What is TCP/IP?
Networks are able to function when computers, printers, and other devices are able to send data to each other, either
through cables or wireless signals. This transfer of data is made possible by sets of data transmission rules called
protocols
. A protocol can be thought of as a language that has rules so that participants can effectively communicate
with each other.
Different types of networks use different protocols, but
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) is the
most popular. TCP/IP is used to send data over the Internet as well as over most corporate and home networks.
Every device on a network that uses TCP/IP must have an IP address. IP addresses are essentially unique computer
names in a numeric format, used to transfer data around a network. IP addresses allow TCP/IP to confirm requests for,
and receipt of, data by various devices on the network.
How do I locate IP addresses?
For Windows users
1
Click
, or click
Start
and then click
Run
.
2
In the Start Search or Run box, type
cmd
.
3
Press
Enter
, or click
OK
.
4
Type
ipconfig
, and then press
Enter
.
The IP address appears as four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.168.0.100.
For Macintosh users
1
From the Apple menu, navigate to:
About This Mac
>
More Info
2
From the Contents pane, choose
Network
.
3
If you are connected over a wireless network, then choose
AirPort
from the Active Services list.
Locating the printer IP address
•
From the printer, print a network setup page.
In the TCP/IP section, look for
Address
.
•
View the printer settings.
From the printer control panel, navigate to:
>
Setup
>
O K
>
Network Setup
>
O K
>
Wireless 802.11 b/g/n
>
O K
>
Network Connection Setup
>
O K
>
TCP/IP
>
O K
>
IP Address
>
O K
How are IP addresses assigned?
An IP address may be assigned automatically by the network using DHCP. Once the printer is set up on a computer, the
computer sends all print jobs across the network to the printer using this address.
If the IP address is not automatically assigned, you will be asked during wireless setup to manually enter an address
and other network information after selecting your printer from the available list.
Networking
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