Experiment-16 :- Procedure for Installing a Multifunction Printer on a LAN

Bipin
ICTSM Practical Lab Manual - Experiment 16
Aim of the Experiment

To physically connect, configure the IPv4 address, and install drivers for a Network Multifunction Printer (MFP) on a Local Area Network (LAN), enabling shared printing, scanning, and management across client PCs.

Tools, Apparatus, and Components Required
Item Category Specification / Details Quantity
Hardware Network-Ready Multifunction Printer (MFP) 1 Unit
Networking Hardware Ethernet Switch / Router & Cat6 Patch Cables (RJ-45) As needed
Client Systems PC running Windows 10/11 connected to same subnet 1 or more
Software / Drivers Official MFP Vendor Driver Package & IP Setup Utility 1 Set
Network Architecture
Figure 1: Topology diagram showing an MFP connected to a Local Area Network via an Ethernet Switch.
Practical Procedure

Phase 1: Physical Setup & Hardware Connection

  1. Unbox the MFP, remove all shipping tapes/locks, insert the toner/ink cartridge, and load A4 paper into the tray.
  2. Connect one end of a Cat6 Ethernet cable to the RJ-45 LAN port on the MFP and the other end to an available port on the network switch.
  3. Connect the power cord and switch ON the MFP. Ensure the LAN status LED at the port turns solid green/blinking yellow.

Phase 2: Network IP Configuration on MFP

  1. Access the MFP control panel menu using the touchscreen or navigation buttons.
  2. Navigate to Network Settings > TCP/IP Settings > IPv4 Configuration.
  3. Select Static IP Configuration (Recommended for network printers to prevent address changes).
  4. Assign a static IPv4 address within the local network range (e.g., 192.168.1.50), along with the appropriate Subnet Mask (255.255.255.0) and Default Gateway (192.168.1.1).
  5. Print a Network Configuration Report directly from the printer menu to verify the active IP address.

Phase 3: Network Verification from Client PC

  1. Open the Command Prompt (cmd) on a client computer connected to the same LAN.
  2. Execute the ping command: ping 192.168.1.50. Verify that responses are received without packet loss.

Phase 4: Driver Installation & Adding Printer in Windows

  1. Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers (or Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners).
  2. Click Add a printer or scanner. If auto-detection takes time, select "The printer that I want isn't listed".
  3. Select Add a printer using an IP address or hostname and click Next.
  4. Choose TCP/IP Device as the Device type, type the assigned IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50), and uncheck "Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use" if manual driver installation is preferred.
  5. Click Have Disk..., browse to the location of the vendor-provided driver INF file, select the printer model, and complete the installation wizard.
  6. Print a Test Page to verify functionality.
Important Safety & Operational Note: Always assign static IP addresses outside the local router's dynamic DHCP pool range to avoid IP conflicts on the network.
Observations & Verification Checklist
Parameter / Test Observed Result Status (Pass/Fail)
Physical LAN Connectivity Link LED Active on Switch & MFP Port Pass
ICMP Connectivity (Ping) 4 Packets Received, 0% Loss Pass
Windows Driver Integration Printer recognized under TCP/IP port Pass
Print Test Windows Test Page printed cleanly Pass
Conclusion

The Multifunction Printer was successfully connected to the Local Area Network, configured with a static IPv4 address, and integrated into the client workstation using TCP/IP printing protocols. All print, scan, and network tests passed successfully.