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Chapter 3:
Setting up the Gerber Solara ion
This chapter describes general information on setting up your Gerber Solara ion including how
to connect the printer to the network and how to configure your computer and printer to
communicate with each other.
Networking your Gerber Solara ion printer
The Gerber Solara ion is a network device and your computer must have a 100/1000 Mbps
auto-switch network interface board installed to communicate with the printer. Gerber supplies
a CAT 5E Ethernet cables to connect the printer to the network or for direct connection to a
computer. (The Gerber Solara ion is also compatible with a CAT 6 Ethernet cable.)
Tip: If your computer is not on a network you can create your own network with a separately
purchased network switch and connect one or more devices to your computer. Your computer
must have a 100/1000 Mbps auto-switch network interface board and you will need to obtain a
100/1000 Mbps Ethernet switch with several ports. Use straight-through Category 5E or
Category 6 Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors: one to connect the Gerber Solara ion to
the switch, and one to connect the computer to the switch. The Ethernet switch, network
interface board, and additional cables are readily available at local computer stores.
Tip: When a live network cable is plugged into the computer, the RJ45 jack LED will light.
Setting fixed (static) network addresses
When the Gerber Solara ion arrives from the factory, it is set to use fixed (static) network
addresses. You will need to obtain and assign the correct addresses in order for the computer to
be able to communicate with the printer. The static network addresses are set in the Network
Settings web page. If necessary, you will also configure your computer's IP Address and Subnet
Mask as described in “Setting the IP Address and Subnet Mask of your Computer” on page 33.
The IP Address of the computer and Gerber Solar
a ion should be unique. The Subnet Mask
should be identical for the computer and the printer. In a single LAN environment leave the
Gateway address as the default setting (000.000.000.000)
CAUTION: Use care when entering addresses for the equipment. Entering incorrect
addresses could damage the network. In a large existing network, obtain the correct
addresses for the computer and the Gerber Solara ion
from the network
administrator or IT professional.