connecting_to_network_printers

Connecting to Network Printers

If your computer finds the desired printer automatically, use that. However, for various reasons, this might not work, or you may wish to be able to send print jobs across campus. In that case, this page is for you!

Note that you must connect from the Caltech network or using the VPN.

IMSS's Instructions for Windows (link currently broken)

  • Start > Settings (gear icon) > Devices > Printers & scanners > Add a printer or scanner
  • If desired printer is not found:
    • The printer that I want isn't listed
    • Add a printer using a TCP/IP address or hostname
    • paste in given IP address for both Hostname or IP Address and Port name
    • Ensure that Query the printer and automatically select the driver to use is checked
    • Enter the printer name.
    • Do not share this printer
  • If driver detection is unsuccessful, you may need to install and select drivers specific to the printer you want to use. Drivers can be found on the manufacturer's website.
  • Go to System Preferences > Printers & Scanners > + > Add printer or scanner… > IP
  • Enter the IP address in the Address: field
  • Make sure “Internet Printing Protocol - IPP” is selected
  • Enter the printer name in the Name: field
  • Click “add”

Printing from iOS is more involved because you cannot manually add printers by domain or IP, so it needs extra configuration to be able to find them automatically.

  • Connect to Caltech Secure
  • Open settings and tap on Wi-Fi
  • Tap the i icon next to Caltech Secure
  • Scroll to the bottom and tap Configure DNS
  • Select Manual. You should see three IP addresses under DNS servers.
  • Tap Add Search Domain, enter dabney.caltech.edu, and tap return
  • Tap Save in the top right corner

You should then be able to print with the system print option in the share menu.

  • Go to the CUPS Dashboard
  • Click on the Administration tab:
  • Click on the “Add Printer” button:
  • Under “Other Network Printers”, click “Internet Printing Protocol (ipp)”. DO NOT USE “Discovered Network Printers” if they appear, as these will only work if you are physically near the printer!
  • Enter the printer connection string
  • Add a name and location, then click “Continue”
  • Under “Make”, select “Generic” (you may have to scroll a bit), then click “Continue”:
  • Under “Model”, select “IPP Everywhere™”, then click “Add Printer”. You may have to sign in with your username and password.
  • Click “Set Default Options”
  • Done!
  • connecting_to_network_printers.txt
  • Last modified: 2026/05/13 12:58
  • by gjohn