What you will see
You experience a communication failure when attempting to print or configure the printer.
| Product(s) | Utilizing... | Can cause... |
- AirPort Express
- AirPort Express 802.11n (2nd Generation)
- AirPort Extreme 802.11n (3rd, 4th, 5th Generations)
- Time Capsule 802.11n (2nd, 3rd, 4th Generations)
| Guest Network | - Inability to utilize AirPrint compatible printers
- Inability to successfully configure/set up printer from a client computer residing on the guest network
- Inability to print when logged into a guest network and attempting to print to printer not on the guest network
|
Products Affected
All printers equipped with a wireless network card option
Suggested Diagnosis
| Try to... | Why? |
 Connect the printer and computer to separate Ethernet ports on the AirPort or Time capsule.
| - These ports are guaranteed not to be on a guest network.
- Guarantees the printer's network card is functioning
- Helps verify that 'guest' network access as a possible cause for communication trouble
|
(SETUP ONLY) Identify that the "guest" account on your Time Capsule is not broadcasting during printer setup functions.
| Prevents accidental configuration on the wrong network - The printer is equipped with one radio to communicate with one network;
- Said another way, the printer cannot both simultaneously associate and authenticate with two different networks.
|
Open your AirPort Utility and identify whether Guest Network is activated.
| This may be a quick and easy way to identify which network the printer is configured for. |
Print a wireless network setup page on the printer to identify the network name/SSID.
| Values seen on the printed page versus those configured under Guest Network will tell you if your printer is connected to a different network. |
You can also try to reconfigure the printer using the Lexmark Wireless Setup Assistant/Utility; however, you may lose printer communication with your primary network as a side effect.
This utility is available via either support.lexmark.com or the driver installation CD.
Explanation
These routers have the ability to broadcast on two different networks; one of these networks communicates as a "guest" that doesn't have full access to your primary wireless network.
- If the client's device (laptop, etc.) is connected to the guest network and the printer is on a non-guest network (or vice versa), they will not be able to communicate with each other.
- Click here to see Apple's explanation of guest networks, which includes some additional rules and recommendations associated with their use.
Still Need Help?
If you require additional assistance, please see Contact information.
NOTE: When calling for support, you will need your printer model/machine type and serial number (SN).
Please be near the products described in this article to expedite the support process and reduce call-back situations.
LEGACY ID: SO7401