including:
• Signal degradation over the network medium; for example, on a wireless network, multipath interference or distance may affect ping results. • Channel interference or oversaturated network lines • Corrupted packets rejected in transit • Driver issue or network applications • Normal routing routines • Network speed and duplex negotiation problem; consider forcing speed on the adapter.
100% Packet Loss
If you are witnessing 100% or extremely high packet loss, please consider the following options:
• Repositioning the antennas if connected to a wireless network • Repositioning the printer closer to the access point or AirPort • Purchasing antenna boosters if supported by your wireless router (access point) • Using a different ethernet cable if the printer supports this connection type • Using a different ethernet drop (port) on the router or switch if one is available and you are using a wired connection.
NOTE: This excludes wireless print servers. • Testing for a possible hardware or software problem • Testing for a problem with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) • Pinging your computer's IP gateway; compare results: the computer's gateway address is typically equivalent to the router's IP address.
Still need help?
Please contact Lexmark Technical Support if you need additional assistance.
NOTE:When calling for support, you will also need yourproduct model type and serial number (SN).
Please call from near the computer and printer in case the technician requires you to perform diagnosis on one of the devices.
LEGACY ID: HO3104
Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows Me; Windows NT; Windows 2000; Windows XP (32-bit); Windows XP Professional (64-bit); Windows Vista (32-bit); Windows Vista (64-bit); Windows 7 (32-bit); Windows 7 (64-bit); Windows 8 (32-bit); Windows 8 (64-bit); Macintosh OS X; Unix; Linux;