Printer doesn't stay discoverable by ChromeOS

[eeeee]

This has been on-going for a while.  A year ago, even without static IP set up, ChromeOS had no issue reliably discovering a Brother MFC-L2700DW wireless printer (and being able to stay connected to it).  Then the problems started where after some time, the printer would show up as "not found" and some combination of rebooting the Nest WiFi Pro and/or the printer would be needed to make the printer discoverable.  At that point, I switched to using static IP settings (which I should have been doing all along, but it was working fine).  Now, after a printer reboot, the printer becomes discoverable, but only stays that way for an hour or two -- then it becomes "not found" until it (the printer) is rebooted again.  I've verified in the Home WiFi settings that the printer has the right static IP.

This is an older printer, but I can't find any reason why this shouldn't be more stable.  Any suggestions?

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @eeeee .

This is a printer issue so the support we can give is limited. I'd advise the below:

• Make sure all printer firmware is up to date
• Adjust Sleep Mode settings on the printer
• Verify that you don't have "newer" settings like IPv6, 160MHz, etc. enabled on the Nest Wifi Pro that may not be compatible with the printer.
• Hardwire the printer instead of using wifi
• Consult Brother MFCL2700DW Support 

Let me know if this solves the issue or if you need further assistance.

[eeeee]

Thanks.  I've tried hardwiring the printer before without that resolving the issue.  It is an old printer, and maybe it is time to replace it....

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @eeeee .

If you have not already, please try the first three steps and let me know.

I have used ChromeOS devices since the OS first came out and have used a variety of printers over the years, including a previous Brother inklet and the current laser printer. The issues I have seen with all of the printers have always been on the printer end and not the ChromeOS device. Usually it is just a setting that has to be tweaked but occasionally it is the printer age. That model, from experience with a similar model, is more of a Windows device than anything which can limit some functionality with other devices. 

Also, if you haven't already, go to the WebUI for the printer by entering the IP address in your browser. You can typically adjust settings and reports from the interface.

Let me know how things go.

[eeeee]

Thanks for the continued help.  I've also been a ChromeOS user forever (since the CR-48).  

On the first three items, I increased the sleep mode time (it was just 2 minutes), and I haven't used any of the new modes on the Nest WiFi Pro.  On the F/W update, without a Windoze machine (I haven't had one of those in over 10 years), the Brother app and also the web interface fail with "Failed to connect. Check your internet connection and that you are not accessing it through a proxy server."  This makes me think that the printer is so old they've changed the network address where updates are provided....

[PatrickP_Viking]

Hey @eeeee .

That may be the case. They do have a method to update the firmware but it requires a Windows or Mac to do so. The only other option would be to hardwire the printer to the Chromebook but that will not make it discoverable on the network.

Wish I had better news but it does seem like the printer is too old.