Ethernet sanning via airport extreme

Hi Steve,

The MP 640 is wireless, correct? That's a very good thing. You don't need an Ethernet or USB connection at all. When setting up a printer, it is best to decide how it will be connected and configure it that way, without plugging in either a USB or Ethernet cable.

Scanning will not work with the Express's USB port. All that will enable is its print function. Fortunately the scanner will work over wireless or Ethernet because the Canon is a network device.

Some printers require a USB to initially configure them however, after which you can use it wirelessly. I do not know if that Canon is one of them.

It does need to "join" your wireless network. This means it must receive an IP address from your Extreme, and it also means it must use an IP address within the range of DCHP addresses assigned by the Extreme. If that sounds confusing it's because it is. Look through Canon's documentation and determine how to get it to do that.

This may help: http://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/3/0300002453/01/MP640_NST_EN-US_V1.pdf

Once it successfully joins your network, you may want to delete its existing entry in System Preferences > Print & Scan, and add it again. Its previous "location" on your network may no longer be valid.

I think so.

I read your other post but have had limited time to reply, though it sounds as though you're making progress.

The only thing I would add to edex67's response is to suggest you assign a static IP address to your Canon printer / scanner. The only requirement for the IP address is that it exists on your wireless network's subnet. In other words, if your Extreme is configured to distribute IP addresses in the range 10.0.1.x then assign it an address such as 10.0.1.100. Also, to ensure your Extreme does not assign that address to anything else, you can place it in its list of "reserved" IP addresses.

Once you do that, you should delete the printer in your list of devices in System Preferences > Print & Scan, and add it again using its new, permanent "location".

I am not using an AirPort network right now otherwise I could attach a screenshot.

This way, your Canon will always reside at the same location on your network. Though it is not necessary to do this, it tends to prevent confusion regarding its connection method.

Stephen Schulte1 wrote:

... Do I do this in System Preferences on my Mac? If so Network or Print/Fax preferences? Or do I do this in Airport Utility? I've looked but don't see where I can assign a static IP address.

Assigning the Canon an IP address is easily accomplished using the Canon's front panel controls. Reference its Network Setup Troubleshooting Guide, page 9. You will need to use the "Manual Setup" option as described in Step 8.

Bear in mind that after you change the printer's IP address, the existing print queue entry in your Mac's Print & Scan will no longer be valid. You must delete the existing printer and add it again. If you get lost and want to undo this change, use the Canon's front panel controls and repeat the steps beginning on Page 9, this time selecting "Auto Setup" instead.

John Galt wrote:

... I am not using an AirPort network right now otherwise I could attach a screenshot.

here it is:

In the above example, the Extreme is set to distribute IP addresses in the range 10.0.1.2 to 10.0.1.90 inclusive. If you wanted to "reserve" an IP address within that range so that the Extreme will not attempt to assign one to it, just click the + button and enter the address. The Extreme will skip those addresses when distributing them via DHCP.

I think you may find the DHCP Reservations options under the Network tab.

The new version lacks some of the features of AirPort Utility 5.6 so I do not use it often. I have posted workarounds for installing AU 5.6 in Mountain Lion - read a recent one here.

Hi Steve,

Too many questions! Let me answer the first one first: when you select the Extreme in AirPort Utility, choose "Manual Setup", not "Continue". You will then see the screenshot I posted.

I'm not trying to avoid your other questions, but I am trying to accomplish many other things today and wanted to give you a quick answer.

Post a new question with your other subjects. I will try to answer when I find the time, but perhaps someone else can answer before I do.

Yes, it will cause a double NAT configuration which is bad (it does work, just can cause headaches in the future). Instead of using a DHCP reservation could you not just use a static IP? If that isn't possible then set up a DHCP reservation on your main router that connects to your ISP.