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HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise - Set up, install, and configure an HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server

Learn how to set up, install, and configure the HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server to print wirelessly to a supported HP printer.

HP Jetdirect print servers and wireless accessories add wireless printing capability to supported HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP OfficeJet Enterprise, and HP PageWide Enterprise printers, in order to receive print jobs from a wireless-capable laptop, smartphone, or tablet. This document applies to the HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server only.

For a list of supported HP printers, go to HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP OfficeJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise - Printers that can use HP Jetdirect print servers and NFC/wireless accessories.

Follow the instructions in this document to set up and install the HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server, to configure wireless printing capabilities on the printer, and to configure custom network settings for the print server(s).

In addition to the instructions below, you can also view the following video of how to install the HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server:

Installing an HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server

Learn how to connect an HP Jetdirect 2900nw Print Server to your HP printer.

Step one: Update the printer firmware

To ensure printer compatibility and maintain regulatory compliance, first update the printer firmware.

Make sure the HP Jetdirect accessory is disconnected from the printer.
Verify that the printer has firmware version 3.6 or newer installed. If not, continue to the next step.
Go to www.hp.com/go/FutureSmart and select Upgrade now.
Find the printer in the list and then click the associated link in the Link to Firmware download column.

A new page will display with a list of driver and firmware downloads that are available for your printer model.
Expand the Firmware section, locate the latest FutureSmart Bundle version, and then click Download.

For detailed instructions on how to update the firmware, go to HP LaserJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise, HP Managed - Update the printer firmware.

Step two: Set up the HP Jetdirect

Follow these steps to fasten the HP Jetdirect accessory on or near the printer using the fastener strips that are included in the box with the accessory.

Turn off the printer and then disconnect the power cord from the power outlet.
Determine the location for the HP Jetdirect accessory. Consider the following options:
- To obtain the best wireless signal strength, attach the HP Jetdirect on a non-metal wall near the printer.
- For easy access, attach the HP Jetdirect directly to the printer.
Remove tape from the adhesive backing on one of the supplied fastener strips and affix the fastener strip to the underside of the HP Jetdirect (on the side opposite of the network port).
Affix the other fastener strip to a non-metal wall with a smooth surface (not fabric) near the printer, or directly to the printer, depending on the preferred location.
Attach the HP Jetdirect to the fastener strip that you placed on or near the printer by firmly pressing the two fastener strips together.

Step three: Connect the HP Jetdirect to the printer

Follow these steps to connect the HP Jetdirect accessory to the printer.

Connect the USB Type-B (rounded) end of the cable to the USB port on the back of the HP Jetdirect.
Connect the USB Type-A (flat) end of the cable to the USB port on the back of the printer to enable a wireless connection.
Optional: To add a wired (Ethernet) connection to achieve both wireless and Ethernet capability, follow these steps:

Note:
The print server can be connected either wired, wirelessly, or both. A wired network connection enables a connection to a wired sub-net.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable (not provided) to the Ethernet port on the back of the HP Jetdirect.
2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the network device.
Connect the power cord on the HP Jetdirect to the power outlet.
Reconnect the power cord from the printer to the power outlet, and then turn on the printer.
Wait until the printer returns to a Ready state.

Note:
If a USB error displays on the control panel, return to the first step to verify that the latest printer firmware is installed.

Step four: Verify that the HP Jetdirect is installed correctly

Print a configuration page from the printer control panel to verify that the HP Jetdirect accessory is installed correctly.

Print a configuration page from the printer control panel:
Note:
The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels
- FutureSmart 3: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Wireless icon , and then select Print to print a configuration page.
- FutureSmart 4 or 5: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Information icon , select Wireless, and then touch the Print icon to print a configuration page.
Check the configuration page to verify that the HP Jetdirect connected successfully.
Note:
If the HP Jetdirect is connected, it will be listed on the configuration page in the Installed Personalities and Options section.
- If an HP Jetdirect 2900nw entry is listed and a wireless network icon is displayed on the printer control panel, then the HP Jetdirect installed correctly.
- If an HP Jetdirect 2900nw entry is not listed, or a wireless network icon is not displayed on the printer control panel, check that the power cable and USB cable are securely connected to the HP Jetdirect and to the printer.

Step five: Enable wireless printing

To enable wireless printing on the printer and the HP Jetdirect, choose one of the methods below, and then follow the steps provided.

Method one: Enable wireless printing using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Use this method to enable wireless printing via the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

Make sure the printer is connected (wired) to the local network using the printer's embedded HP Jetdirect connection.

Note:
If the printer is not connected to a wired network, then connect the PC/laptop directly to the HP Jetdirect 2900nw using an Ethernet cable (not provided).
Obtain the wireless network name (SSID), security level, and password from your system administrator.

Note:
The wireless network SSID is different from the HP Jetdirect SSID or printer SSID.
Locate the Jetdirect IP address by printing a configuration page from the printer control panel:
Note:
The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels
- FutureSmart 3: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Wireless icon , and then select Print to print a configuration page.
- FutureSmart 4 or 5: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Information icon , select Wireless, and then touch the Print icon to print a configuration page.
Note:
You can also print a configuration page from the Reports menu on the printer control panel.
Open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) using the following steps:
1. On your computer, open a Web browser, and in the address bar, type the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw or Embedded HP Jetdirect IP address or host name exactly as it displays on the configuration page.
  
  Example of an IP address in the browser address bar
2. Press Enter on the computer keyboard.
  
  The EWS opens.
On the EWS Home page, click the Networking tab.
In the left navigation pane, click Wireless Station, and then select On.

Note:
The Wireless page displays all the 802.11 wireless configuration parameters required to create a wireless connection to the local network.

Note:
You might need to type a password if security is enabled on the network.
Under Security, select the desired security level from the available options:
Note:
HP printers with two or more network interfaces cannot bridge, route, or switch data.
- WPA – This is the most common type of wireless network security. A single password is shared by all users to connect to the wireless network.
- WPA – Enterprise (802.1x) – This option provides more advanced network security. Each device connecting to the wireless network requires a unique user name and password. Network administrators must set up a username and password specific to that printer and install a CA-signed certificate on the printer.
Configure any other settings, as needed, and then click Apply to save the settings.
Verify that the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address has been assigned using the following steps:
1. Navigate to the Wireless settings menu on the printer control panel:
  Note:
  The steps vary according to the type of control panel.
  - FutureSmart 3: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Wireless icon . A list of IP addresses or host names associated with the printer will display.
  - FutureSmart 4 or 5: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Information icon , and then select Wireless. A list of IP addresses or host names that are associated with the printer will display.
  Note:
  The wireless IP address is different than the printer's IP address. It may take some time for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address to display depending on the network speed.
2. Wait for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address to display in the list of IP addresses on the printer control panel screen.
  - If the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address does not display in the list, wait a few minutes and try again.
  - When the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address displays in the list, you are ready to print.
    
    For information on how to print, go to www.hp.com/go/MobilePrinting.

Method two: Enable wireless printing from the printer control panel

Use this method to turn on wireless printing from the printer control panel.

Note:

The steps vary according to the type of control panel.

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels

Find your printer control-panel type in the options below and then follow the instructions to enable wireless printing.

FutureSmart 3

Follow these steps if your printer has a FutureSmart 3 control panel.

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, scroll to and select Administration.
Open the following menus:
1. Network Settings
2. Wireless
3. Wireless Station
Select Wireless Radio, select On, and then select Save.
Select SSID, type the wireless network SSID (that you obtained from your system administrator), and then select Save.
Select Authentication, select the security level (that you obtained from your system administrator), and then select Save.
If you selected WPA-PSK as the authentication type, then set the password:
1. Select Configure PSK and then select Pass-Phrase.
2. Type the password (that you obtained from your system administrator), and then select Save.
Verify that the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address has been assigned using the following steps:
1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select the Wireless icon . A list of IP addresses or host names associated with the printer will display.
  
  Note:
  The wireless IP address is different than the printer's IP address. It may take some time for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address to display depending on the network speed.
2. Wait for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw to display in the list of IP addresses on the printer control panel screen.
  - If the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address does not display in the list, wait a few minutes and try again.
  - When the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address displays in the list, you are ready to print.
    
    For information on how to print, go to www.hp.com/go/MobilePrinting.

FutureSmart 4 or 5

Follow these steps if your printer has a FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panel.

From the Home screen on the printer control panel, navigate to and select Settings.
Open the following menus:
1. Networking
2. Wireless
3. Wireless Station
Select Status, and then select On.
Select SSID, type the wireless network SSID (that you obtained from your system administrator), and then select Done.
Select Authentication, select the security level (that you obtained from your system administrator), and then select Done.
If you selected WPA-PSK as the authentication type, then set the password that you obtained from your system administrator, and then select Done.
Verify that the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address has been assigned using the following steps:
1. From the Home screen on the printer control panel, touch the Information icon , and then select Wireless. A list of IP addresses or host names that are associated with the printer will display.
  
  Note:
  The wireless IP address is different than the printer's IP address. It may take some time for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address to display depending on the network speed.
2. Wait for the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw address to display in the list of IP addresses on the printer control panel screen.
  - If the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address does not display in the list, wait a few minutes and try again.
  - When the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw IP address displays in the list, you are ready to print.
    
    For information on how to print, go to www.hp.com/go/MobilePrinting.

Step six: Configure advanced network settings (optional)

There are additional (optional) settings that can be configured for the HP Jetdirect using the Embedded Web Server (EWS). The optional settings include changing the printer name, configuring general network settings, and configuring network-specific settings for each HP Jetdirect network connection (when applicable).

Note:

These settings are typically applied by system administrators in an Enterprise environment. If you are not sure, contact your system administrator.

To access the Embedded Web Server (EWS), you must have the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw or Embedded HP Jetdirect IP address.

Locate the Jetdirect IP address on the printer control panel using the following steps (that apply to your control-panel type):

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels

FutureSmart 3: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, press or touch the Wireless icon . A list of IP addresses or host names that are associated with the printer will display.

Locate the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw or Embedded HP Jetdirect IP address in the list and make note of it.
FutureSmart 4 or 5: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, press or touch the Information icon , and then select the Wireless icon . A list of IP addresses or host names that are associated with the printer will display.

Locate the Wireless HP Jetdirect 2900nw or Embedded HP Jetdirect IP address in the list and make note of it.

Refer to the sections below for information on how to configure the optional settings for the HP Jetdirect.

Change the printer name

The printer has a name for each network interface. Each network interface will have its own IP address (network IP address). The printer could have up to four different names depending on the number of accessories installed.

If there is more than one network IP address, you will need to open the Embedded Web Server (EWS) for each network instance using the individual IP addresses, and then change the printer name for each network.

On your computer, open a Web browser, and in the address bar, type the Jetdirect IP address or host name.

Example of an IP address in the browser address bar
Press Enter on the computer keyboard.

The EWS opens.
On the EWS Home page, click the Networking tab.
In the left navigation pane, click TCP/IP Settings, and then click the Network Identification tab.
Scroll down to the Bonjour section, and in the Bonjour Service Name text field, type a new name for the printer.

Note:
Bonjour is used by phones and tablets to identify the printer. To change the printer name, you will need to change the Bonjour Service Name.
Click Apply to save the changes.
Repeat these steps for each network IP address (if multiple network interfaces are in use).

Configure general network settings for the printer

Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to configure general network settings for the printer that are common to all network instances.

Note:

These general printer settings are common to all network interfaces. If the printer has multiple networks configured, these settings will apply to all HP Jetdirect network instances and you do not need to configure the individual IP addresses, unless otherwise indicated.

On your computer, open a Web browser, and in the address bar, type the Jetdirect IP address or host name.

Example of an IP address in the browser address bar
Press Enter on the computer keyboard.

The EWS opens.
On the EWS Home page, click the Networking tab.
In the left navigation pane, navigate to the menus listed below, configure the common network settings, and then click Apply to save each setting.
- Configuration
  
  Note:
  You can also enable or disable WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and set a password using the printer control panel. See the Method two: Enable wireless printing from the printer control panel section further up in this document.
  - Wireless Station Security settings > Wireless Wizard > WPA (WiFi Protected Access)
    
    Note:
    HP printers with two or more network interfaces cannot bridge, route, or switch data.
    WPA: This is the most common type of wireless network security. A single passphrase is used by all users to connect to the wireless network.
    
    WPA – Enterprise (802.1x): This option provides more advanced network security. Each device connecting to the wireless network requires a unique username and password. Network administrators must set up a username and password specific to that printer and install a CA-signed certificate on the printer.
  - Wireless Direct settings
    
    Note:
    Wireless Direct printing is not supported using an HP Jetdirect 2900nw, but the feature can be used if another supported print server (embedded or the Jetdirect 3000w NFC/accessory) is also installed on the same printer. If a supported print server is not installed, this option will not be available in the EWS. If a supported print server is installed, you can also configure the Wireless Direct Name using the printer control panel.
  - Other Settings
    
    Note:
    The Default network for outbound connections setting is the only Other Setting that is common to all network instances. All Other Settings will need to be configured for each HP Jetdirect network. See the Configure network-specific settings section further down in this document.
    Default network for outbound connections (check box under Enabled features)
  - TCP/IP Settings
    Syslog settings (TCP/IP Settings > Advanced tab)
    
    Note:
    The Syslog settings are the only TCP/IP Settings that are common to all network instances. All other TCP/IP settings will need to be configured for each HP Jetdirect network. See the Configure network-specific settings section further down in this document.
- Security
  - Mgmt protocols
    Enable FIPS-140 (check box under FIPS Configuration)
    
    Note:
    The FIPS-140 setting is the only Mgmt protocol that is common to all network instances. All other Mgmt protocol settings will need to be configured for each HP Jetdirect network. See the Configure network-specific settings section further down in this document.
Click the HP Web Services tab, configure general HP ePrint settings, and then click Apply to save the settings.

Note:
For detailed instructions, go to HP LaserJet, HP OfficeJet Enterprise, HP PageWide Enterprise - Set up HP ePrint via email.

Configure network-specific settings

Each HP Jetdirect network connection has a specific instance. Each HP Jetdirect instance has a separate IP address that is isolated to prevent the crossover of data from transferring network traffic between the interfaces (commonly referred to as "bridging" or "routing"). That means it is impossible for an HP printer with two or more network interfaces to bridge, route, or switch data, and therefore, each individual network instance must be configured separately.

Note:

When more than one HP Jetdirect print server or accessory is installed, you will see multiples instances of the HP Jetdirect network interfaces listed on the printer control panel and the configuration page.

To configure each network instance, you can use the printer control panel or the Embedded Web Server (EWS) (using the HP Jetdirect IP addresses specific to each network instance).

Choose your preferred method below and then follow the steps provided.

Method one: Configure network-specific settings using the Embedded Web Server (EWS)

Use this method to configure the network-specific settings via the Embedded Web Server (EWS).

On your computer, open a Web browser, and in the address bar, type the Jetdirect IP address or host name.

Example of an IP address in the browser address bar
Press Enter on the computer keyboard.

The EWS opens.
Open the HP Embedded Web Server (EWS) using the following steps:
On the EWS Home page, click the Networking tab.
In the left navigation pane, navigate to the menus listed below, configure the network-specific settings, and then click Apply to save each setting.
- Configuration
  - TCP/IP Settings
  - Networking Settings
  - Other Settings
  - AirPrint
  - Selected Language
- Google Cloud Print
  - Web Proxy
- Security
  - Settings
  - Authorization
  - Mgmt Protocols
  - 802.1x Authentication
  - IPsec/Firewall
  - Announcement Agent
- Diagnostics
  - Network Statistics
  - Protocol Info
  - Configuration page
Close the browser window.
Repeat these steps to configure the settings for each network IP address.

Method two: Configure network-specific settings from the printer control panel

Use this method to configure the network-specific settings from the printer control panel.

Open the Networking menu on the printer control panel using the following steps:
Note:
The steps for accessing this menu vary according to the control-panel type.

FutureSmart 3 control panels

FutureSmart 4 or 5 control panels
- FutureSmart 3: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, scroll to and select Administration, and then select Network Settings.
- FutureSmart 4 or 5: From the Home screen on the printer control panel, select Settings, and then select Networking.
From the Network Settings or Networking menu, select a network interface:
- Secondary Ethernet: This is the network wired on the HP Jetdirect 2900nw.
- Wireless Direct: This is the network embedded in the HP Jetdirect 3000w.
- Wireless: This is the network on the HP Jetdirect 2900nw.
- Primary Ethernet: This is the network wired on the printer.
Configure the printer settings for each network interface:
- Secondary Ethernet (Wired on HP Jetdirect 2900nw)
  - TCP/IP
  - SECURITY
    Secure Web
    
    IPSEC
    
    802.1x
    
    Announcement agent
- Wireless Direct Name (Embedded in HP Jetdirect 3000w)
  
  Note:
  Wireless Direct printing is not supported using an HP Jetdirect 2900nw, but the feature can be used if another supported print server (embedded or the Jetdirect 3000w NFC/accessory) is also installed on the same printer.
- Wireless (on the HP Jetdirect 2900nw)
  - Wireless Station
  - TCP/IP
- Primary Ethernet (Wired on printer)
  - TCP/IP
  - SECURITY
    Secure Web
    
    IPSEC
    
    802.1x
    
    Announcement agent
Repeat these steps for each network instance (if multiple network interfaces are in use).

More information

For more information, visit the following links:

Mobile printing: www.hp.com/go/MobilePrinting
HP Jetdirect 2900nw: www.hp.com/support/jd2900nw

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