Hardware & Network Requirements

Hardware requirements and network configuration for accessing and connecting printers to SimplyPrint.

Hardware to Access SimplyPrint

SimplyPrint is a cloud service that can be used with any device that has a browser, as you interact with SimplyPrint via a web browser or our mobile app.

Any Browser-Capable Device

Computers, tablets, Chromebooks - anything that can run a web browser works with SimplyPrint.

Mobile Apps Available

Download our mobile apps for iOS and Android for on-the-go printer management.

iOS App Android App

Setup Hardware: Connect Your Printer

There are different kinds of integrations to SimplyPrint, and it is determined by what printer you have and how it connects. The setup and whether hardware is required or not, depends on the printer. We support three main types of setups:

Best Source of Information

For detailed setup instructions specific to your printer model, visit our comprehensive Setup Guide - this is the best source of information for setup requirements.

1. Network Bridge Setup (one device for up to multiple printers)

Some printers like Bambu Lab, Ultimaker, Duet3D, Elegoo Centauri and others may require one device on your local network, that can connect locally to your printers, and then to our API.

  • Acts like a "bridge" between us and your printers
  • Used when we cannot install anything on the printer directly
  • Works with printers that are more "closed" like Bambu Lab or Elegoo Centauri
  • Requires printers to have a local "API" that allows communication on the same network
  • See the Network Requirements section for more details on network communication

2. Printer runs our software (built-in connection, no hardware required): Klipper & custom firmware

So-called "Klipper-powered" printers and newer printers running the "Klipper" firmware have more powerful hardware that can run our software on the printer and connect to the internet.

  • No external hardware needed - the printer itself connects to SimplyPrint
  • Built-in WiFi and processing power handles the connection
  • Some newer Prusa printers with our custom firmware installed also fall into this category

More info in our Klipper setup guide

3. Older Printers (External Hardware Required)

Older printers are "dumber" and may not have super powerful hardware: no WiFi, no Bluetooth or anything like that. In this case, external hardware is required.

  • Often times you'd need a Raspberry Pi (generally one per printer - 1 Pi for 4+ printers can be possible, but the setup is a bit more complex).
    • Read our guide on which Raspberry Pi to pick for SimplyPrint Pi OS: Pick the right Raspberry Pi
    • Can I use something other than a Raspberry Pi? Yes! But our software is optimized and shipped for Raspberry Pi, so we recommend it. Other devices may work, such as a Windows or Mac computer - even an old Android phone or tablet can work, as well as any Linux-based device. Learn more in our setup guide.
  • The Raspberry Pi connects to your printer via USB and to your network via WiFi/Ethernet
  • Acts as a bridge between your printer and SimplyPrint's cloud service
  • See the Network Requirements section for more details on network communication for SimplyPrint Pi OS setups

More info in our setup guide

Need Help Choosing?

This page provides an overview of the different setup types. For detailed information specific to the many hundreds of printers we support, visit our comprehensive Setup Guide.

Network Requirements

Setup-Specific Network Requirements

Network Bridge Setup Communication

For setups using a network bridge (like with Bambu Lab, Ultimaker, Duet3D, Elegoo Centauri):

  • Our software (hosted on a device on your local network) needs to communicate directly with printers via their local IP addresses
  • Network administrators can restrict access by allowing specific MAC addresses or IPs if needed
  • This network configuration must be managed by you - SimplyPrint software does not handle static IPs or network permissions
  • The printers themselves (like Bambu Lab) often don't need internet access - they can be completely cut off from the internet as long as the device hosting our client has internet connection
SimplyPrint Pi OS Setups

For SimplyPrint Pi OS setups with a Raspberry Pi connected via USB:

  • The Raspberry Pi doesn't necessarily need to talk to other local devices on the network when connected to the printer via USB
  • However, if you want to use an IP camera with your printer, the Raspberry Pi will need access to that camera's IP address
  • If the camera can't be accessed via "localhost" (i.e., it's not directly connected to the Raspberry Pi), you'll need to ensure the camera's IP is accessible
  • Both wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WiFi) connections are fully supported for connecting the Raspberry Pi to your network

Required Endpoints

Your devices need to be able to connect to our servers. We use port 443 (SSL, HTTPS) and the following endpoints:

  • simplyprint.io
  • ws.simplyprint.io
  • errors.simplyprint.io
  • cdn.simplyprint.io
  • cdn2.simplyprint.io
  • Preferably *.digitaloceanspaces.com, but otherwise sp-cdn.fra1.digitaloceanspaces.com

For Prusa Printers with Custom Firmware

  • prusa.simplyprint.io

Wi-Fi & Network Configuration

Wi-Fi & Ethernet Recommendations
  • Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are fully supported - wired connections often provide more stability for critical setups
  • WPA2 networks work best - most compatible with devices like Raspberry Pi
  • 2.4GHz preferred - some devices like Raspberry Pi can have trouble with 5GHz
  • Enterprise networks may not work - networks requiring SSID + username/password can be problematic
  • Avoid open networks - unsecured networks are strongly discouraged for security reasons
Separate Network & Internet Requirements
  • Printers can be on a separate network - SimplyPrint only needs to be on the same network as your printers, which can be isolated from your main network
  • Printers often don't need internet access - many printers (like Bambu Lab) can be completely cut off from the internet, as long as the device hosting our client has internet connection
  • Only the bridge device needs internet - the device running SimplyPrint software needs internet access to communicate with our servers, but your printers may not

Connection Method

SimplyPrint uses outbound connections only, which means:

  • Your devices (Raspberry Pi, etc.) connect TO our servers
  • We don't connect back to your devices
  • No inbound firewall rules typically required
  • Uses standard web requests and WebSocket connections
  • Same connection method as browsing websites

Need Help with Setup?

Setup Guide

Comprehensive guides for hundreds of supported printers:

Visit Setup Guide

Technical Support

Need help with network configuration or hardware setup:

Visit Help Center