The Brother HL-L2320D is a versatile, high-performance monochrome laser printer celebrated for its efficiency and quality. However, one limitation often cited by users is its lack of built-in Wi-Fi capability. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated while trying to connect this printer to your wireless network, fear not! This guide will unfold the secrets of wirelessly connecting your Brother HL-L2320D printer via alternative methods.
In this detailed article, we will explore effective workaround solutions, including the use of a wireless print server, USB connections, and how to optimize your printing experience. Let’s dive into it!
Understanding the Brother HL-L2320D Printer
Before we jump into the connectivity options, it’s essential to understand a bit about the Brother HL-L2320D printer itself. This model is favored for:
- Exceptional Print Quality: Produces sharp, black text and graphics.
- Cost Efficiency: The printer is compatible with high-yield toner cartridges, reducing printing costs.
- Duplex Printing: Automatic double-sided printing helps save paper.
However, while it offers remarkable features, users often seek wireless functionality to enhance ease of use. Let’s explore some methods to connect your Brother printer to Wi-Fi by circumventing its limitations.
Ways to Connect Brother HL-L2320D to Wi-Fi
Although the HL-L2320D doesn’t support Wi-Fi natively, there are several effective methods to connect it to your Wi-Fi network. Below are the most recommended methods.
Method 1: Using a Wireless Print Server
A wireless print server can effectively enable your Brother HL-L2320D to connect to a wireless network. This method is popular among users looking for a more permanent solution without needing a computer nearby.
Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Choose a Compatible Wireless Print Server
Select a wireless print server that is compatible with the Brother HL-L2320D. Verify device specifications and user reviews to ensure seamless compatibility. Popular options include the TP-Link TL-WPS510U and StarTech.com Wireless Print Server.
Step 2: Physical Setup
- Connect the Wireless Print Server to the Printer:
- Use a USB cable to connect the print server to your Brother printer.
- Power Up the Device:
- Plug in the print server and turn it on. Ensure the printer is also powered.
Step 3: Configure the Print Server
- Access the Print Server’s Setup Interface:
- Open a web browser on your connected computer.
Enter the print server’s default IP address (you can typically find this in the user manual).
Follow the Setup Wizard:
- A configuration wizard should prompt you. Select your wireless network SSID and enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted.
- Save the settings and exit.
Step 4: Add the Printer to Your Computer’s Device List
- For Windows Users:
- Go to the Control Panel, navigate to ‘Devices and Printers’, and click ‘Add a printer’.
The system will search for new printers. Add the Brother HL-L2320D from the list.
For Mac Users:
- Go to ‘System Preferences’, then ‘Printers & Scanners’.
- Click on the ‘+’ icon to add a printer and select your Brother printer from the list.
Method 2: Using USB Connection with a Desktop or Tablet
If you prefer a simple setup with intermittent wireless printing, connecting your Brother HL-L2320D directly via USB is an option. The printer can serve via wired connections until you’re ready for more robust capability.
Step 1: Connect the Printer to Your Computer
- Using a USB Cable:
Connect one end of the USB cable to the Brother HL-L2320D and the other end to your computer.
Install the Required Drivers:
- Insert the installation CD that comes with your printer, or download the drivers from the Brother support website.
Step 2: Set the Printer as Default
- Windows:
- Navigate to ‘Devices and Printers’ in the Control Panel.
Right-click on your Brother HL-L2320D printer and select ‘Set as Default Printer’.
Mac:
- Open ‘System Preferences’ and click on ‘Printers & Scanners’.
- Highlight your Brother printer and make it the default device.
Step 3: Using Mobile Printing Solutions
If you want to print documents from your mobile device, consider these applications:
- Brother iPrint&Scan:
Download the Brother iPrint&Scan app from the App Store or Google Play. It allows you to print photos or documents directly from your mobile device.
Email Printing:
- Some users create an email-to-print address through compatible services.
Tips to Optimize Your Brother HL-L2320D Printing Experience
Once you’ve established a connection via one of the above methods, it’s essential to optimize your experience for the best results. Here are some tips:
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your printer clean and well-maintained will promote longevity and consistent print quality.
- Clean the Printer:
Periodically check and clean the printer head and other components.
Update Drivers:
- Regularly check for driver updates on the Brother support site to enhance compatibility and performance.
Print Configuration Settings
Adjusting print configuration settings can drastically improve your printing quality.
Here are some settings you can configure:
- Print Quality: Select ‘High’ for outputs requiring higher quality, while ‘Draft’ mode is useful for everyday documents.
- Duplex Printing Settings: Enable automatic double-sided printing to save paper and cut costs.
Conclusion: Take Your Printing to New Heights
The Brother HL-L2320D is an affordable and reliable monochrome printer. While it does not have built-in Wi-Fi, using a wireless print server or establishing a USB connection can help integrate this printer into your wireless printing environment seamlessly.
These methods are not only cost-effective but also diversified enough to allow for effective and efficient printing. Remember, with proper maintenance and settings adjustment, you can elevate your printing experience even further.
Whether you choose a wireless print server for a permanent solution or opt for USB connectivity to maintain simplicity, enabling your Brother HL-L2320D with Wi-Fi capability will save you time and improve your productivity. Happy printing!
What is the Brother HL-L2320D printer?
The Brother HL-L2320D is a monochrome laser printer designed primarily for home and small office environments. Known for its high-speed printing capabilities, it can produce black and white documents quickly and efficiently. The printer also features automatic duplex printing, which allows for double-sided printing to help reduce paper usage.
This model is a reliable option for users who require high-quality text printing and straightforward functionality without the extra complexities of color printing. The HL-L2320D supports various paper sizes and media types, making it versatile for different printing needs.
Can the Brother HL-L2320D connect to Wi-Fi?
The Brother HL-L2320D does not have built-in Wi-Fi capability. Instead, it connects via USB to a computer or through a network. However, if you’re looking to integrate it into a wireless environment, you can use a wireless print server or a compatible router to enable network printing.
Another option is to connect it to a Wi-Fi-enabled device through your computer. This method can help you send print jobs from any device on the network, although it does require setting up your printer to work with the computer connected to your Wi-Fi.
How do I connect my Brother HL-L2320D to a wireless print server?
To connect your Brother HL-L2320D to a wireless print server, begin by carefully following the print server’s specific instructions for setup. Generally, you will first need to connect the printer to the print server via a USB cable, ensuring that the server is powered on and properly configured to connect to your Wi-Fi network.
Once your print server is set up and connected to Wi-Fi, you will need to install any necessary drivers on the computers that will be sending print jobs. This typically involves downloading the drivers from Brother’s website or using the installation CD, ensuring that the computers can recognize the printer via the print server.
What are the steps to install drivers for Brother HL-L2320D?
First, make sure your printer is connected to your computer via USB. You can find the necessary printer drivers on Brother’s official website. Navigate to the support section and enter your printer model (HL-L2320D) to locate the driver download. Choose the correct operating system to ensure compatibility.
After downloading the driver, double-click the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions. This process usually involves agreeing to the terms and conditions, selecting the connection type (USB or network), and completing the setup. Restart your computer if prompted to finalize the installation.
Is it possible to print from mobile devices with Brother HL-L2320D?
Although the Brother HL-L2320D does not natively support mobile printing due to its lack of Wi-Fi capability, you can still print from mobile devices indirectly. If you have connected the printer to a computer via USB and that computer is on the same network as your mobile device, you can set up shared printing functionality.
You can use third-party applications such as Google Cloud Print (if available) or other print server solutions that support multiple devices. Ensure that the relevant software is properly configured, and follow the instructions to set up your mobile device for printing through the connected computer.
What should I do if the printer is not responding?
If your Brother HL-L2320D printer is not responding, the first step is to check all physical connections. Ensure that the power cable is securely plugged in and that the printer is turned on. Confirm that the USB cable is appropriately connected to both the printer and the computer if using a direct connection.
If the connections are correct, the next step is to restart both your printer and computer. Sometimes, rebooting can resolve minor communication issues. Additionally, check the printer status on your computer to make sure it’s set as the default printer and that there are no pending error messages in the print queue.
Do I need special settings for duplex printing?
When using the Brother HL-L2320D for duplex printing, you generally do not need special settings, as the printer has automatic duplex capabilities. However, you should ensure that your printer settings are correctly configured to take advantage of this feature. You can access the printing preferences through your computer’s print dialog box before initiating your print job.
In the print settings, look for an option labeled “Duplex” or “Print on Both Sides.” By selecting this option, you will enable automatic duplex printing. It’s also wise to use the correct type of paper, as not all paper may be suitable for double-sided printing, especially if you want to prevent paper jams or bleed-through.