The TSP100II connects to the internet through either an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, depending on which model you have and what your setup requires

The Star TSP100II is a receipt printer commonly used in retail and restaurant settings. It does not connect to the internet on its own — instead, it connects to your local network (the same network your computer uses), and then your computer or point-of-sale system sends print jobs to it over that network. The printer itself never needs internet access; it just needs to be on the same network as the device sending it documents.

Which connection method you use depends on your printer model and your physical setup. Some TSP100II models come with Ethernet built in. Others have Wi-Fi capability. A few have both. Checking which version you own takes 30 seconds and determines which steps you follow.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSP100II connects to your local network via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi, not directly to the internet.
  • You must first identify whether your specific printer model has Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or both before attempting to connect.
  • An Ethernet connection is more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, but requires a cable run to the printer location.
  • After connecting the printer to the network, you must install the printer driver on your computer or point-of-sale system so it can find and use the printer.
  • The printer's IP address — a unique number that identifies it on your network — is needed to complete the setup.

Identify which connection type your printer supports

Look at the back of your TSP100II printer. You will see ports where cables plug in. An Ethernet port looks like a telephone jack but slightly wider — it is rectangular and has a small clip on one side. A Wi-Fi model will not have a visible antenna, but the documentation or the printer's label will state "Wireless" or "Wi-Fi" somewhere on the box or back panel.

If you are unsure, check the model number on the printer's label (usually on the back or bottom). It will be something like TSP100II-24 or TSP100II-24GRY. Search that exact model number on the Star Micronics website or your retailer's documentation. The product page will list whether it has Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or both.

Write down which connection type you have. This determines your next steps.

Connecting via Ethernet cable

Ethernet is the most reliable method. You will need an Ethernet cable (the same type used for computers) and access to your network router or a network switch. The cable can be 25 feet long or more without signal loss, so distance is not usually a problem.

Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the port on the back of the printer labeled "Ethernet" or "Network." Plug the other end into an available port on your router, network switch, or wall jack connected to your network. The printer will power on (if it is not already) and begin connecting to the network. This usually takes 10 to 30 seconds. You will see a light on the Ethernet port blink, indicating data is moving.

Do not unplug the printer or move the cable during this initial connection. Once the light stops blinking rapidly and settles into a steady pattern, the connection is established.

Connecting via Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi connection is more convenient if your printer is far from your router, but the signal can be weaker than Ethernet, especially through walls or in busy radio environments. You will need your network name (SSID) and password.

Power on the printer and wait for it to fully boot (usually 30 seconds). Most Wi-Fi TSP100II models have a small button on the back or side labeled "Wi-Fi" or "Network." Press and hold this button for three to five seconds. The printer will enter pairing mode, and a light will blink to indicate it is searching for networks.

On your computer or smartphone, open your Wi-Fi network list and look for a network name that includes "Star" or the printer's model number. Select it and enter your network password when prompted. The printer will connect and the light will stop blinking. If you do not see a Star network appear, consult the printer's manual — some models require you to use a setup utility on your computer instead of the button method.

Finding your printer's IP address

Once the printer is connected to your network via either method, it receives a unique address called an IP address. This address looks like four numbers separated by dots, such as 192.168.1.50. You need this address to tell your computer where to find the printer.

The simplest way to find it is to print a network configuration page directly from the printer. Look for a button on the printer labeled "Menu," "Settings," or "Network." Press it repeatedly to scroll through options until you see "Print Configuration" or "Network Status." Select it and press the button again. The printer will print a page showing its IP address, network status, and other details. Write down the IP address.

If your printer does not have a menu button, you can find the IP address through your router. Log into your router's settings (usually by typing 192.168.1.1 into a web browser) and look for a list of connected devices. Find the Star printer in the list and note its IP address.

Installing the printer driver on your computer

A printer driver is software that tells your computer how to communicate with the printer. Without it, your computer will not recognize the printer even though it is on the network.

Go to the Star Micronics support website and search for "TSP100II driver." Download the driver that matches your computer's operating system (Windows or Mac). Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. When the installer asks for the printer's IP address, enter the address you found in the previous step.

Once installation is complete, open your computer's printer settings (on Windows, this is Settings > Devices > Printers & Scanners; on Mac, it is System Preferences > Printers & Scanners). You should see the Star TSP100II listed. If it does not appear, restart your computer and check again.

Testing the connection

To confirm everything is working, send a test print job from your computer. Open Notepad or any text editor, type a few words, and select File > Print. Choose the Star TSP100II from the printer list and click Print. The printer should produce a receipt with your text on it within a few seconds.

If nothing prints, check that the printer is powered on and that the Ethernet cable is firmly plugged in (or that Wi-Fi is still connected). Restart both the printer and your computer, then try again. If the printer still does not respond, verify the IP address is correct by printing the network configuration page again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need internet for the printer to work?

No. The printer only needs to be on the same local network as your computer. It does not need internet access. As long as both devices are connected to the same router or network, they can communicate.

Can I use both Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time?

Some TSP100II models support both, but using both simultaneously can cause confusion. Pick one method and stick with it. If you have both connected, disable one in the printer's network settings to avoid conflicts.

What if the printer keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi can be unstable if the printer is far from the router or if there is interference from other devices. Move the printer closer to the router, or switch to an Ethernet connection if possible. If you must use Wi-Fi, check that your router is not overloaded with too many devices.

How do I change the printer's IP address?

Most TSP100II printers receive their IP address automatically from your router (called DHCP). If you need a fixed address, access the printer's network settings through the menu button or through a web browser by typing the printer's current IP address into the address bar. Look for "Network Settings" or "TCP/IP" and change from DHCP to Static, then enter the address you want.

What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password?

You will need to reset the printer to factory settings and start the Wi-Fi connection process again. Hold down the power button for 10 seconds while the printer is on. The printer will restart and forget all network settings. Then follow the Wi-Fi connection steps from the beginning.