Brother DCP-L5500DN — Features, Specs, Performance & Business Use

The Brother DCP-L5500DN is a monochrome laser multifunction (print/scan/copy) targeted squarely at busy small offices and workgroups that need fast, dependable document handling without the cost and complexity of a full production MFP. In Brother’s lineup it sits above desktop home-office models but below larger office models, offering a blend of high print speed, decent paper capacity, networked features and useful scanning tools — all packaged in a footprint that will fit comfortably in a departmental copy area. Below is a detailed look at its hardware, real-world performance, business suitability, deployment advice and buying considerations.

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What the DCP-L5500DN is designed to solve

This is a device for teams that print a lot of black-and-white content: invoices, reports, contracts, training materials and one-off handouts. Its key selling points are speed (up to 42 pages per minute), automatic duplexing, useful scan workflows and low operating cost thanks to high-yield toner options. It’s not a full-colour marketing press, but for document-centric work it’s efficient and economical. 

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Key specifications — the numbers you need

Below are the load-bearing specs that define what the machine can do:

• Functions: Print, copy, scan (monochrome).

• Print speed: Up to 42 pages per minute (ppm) (Letter).

• Print resolution: Up to 1,200 × 1,200 dpi (image quality up to 1,200 × 1,200).

• Warm-up / first-page time: Fast first-page-out times (manufacturer data; real world ~5–8 seconds from ready).

• ADF capacity / scan speed: 40-sheet automatic document feeder; scan up to 24 ipm (images per minute) mono.

• Paper handling: Standard 250-sheet tray + 50-sheet multipurpose tray (300 total); optional 250- or 520-sheet trays expand capacity up to ~1,340 sheets.

• Duplex: Automatic two-sided printing supported.

• Memory: 256 MB (standard); 3.7-inch color touchscreen (customizable shortcuts).

• Network: Ethernet (standard); optional wireless models exist in the family.

• Toner yield: Standard and high-yield toner options; replacement high-yield cartridges rated up to 8,000 pages for low running cost.

• Footprint & weight: Desktop/classroom friendly (≈16.4 kg).

Those figures underpin the DCP-L5500DN’s suitability for moderate-to-heavy document workloads.

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Design, build and user interface

Brother built the DCP-L5500DN as a straightforward workhorse. The chassis is functional rather than flashy: a matte plastic shell with a practical front-loading paper path for easy access. The 3.7-inch color touchscreen offers quick access to common scan and copy workflows and lets administrators create custom shortcuts (scan-to-folder, scan-to-email, secure print release) for frequent tasks. The 40-sheet ADF and automatic duplex function let staff process multipage documents quickly without manual flipping. For a shared office device the ergonomics and physical controls are well thought through. 

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Printing performance: speed, quality and reliability

Speed & throughput

The headline 42 ppm is realistic for typical office documents — dense graphics or heavy coverage slow the engine, but text and mixed content will often come off at or near rated speed. For busy morning bursts (meeting handouts, reports), the machine keeps up well and its warm-up/first-page times reduce wait. If your office prints thousands of pages per month, the DCP-L5500DN’s published duty cycle and optional trays mean it can be scaled to fit medium monthly volumes. 

Print quality

Monochrome laser output is crisp and legible. Text is sharp at typical business resolutions and line art/diagrams reproduce cleanly. The 1,200-dpi resolution is more than enough for contracts, invoices and internal collateral; it’s not intended to produce photographic quality, but clarity for document work is excellent.

Reliability & consumables

Brother MFPs in this class are known for stable service life when maintained. The DCP-L5500DN uses user-replaceable toner drums and fusers accessible from the front, which simplifies onsite servicing and lowers downtime. High-yield toner cartridges (up to 8,000 pages) lower operating costs and reduce the frequency of cartridge swaps — important in busy offices. Regular preventive maintenance and using genuine consumables keep reliability high.

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Scanning & copying — practical office workflows

The 40-sheet ADF and duplex scanning capability are strong features for a departmental MFP: you can scan multi-page contracts, invoices, or employee paperwork to email, network folders, USB or cloud services (depending on setup) without manual page turning. Bipass scanning speed is competitive (around 24 ipm mono) and the touchscreen makes setting scan destinations straightforward for non-technical staff. For offices digitizing records or running hybrid paper/digital workflows the DCP-L5500DN is well-matched.

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Network, security & manageability

For shared office use the machine supports standard business protocols (PCL6, BR-Script3, PDF, XPS) and integrates via Ethernet. Brother includes basic network security features (user authentication options, secure print, and admin controls). For fleet environments you can manage devices centrally via Brother’s fleet management tools or standard SNMP and remote admin features — helpful for IT teams that maintain multiple devices. For higher security needs (HDD encryption, advanced audit logging), verify the specific options on the configuration you plan to buy. 

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Where the DCP-L5500DN shines in business

Small-to-medium workgroups: The most natural fit. Departments that print procedural manuals, billing runs, HR packets or legal documents will find the DCP-L5500DN fast and economical.

Reception & admin desks: With high print speed, duplexing and an MP tray for envelopes or labels, it’s handy for receptionists and admin staff who produce a variety of document types.

Back-office scanning & digital archiving: The 40-sheet ADF and duplex scan speed make it efficient for digitizing forms and records.

Shared office environments: Networked connectivity, touchscreen shortcuts and optional extra trays let the device serve multiple users reliably.

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Limitations & when to consider alternatives

• No colour printing. If you regularly need colour marketing materials, invoices with highlights, or colour graphics, consider a colour MFP (or pair this with a small colour unit).

• Advanced enterprise features. Large enterprises requiring extensive account tracking, advanced secure HDD encryption, or multifunction workflows may prefer higher-end MFPs with heavier security bundles. Confirm specific security kit availability if you need audit trails or hardened encryption.

• Wireless is not standard on the DN model. The DCP-L5500DN emphasizes Ethernet network sharing; if you need integrated Wi-Fi, choose the appropriate variant or an MFP with wireless included.

• Not a production press. Despite good speed and optional high capacity, the unit is not a substitute for a dedicated production printer for very high monthly volumes or for colour print shops.

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Deployment tips & best practices

1. Choose the right paper configuration up front. If multiple trays are likely to be useful (different paper sizes/types), buy optional trays to avoid daily paper swaps. The DCP-L5500DN supports up to ~1,340 sheets with optional trays. 

2. Use high-yield toners for cost control. The 8,000-page cartridges materially lower per-page cost and reduce disruption. 

3. Network integration & security. Register the device into your print server environment or MDM, enable secure print for confidential documents, and keep firmware updated.

4. Place near power/network and ventilation. The device is robust but needs space for paper handling and ventilation; avoid crammed cupboards.

5. Service contract for mission-critical use. If the MFP is central to operations, purchase on-site service or an extended warranty — preventive maintenance reduces downtime. 

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Cost of ownership (TCO) considerations

When evaluating TCO, include:

• Hardware price (initial purchase).

• Consumables (toner, drum, fuser) — use Brother’s published yields to estimate cost per page. High-yield toners reduce per-page cost.

• Paper & finishing supplies. Duplex printing reduces paper use for two-sided documents.

• Service & spare parts. Contracted service can be budgeted into per-month cost to avoid surprise repair bills.

• Energy & footprint. The DCP-L5500DN is efficient for its class; modern Brother lasers have low idle power draw, and sleep modes reduce energy use.

For many SMBs, the DCP-L5500DN’s combination of speed and high-yield toner leads to attractive operational costs compared with outsourcing monochrome volume prints.

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Final verdict

The Brother DCP-L5500DN is a pragmatic, well-rounded choice for small to medium workgroups that need reliable monochrome printing, fast duplex scanning and flexible paper handling. It balances speed (42 ppm), practical touchscreen workflows and low running cost (high-yield toners), making it ideal for departmental copy rooms, back-office functions and shared office spaces. If your environment needs colour printing, a large enterprise security stack, or production-press throughput, consider alternatives — but for document-centric offices that prioritize speed, reliability and TCO, the DCP-L5500DN is a strong candidate. 

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