Printers suddenly lose wireless connection often

I have two HP printers in my house, a Photosmart 6520 and 5520.
They were both working just fine for a year at least, and I've had other HP printers in the past that I used wirelessly with no issues.
Within the last month, I've been having major issues. My computers and iOS devices frequently cannot see the printers anymore. The thing that works somtimes is going to the printer, turning off the wirless conenction and then turning it back on. Often times this will result in the docment printing.
There are some times when even this doesn't work so I go and restore all the defaults and start over. Not fun.
I didn't change anything with my home network recently that would affect this. The modem and AirPort Extreme have been the same for over a year.
I saw the video about how to give the printer a static IP using Windows 7 but I'm all Mac here. I'm not sure if that affects anything.
I'd love to know how to resolve this but I'm about ready to try another brand of printer all together.

Hi,
Can you see the printer disconnects from the network (the blue wireless light blinks) or may it lit solid but it is not available from your Mac?
The reason I ask, Apple devices uses Bonjour wihch relies on multicasting, a router may won't transfer multicasting packets correctly.
Try rebooting your router by unplugging its power for 10 seconds, then allow it 3 minutes to start.
Now reboot your printers and check if you may see any difference.
Shlomi
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New 6500 E709n loses wireless connection when it or laptop sleeps... & other problems!

Just got this printer and am hoping we can get it to work because we really like it. I believe we've done everything right - it is connected to PC via USB, and to laptop via wireless network. Both computers are Dells running XP. Our wireless router is a Linksys Wireless-G WRT54G. We installed the disk on both. Immediately after installing on the laptop by plugging in USB and then unplugging, we were able to get it to work. We printed and scanned from both . . . UNTIL the printer went into power save mode.
When it sleeps it loses all the network connections (but will still print from PC). Even the icons disappear from the laptop after it sleeps. The only way to get it to work with the laptop again is to start all over, plug in the laptop, enter the WPA key again, and so on. Then it's finebut for just a short while. Now, when I registered my protection plan, I was on the phone with a techie guy and asked him if it's normal to have to keep entering the key every time you want to print, and he actually said that maybe I shouldn't let the printer sleep - wow! I want to conserve energy, so I may even want to shut it off, okay, and I don't feel I should have to go through this rigamarole every time I want the darn thing to just be available to the network. Furthermore, what's the sense of having to turn "Wireless Radio" on and off all the time???
Anyway, there are other problems and the menus in the internal web browser is about as confusing as it can be. Is the passphrase the same as a WPA key? There's a passphrase in there which I did not enter, and I don't know what it is because it's been disguised with dots. When I enter the WPA key on the front panel of the printer, it doesn't stick. One thing I noticed in the instructions is to keep telephones away from it, so I moved ours (was right next to it) but it's still being ornery.
In addition, the scan function only works from the software, not as a standalone if I use the front panel. When using the button on the front panel, sometimes it sees the laptop, sometimes it doesn't, and then it starts to scan, but a menu pops up on the computer asking to update the buttons, and then nothing happens.
Have we a clunker on our hands that should be returned, or is there a remedy? All suggestions welcome!
Message Edited by geoxena on 10-20-2009 10:56 PM
Message Edited by geoxena on 10-20-2009 11:03 PM

Let me answer the easy stuff first:
Yes, the passphrase is the same as the WPA-PSK key.
No, it's not normal to have to re-enter the wireless security key over and over again. Politely tell our service agent that he is mistaken on this point.
There's no sense in having to turn the radio on and off all the time to get the printer to remain on the network.
When the printer goes into power-save mode, can you still access the printer's internal web page by browsing to it's IP address? When the printer loses wireless connectivity, can you wake the printer by pressing any of the buttons on the front panel?
I have a couple more questions:
What WRT54G HW version do you have (it'll be on the bottom label of the router)?
What version of FW does your router have? You'll have to browse to the router's internal web page to find out.
Finally, change the WPA-PSK group key renewal period to the largest value possible. Tell if this affects the frequency of printer losing Wi-Fi connectivity?
One more question. After you have the printer connected to your wireless network and it's working, if you turn the printer off (via the power button), wait five seconds then unplug it then plug it back in and turn it on, does it connect to your network?
Regards / Jim B / Wireless Enthusiasts
( While I'm an embedded wireless systems engineer at work, on this forum I do not represent my former employer, Hewlett-Packard, or my current employer, Microsoft )
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Printer loses wireless connection when it goes to sleep?

My printer loses wireless connection to my router when it goes to sleep and I have to input the WEP key again. As long as the printer is awake it works fine. The wireless light remains on.
Printer is HP Officejet Pro 8500A Plus and the router is a Verizon 7500.

If you mean WPA, that is good.
Let's set a static IP address for the printer:
- Print a Network Config Page from the front of the printer. Note the printer's IP address.
- Type that IP address into a browser to reveal the printer's internal settings.
- Choose the Networking tab, then Wireless along the left side, then the IPv4 tab.
- On this screen you want to set a Manual IP. You need to set an IP address outside the range that the router automatically sets (called the DHCP range). If you do not know the range, change the last set of numbers (those after the last '.') to 250
- Use 255.255.255.0 for the subnet (unless you know it is different, if so, use that)
- Enter your router's IP (on the Network Config Page) for the gateway.
- Enter 8.8.8.8 for the first DNS and 8.8.4.4 for the second DNS. This is Google DNS. You can choose another external DNS if you wish.
- Click 'Apply'.
Now, shut down the router and printer, start the router, wait, then start the printer.
After this you may need to redo 'Add a Printer' using the new IP address.
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I am employed by HP

Zyxel pk500z router/wireless modem loses wireless connectivity with imac

My iMac loses wireless connectivity with wirelss internet from my Qwest ZyXel PK5000Z modem/router intermittently. Have to constantly reboot the router to allow my Imac and other Mac notebooks nto reconnect to wireless internet connection.

Suggest that you take one or more of Mac laptops down to the coffee place and connect there to check your performance. If you get a good connection there....as I suspect you will...you know the Macs are functioning correctly.
If the Macs perform well at the coffee place, you need to contact the ZyXel support folks for ideas on why the PK5000Z device is requiring constant restarts.
As you might imagine....on an Apple support forum, we are not going to be able to provide much help with a ZyXel product.

OJ 8600 Constantly loses wireless connection

My OfficeJet Pro8600 Plus works great, except when it loses wireless connection. I have an ATT wireless router/modem. Frequently, when the printer goes to sleep, it will not print. The wireless icon on the printer shows good, and says connected. But then I get the message on my computer that the printer is not connected. I cancel the print, restart the printer and then it will work. I also frequently get the message that scanning is also not connected.
Once I reboot the printer, it works fine. Any ideas?

brown7373,
If you have not done so for a while, I might suggest that you install (reinstall) the Full Feature Software for your printer. In August of this year (2014) there was an Update to the software that may well help with the situation you are facing.
Less clear, due to the usual less than full descriptive qualities of the documentation supplied with these things (in my opinion), is the need for the accompanying firmware Update that is shown for at least those users running the Windows 8.1 Operating System. Firmware updates, might be installed after software updates are tried -- and only at the user / owner's discretion.
General Instructions to Install the Printer Software
Reminder:
In most cases, the Solution Center has been replaced by the Printer Assistant.
The Printer Assistant shortcut will be installed on your Desktop during the last part of the installation.
Windows Operating System:
Create Restore Point: Create a Restore Point – Win7 OR Create a restore point Win8
Open HP Drivers & Downloads
Enter your Printer Model information
Select your Printer from the “Results” list
OR
Open HP Officejet Pro 8600 Plus e-All-in-One Printer - N911g Drivers
Enter your Operating System in the Drop-down menu
Click NEXT and Scroll down
Look for category Driver - Product Installation Software
Select the Basic Driver, e-print, or Full Feature Software
Save the *.exe installation package(s) on your computer
The file(s) will likely save to the "Downloads “folder.
Be sure to look for Updates as needed for your installation. If available, you may download the Print and Scan Doctor and / or other programs from Category – Utilities.
If you have ‘Admin’ control, you may highlight the package and “double-click” to install it, else Right-Click, Select run as Administrator and install.
NOTES:
Look at the bottom half of the main webpage for your printer for helpful videos to assist with the installation of the printer software!
Scroll the video list back and forth until you find the video that most closely matches your situation.
If using a USB connection: Download and install the driver software before connecting a USB cable.
Ethernet: Connect the printer to the network and (Optional) assign the printer an IP address at the router. Once the printer is connected to the network, be sure the printer is switched on and then install the printer software.
After the initial installation is complete and working, check / install Category - Update
There is valuable information at the support website, including sections for Manuals, Troubleshooting > How-to, Troubleshooting > Solve a Problem, plus alerts and notifications for your printer. Be sure to take an extended look at what is available. Bookmark the page.
============================================================================
If you are running the computer wirelessly and using a notebook, you might consider the following:
Set the wireless adapter to "all on" as suggested in the following Dragon Document:
Settings to Improve Wireless Connectivity
See the Section on Page One titled
Wifi Power Management
============================================================================
What If: Bummer - Nothing works. Sad Story and all that.
If all else fails, you can call HP and politely ask for the printer code to switch off the sleep timeout on your printer model. This works when everything else fails. It is not a solution; this is a workaround and maybe not a pretty one -- there may be consequences down the road. Switching off the sleep timer will keep the printer awake and available.
Disclaimer:
There is no guarantee that HP will give you the code. This is not part of the service. You can ask the question.
Reference:
PhotoSmart 7520 Printer Loses Wireless Connection – Set System Mode Timeout to Zero
Contact HP – USA - Phone Assistance
HP tech support/ Customer Service Phone Numbers – Some English Speaking Countries
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Dragon-Fur

Often lose wireless connection when using HDTV as monitor

I have an unusual wireless networking problem when using my Samsung HDTV in my living room as a monitor for my MacBook (when watching Internet TV shows, for example). Frequently when I switch URLs, networking freezes, even though the connection appears strong, with the Airport symbol at the top of my screen showing all bars. To re-establish the wireless connection, I have to go through the process of re-joining my network through the “Join Other Network" option. The signal holds as long as I don’t try to change it, as in selecting another URL.
I connect to my HDTV via HDMI cable, using a mini-DVI to HDMI adapter from my Macbook’s video-out port. The audio connection is a mini-plug from the Mac’s headphone out jack to stereo RCA plugs associated with the TV’s HDMI port.
The wireless connection is through a Lynksys Wireless-G 2.4 Ghz, 54 Mpbs Broadband router.
I’d appreciate any solutions the Apple user community has to offer.

I'd say this has nothing to do with your display. The problem will likely lie in either your router settings, network settings or a simple signal strength issue. Try first changing the broadcast channel on your router, and make sure all settings are correct for your desired network.

Why does my airport loses wifi connectivity often?

I am trying to find out my my airport loses wifi connectivity. All of a sudden, there is no wifi in the house. What do i need to check?

Hey barbaraeberle,
Thanks for the question. I understand that your AirPort seems to have lost its connection to the internet. To troubleshoot this issues, let’s try the following:
See if you can isolate the issue first by using Wireless Diagnostics:
About Wireless Diagnostics
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5606
Additionally, check for sources of interference and reset your base station:
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Potential sources of wireless interference
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365
Resetting an AirPort base station FAQ
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3728
Thanks,
Matt M.

I lose wireless connectivity when I connect the nano to my PC

I have a DSL modem connected by ethernet cable to a Linksys wireless router. My PC has USB linksys antenna. The wireless connection works fine except when I plug in the Nano, it takes about two seconds and I lose the connection to the router. If we are in itunes downloading it is suspended. If we are on the internet the next click and the Microsoft "you are not connected to the internet" page comes up. To reestablish the internet connection I have to remove the nano and reboot the PC. Needless to say this is very frustrating.
If I reboot with the cable attached I get an error unable to run an ____.exe that I believe is the antenna setup because the linksys monitor stays gray in the startup box.
I have tried to move the antenna to a different USB port on the PC with no luck. Everything else runs fine.
Does anyone out there have any ideas/fixes? - Your assistance is greatly appreciated!

thanks deggie for your answer.
I had my ipod with autosync off ... I set it "manage like disk" .
I try to recover the music with 2 programs: "ephod" and "copy trans" ..
I can see all the songs listed, but can´t backup to disk or recover them......
I see than my ipod hasn´t the folder "ipod_control" , which appears before I had this problem....
Any idea ??? Thanks again.

MacBook loses wireless connection when iPod touch connects to network

hi
ever since upgrading to 10.5.5. on my MacBook i've had the "intermittent network connection" problems that have been described and discussed (without any real solution from what i can see) in another thread.
PROBLEM: every couple of minutes my MacBook loses connectivity to the network - the AirPort icon still says that i'm connected, albeit with one less bar than before, but i can't connect to anywhere, not even to the wireless router - and to re-establish a connection i need to switch off AirPort, switch it back on, it will then reconnect, and after two minutes or so i have to do it all over again because the network connection drops again.
NOVEL OBSERVATION 1: reinstalling the 10.5.5. combo system updater helped somewhat. i used to get an error in system.log about there being too many state transitions on the wireless network and about network traffic reduction measures being taken to overcome this problem, but after reinstalling the 10.5.5. combo system updater this message never appears in the logs and I get kicked off only sometimes (see what i say in point 2 below)
NOVEL OBSERVATION 2: now my MacBook will only lose its connection to the net if i switch on my iPod Touch and switch its wireless interface on. in fact, the only way to avoid the MacBook getting constantly disconnected is to make sure that the wireless interface on the Touch is switched off in the Touch's system preferences; if I just sleep the Touch (top button) without switching off its wireless network interface first in its System Preferences, then the MacBook will keep disconnecting even while the Touch is in sleep mode (presumably the Touch keeps polling the network or something, even while it's in sleep mode).
DIAGNOSTIC NOTE 1: I have another wireless device (my Nokia E51, which has wifi capabilities) and if I connect it to the wireless interface then the MacBook's connection isn't dropped - i.e. the MacBook only loses its wireless connection when my iPod Touch connects to the wireless network.
DIAGNOSTIC NOTE 2: I have upgraded my wireless router (before I had a Linksys WRT-54GC, now I have a Netgear WGR614v9) but that has made no difference.
DIAGNOSTIC NOTE 3: I have also tried altering the router's settings (i have played around a_lot with this, trying every combination I could think of - e.g. staple down particular devices to particular ip addresses, use only 802.11g versus automatic b/g, etc) but that has made no difference either.
RANT:
The only thing that prevents these disconnections from occurring is to keep the iPod Touch's wireless switched off, which ***** because if I'm in the kitchen I can't have it switched on to monitor my email (yes, I've no life, i hang around waiting for emails), or if I go have a lie down and want to check out stuff on the net, or to browse the iTunes music store or whatever, then I know that my connecting my iPod Touch the computer will be disconnected.
This obviously *****, right? And a lot of people are having wireless problems with their MacBooks, right? And these problems seem to have been around for over a year, right?
So why hasn't Apple solved this problem yet? Or am I just being melodramatic?
Your thoughts on any or all of the above, or flames if that's your preferred method of communicating, are invited. =)
Cheers
dr.colekat

Having the same problem here. As a first time mac user, Apple has certainly made a bad first impression.
For me, the issue seems to occur when transferring files between computers that are connected to the same access point (when transferring files from wired computers on the network there is no issue). My vista laptop and every laptop I have tried has worked perfectly fine with this access point so I am 100% convinced it is the mac. Basically when I copy the files, after about 100mb, I am unable to access anything on the local network or internet until I restart Airport. The weird thing is that even though I am unable to access anything, the airport utility says it is connected. I might also note that the wireless signal strength is full.
If I can't get this figured out in a few days, this computer is going back to the store where it came from and I will officially label myself anti-mac. This type of issue is just unacceptable for something so main stream.

IMac and other Apple devices lose wireless connections

We have two Apple iMacs, a MacBook Pro, an iPad and iPad2 and they all intermittently lose their Wireless connection to my network. All of my PC's work just fine and stay connected. This is funny... the MacBook Pro booted to Windows 7 Pro stays connected, but the MacOS doesn't.
It appears to be a problem with DNS, because if you ping to a remote host, you get a response back. Also, if you put an IP address into Safari on the iMac and MacBook then a site will come online. However, the iPads just say "You are not connected" while in Safari. I have verified that I'm using the correct DNS addresses provided by my ISP, and I have a Windows Domain server running DHCP/DNS on the inside of my firewall.
We recently moved and were issued a new wireless router by our ISP. I was thinking that might be the problem, but then we don't have the problem with any of the Windows PCs. This router is manufactured by Arris. My other router was a Cisco that worked like a champ.
Turning off the Airport feature and turning it back on restores Web Browsing capability. Interestingly, if I have a remote desktop session running, it never gets disconnected even when the web stops working. Again, symptoms point to DNS issues.

If you feel it's DNS related then change the DNS setting to:
1. System preferences
2. Network
3. Click Advanced
4. Click DNS tab
5. Click + sign
6. Add 208.67.222.222
7. Click + sign
8. Add 208.67.220.220
9. Click OK.
10. Exit System Preferences

Old generation Apple TV loses wireless connection

I have an older gen Apple TV (silver). Recently it upgraded the software...can't remember if it's ever been updated prior to that. I've had it for at least 3 years...no problems connecting to the internet. Now it loses connection once per day...goes OK for a few hours, then kicks out. Seems there are many similar complaints...any answers other than buying the most recent version? Seems to run perfectly well when it's connected.

Hello Weff2727,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
For more information on this, take a look at:
Apple TV (1st generation): Troubleshooting wireless connections
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1595
Restart your base station or router. Sometimes this is done by turning the router off for a few seconds, and then on again, but check the documentation provided by the manufacturer.
To restart your Apple TV, press and hold Menu and Menu down/scroll for about 6 seconds, and then choose Restart from the menu.
If the issue continues after restarting, reset your router or base station and Apple TV to factory settings
Reset your base station or router. Use the documentation provided by the manufacturer to reset to factory settings.
To reset your Apple TV perform a factory restore.
Best of luck,
Mario

Printer loses wireless connection after some hours

Hello to all!
Printer is connected and I can see on the screen correct IP. Desktops with Win7 and Ubuntu are used. After switching on printer works properly, but several hours later its unreachable from both systems. Printer shows connection, I can see it in router web access tool, but it is unreachable. I have to switch off printer, reboot the router, then switch on printer - and it works. Not very comfort.
Does anybody know how to fix this bug?
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Hi @varspb,
Welcome to the HP Forums!
I noticed that your HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 6525 printer is losing wireless connection after some hours with Windows 7 and Ubuntu. I am happy to look into this connection issue for you!
For Linux support, please take a look at this website, http://hplip.sourceforge.net/.
Otherwise, please see the following guides:
HP Single-Function and Multifunction Printers - 'Printer is offline' Message Displays on the Compute....
HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 6520 e-All-in-One and HP Photosmart 6520 e-All-in-One Printer Series - Prin....
Tips for preventing wireless connection issues
The following tips can help prevent wireless connection issues:
Move the printer and the computer or access point (router) closer together.
Remove any metal objects between the printer and the computer or access point (router). Objects such as refrigerators or metal bookcases can interfere with wireless transmission.
Move any device that emits radio signals farther away from the printer. Devices such as microwaves and cordless telephones can interfere with wireless transmission.
Consult the router manufacturer for updates and configuration of your router.
Make sure that your computer is not connected through a VPN. You cannot access your printer on your wireless network while connected to a VPN.
Also, please take a look at this website, HP Wireless Printing Center - Troubleshooting Issues.
Hope this helps, and have a good day!
RnRMusicMan
I work on behalf of HP
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I lose internet connectivity OFTEN. 2 times today. Anyone know why?

I lose connectivity to the internet. It happens quite often. I use Firefox exclusively. When I lose the connection I have to go to Explorer and run the trouble shooter there. It finds the problem every time and I can reconnect using Firefox. Any ideas why? Thanks

Is there no one else that has this problem? It has happened to me twice in the last couple of hours. I'll have to quit using Firefox

HP7520 loses wireless connection

HP7520 prints fine from multiple Macs whether wired to router or wirelessly connected to router. Frequently scanner function claims it can not find any computer, even after identifying two awake computers on my wireless network and asking me which one I want the scan to go to. Both Macs run Mavericks (OS X 10.9.4). Printed wireless test page and looked at wireless configuration on control panel - network is correct, IP address is correct.
MFAH

Hi MFAH,
I see you are able to print but scanning is often an issue. From your description I gather the printer sees the computers, but when you select one of them it then fails to connect and you get a communication error. I would be happy to help you with this. Please first ensure the printer is connected to a wall outlet and not a surge protector/ power bar.
Surge protectors may not allow sufficient voltage through to the printer.
The next step is to disable the IPv6 on the front panel of the printer, having it enabled can often cause problems. One the front screen of the printer touch the little wrench icon in the top right hand corner, then go to the Wireless Menu. In the Wireless Menu navigate to Advanced Settings > IPv6 and turn it off.
Try to scan now and see if the issue is resovled. If the issue persists, complete the steps in the following document and let me know the result; Communication Error between the Scanner and Your Computer in Mac. You may notice this doucmnet does not refrence 10.9 but the steps do apply to 10.9.
I hope this helps.
Please click the Thumbs up icon below to thank me for responding.
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Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.
Sunshyn2005 - I work on behalf of HP

G4 QS 733 loses internet connect often with Comcast any ideas??

I have a G4 QS 733 that loses internet connection through Comcast at least 2 times a day everyday for no rhyme or reason. I have had the cable modem replaced (on number 7 in 18 months but 2 were dead out of the box stupid refurbs) with a Motorola Surfboard from Best Buy and when it works it is great - 13mbps download consistently. I have a Belkin router wireless/wi-if and a PC and the Mac wired to it at the same desk with KVM and when the Mac loses connection if I switch to PC the PC connects fine so I think it is in the Mac but not sure. I have had several Macs hooked up to this same router including 2 Intel minis, several G3 towers and a few G3 iMacs and G4 towers as well and ALL had this problem at one time or another with no explanation whatsoever. I have replaced everything a minimum of 2 times now including router,modem, cables etc. and the cable drop from pole to house was replaced a few months back but no luck. Also all computers, router etc all hooked to APC battery backups so I do not think it is power related. I have no problems connecting my Pismo wiht either an Airport card or a Belkin 54g wireless PCMCIA card so I am convinced it is in the ethernet somwehow but not sure where. Anyone else have the same problems and fixed it?? Comcast is just not helpful and 14 service calls in 18 months is wearing thin at this point.

Well just for kicks I tried running Firefox for a little over a week along with Safari and jumping back and forth between the 2, very interesting results. I have found that when Safari loses internet connection and gives "cannot find server" type errors that Firefox still has a connection and keeps right on going. I am convinced the error is within Safari but cannot pin down what it is yet. I had same EXACT disconnection issues with an Intel Mini that got so frustrating I finally sold it and it too was running Safari and I wonder if it had the same issue. Not bashing Safari but maybe there is a problem with Safari and Comcast cable that is not showing up with other internet providers or browsers ?? I am pretty sure my connection is good as all the cable wires, modem etc are all new and my PC which his hooked to the same router and shares the monitor/keyboard with the G4 never loses connection when Safari does so I think this cuts the cable out of the loop as a problem. Anyone else have similar issues???

Printers suddenly lose wireless connection often

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