Customer Reviews
Good wireless network printing at good price
This is a good monochrome network laser printer at a good price. The frustration with this printer is in the set up phase. Setting it up was really long and frustrating, but once you know the secret, you'll have no problems. It is so simple, yet so complicated ... .
Another reviewer pointed out -- and I agree -- that as a general rule, it is initially easier to set up a network device using a cable connection. Unfortunately, I was unable to do this at first. I connected directly to the router, but the router didn't see the printer, and the network activity lights on the ethernet port didn't show any activity. This was frustrating. I spent hours and hours attempting different set ups: wired, wireless, all the ways in the manual. Among these was an attempt at "Easy Set-Up" on my Linksys WRT54GS wireless router, which also failed. (Interestingly, the router's Cisco logo, which used to be illuminated, is now no longer illuminated since attempting the Easy Set Up. Why? I have no idea ...). I re-read both the manual and all the different internet posts on this set-up numerous times. The secret is contained in a third reviewer's post.
This worked for me:
1. If you have already attempted an install, UNinstall the drivers. Do this FIRST.
2. Turn off the power to your Brother 2170w.
3. Turn off your Windows Firewall in your security settings (Start>Control Panel>Security Center).
4. Re-set the printer's internal print server!!
- a. Holding down the blue GO button with the power OFF, turn the power on.
- b. Make sure all the LED's illuminate (toner/drum/error)
- c. Release the GO button, then press it seven times in succession
-- i. The manual says that the LEDs should illuminate again, demonstrating the reset was successful
-- ii. My LED's did NOT illuminate again, but the reset was successful anyway
5. Connect the cable between your router and the printer's ethernet port
6. Run the CD
7. Select Wireless Network Setup
8. Select Wireless Setup and Driver Install
- a. initial computer only
- b. for all subsequent computers select Driver Install Only
9. Select Step By Step
10. Select With Cable
11. Make sure that your router detects the printer by illuminating the LED for the selected port when cable connected
12. Look at the ethernet port on the printer and ensure the LED's are illuminated when cable connected
- a. If none of the LEDs are illuminated, go back to resetting the internal print server again (step 4 above)
13. Click Next once your cable is connected until the software detects the Available Wireless Device
14. Follow the rest of the steps from page 23 of the manual (step 10)
When all is done, turn your Windows Firewall back on ...
The printer will work like a charm.
Couldn't Get to Work
I was really hoping this would simplify things here on the home network.
Bottom line: on wired hookup, can see the printer at a given IP, both from the router and the computer. However, the icon for the printer in the system try constantly reports "offline". This is a problem seen on many forums, with no real resolution.
Wireless: faggedabout it. Over WPA, AES, no workie.
I'm sorry I spent 2 hours on a Sunday trying to get this to work, and, that Brother's tech support, apparently, is not available on a weekend, to help troubleshoot.
If the printer is unreliable, i.e., it goes "offline" for no apparent reason, and tech support is unavailable, would I trust this for my important documents, that might be due on Monday?
No way, and no thanks.
I really wish it would have worked as promised, but, I'll be returning this product.
Cheap, fast, wireless.
Bought this printer because I wanted a wireless network laser printer without spending a lot of money. Wireless setup was easy enough, came with step-by-step instructions in the manual, but they were basically unnecessary as the driver disc displays the same instructions on the computer. Print quality is good, print speed is good, unfortunately it misses out on the fifth star because for some reason all of my dialogue boxes appear in german (I think) and have no idea how to change that. (I know i specified "English" during setup)
Couldn't be happier
I've had the Brother HL-2170w for about a month now and couldn't be happier with it. Printouts are fast and good quality.
I love the wireless! I was able to hook it up to my wired network, configure it with my WPA encryption in about 5 minutes. Then moved the printer where I needed it, plugged in the power and everything worked like a champ.
My 3-year old loves being able to hit the blue button and printing configuration pages... although I'm not sure if I like that part or not! :)
I read a lot of people had problems with the wireless, but if you follow the directions that come with it to the letter it'll go just fine, so don't be afraid of that.
Recommended!!
A great inexpensive printer
Setup was a breeze, print speed is fast, print quality is good and the price was right! This is a great home or small business printer.
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