Note: Obsolete product information - the instructions attached and processes described below are provided for reference purposes only. Brady's current generation of printers do not require an external BNC (S3100, i3300, M611, A6200, i5300, etc.)
The Brady Network Card (BNC)
The Brady Network Card is an accessory sold with some Brady printer models. This card allowed network connectivity for supported printer models.
BNC Variants
The Brady Network Network Card could support combinations of Wifi, Wifi Direct, Ethernet or Bluetooth connectivity options. Supported connectivity options are denoted in the model name:
| Name | Networks Supported |
| NET-BT-WIFI-LAN | Bluetooth, WiFi, and Ethernet ** |
| NET-WIFI | WiFi ONLY ** |
| NET-BT | Bluetooth ONLY** |
| NET-LAN | Ethernet ONLY |
** Bluetooth BNC variants (NET-BT-WIFI-LAN and NET-BT) and WIFI BNC (NET-WIFI) are discontinued.
BNC Compatible Printers
Benchtop Models
Portable Models
BNC Compatible Devices
The NET-WIFI Brady Network Card can connect via WiFi and WiFi Direct with Android. Apple/IOS devices have to use Wi-Fi.
Should I Network My BNC-Compatible Printer?
Complexity & Reliability - Networking adds a layer of complexity, secure corporate networks require a network administrator with sufficient user access to configure networking for BNC printers. We recommend networking with a static IP address, which often requires reaching out to your IT to confirm the address can be used: Static vs DHCP IP Addresses
Print Servers - Drivers for BNC-compatible printers are not tested for use on Print Servers: Can I Install My Brady Printer Driver On a Windows Server?
Wake on LAN - Note that these printer models do not support wake on LAN (WoL) functionality: Unable to Print to Networked Printer - Power Save Mode and Wake on LAN
Unless there is an absolute need to print to a BNC-compatible printer over a network connection, we recommend users take advantage of the more reliable USB connection available for these printer models.
BNC Installation
The BNC Config utility is a standalone Windows application that installs as part of the driver package for a BNC-compatible printer. See: Install Brady Network Card Configuration Utility
BNC Configuration
Brady's current software, Brady Workstation, does not require driver installation for configuration of the network card. Please reference this article for more information: Brady Workstation - Installing Brady Printers with an External Brady Network Card (BNC)
First-time network configuration of a BNC requires a simultaneous USB and ethernet connection. See the attached PDF "Network Printer Configuration Guide" or reference these related articles:
Networking BNC Printers on Subsequent PCs
To add the network printer driver to additional PCs, install the driver by running PrinterInstall in the Brady Universal Printer Driver Bundle Feb 2013. This has the option "Install network driver for additional PC's" (the May bundle does not). No USB cable needed, just the network IP address of the printer. See the attached PDF "BNC_Installation_Feb2013.pdf". This information does not apply to Brady Workstation.
BNC Firmware Upgrade
See: How to Update the BNC Firmware to Version 2.10
BNC Troubleshooting
See the attached PDF "Network Printer Configuration Guide". Reference this article for information about LED status lights: Brady Network Card - LED Lights
