> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.plato.ae/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# PC Network Setup

> Configure a printer IP address from a PC using Ethernet, a browser page, or a vendor utility.

Use this page before configuring Plato when the printer has no known IP address, is on the wrong network, or needs Wi-Fi/Ethernet settings changed.

## Choose A Setup Method

| Method                    | Use when                                                                                           |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Router or switch Ethernet | The printer already has DHCP enabled and should join the store network directly.                   |
| Direct PC Ethernet cable  | The printer is not visible on the store network or you need to recover/configure it from a laptop. |
| Browser web config        | The printer has an IP address and exposes a web configuration page.                                |
| Vendor utility            | The printer needs discovery, IP assignment, Wi-Fi setup, or reset from a PC app.                   |

For Epson, use EpsonNet Config or the model utility when available. Epson documents EpsonNet Config as its network configuration software and says it is installed from the product support page.

## Method 1: Router Or Switch Ethernet

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Connect Ethernet from the printer to the router or switch.
3. Turn the printer on.
4. Wait 20 to 30 seconds.
5. Print a self-test or network status page.
6. Find the IP address and port on the printout.
7. Reserve that IP address on the router when possible.
8. Enter the IP address and port in Plato.

This is the cleanest setup for fixed cashier, kitchen, and bar printers.

## Method 2: Direct PC Ethernet Cable

Use this when the printer is not discoverable on the store network.

1. Connect Ethernet directly from the printer to the PC.
2. Print the printer self-test or network status page.
3. Note the printer IP address and subnet.
4. Set the PC Ethernet adapter to a temporary static IP in the same subnet.
5. Open a browser to the printer IP address, or open the vendor utility.
6. Change the printer IP, subnet mask, gateway, and Wi-Fi settings as needed.
7. Save settings and restart the printer.
8. Move the printer back to the store router or switch.
9. Print a new status page and confirm the final IP address.

Example: if the printer IP is `192.168.192.168`, set the PC Ethernet adapter temporarily to something like `192.168.192.10` with the same subnet mask. Change the PC adapter back after setup.

## Method 3: Browser Web Config

Use this when the printer already has a reachable IP address and supports web configuration.

1. Put the PC on the same network as the printer.
2. Open a browser.
3. Enter `http://PRINTER_IP`.
4. Log in if the printer asks for credentials.
5. Update TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, or interface settings.
6. Save and restart the printer if required.
7. Print a status page and confirm the final IP address.

Some Epson models expose EpsonNet Config through a browser. Other models require EpsonNet Config or the model utility instead of a browser page.

## Method 4: Vendor Utility

Use the vendor utility when browser setup is unavailable or discovery is easier from an app.

Common flow:

1. Download the utility from the vendor support page.
2. Connect the PC and printer to the same network, or connect PC to printer directly by Ethernet.
3. Open the utility.
4. Refresh or search for printers.
5. Select the printer by model, MAC address, serial number, or current IP.
6. Set IP mode to manual or static if the site requires a fixed IP.
7. Enter IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and Wi-Fi details when needed.
8. Save settings to the printer.
9. Restart the printer.
10. Print a status page and confirm the final IP.

For Epson TM printers, EpsonNet Config can configure network settings such as printer IP address on Ethernet models. Model utilities such as TM-T20III Utility or TM-m30 Utility may also be used depending on the printer.

## Before Adding To Plato

Confirm:

1. The printer and POS are on the same local network.
2. The printer IP address is final.
3. The port is known, usually `9100`.
4. The printer can print a self-test or status page.
5. The IP address is reserved on the router when possible.