D-Link AirPlus XTREME G+TM
DWL-G520+
High-speed 2.4GHz
Wireless PCI Adapter
Manual
Building Networks for People
Contents
Package Contents................................................................................. |
3 |
Introduction............................................................................................ |
4 |
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... |
6 |
Getting Started .................................................................................... |
10 |
Using the Configuration Utility .............................................................. |
13 |
Networking Basics .............................................................................. |
20 |
Troubleshooting................................................................................... |
33 |
Technical Specifications ...................................................................... |
38 |
Contacting Technical Support .............................................................. |
40 |
Warranty and Registration.................................................................... |
41 |
2
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+TM DWL-G520+
2.4 GHz - 54Mbps Wireless PCI Adapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
Printed Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements for Configuration:
A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE
At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
An 802.11g or 802.11b Access Point (for Infrastructure mode), or another 802.11g or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc, peer-to-peer networking mode.)
3
Introduction
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+TM DWL-G520+ Wireless PCI Adapter is a 802.11g highperformance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G520+ provides data transfers at up to 8X (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ products. The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products.This means that you do not need to change your entire network to maintain connectivity. You may sacrifice some of 802.11g’s speed when you mix 802.11b and 802.11g devices, but you will not lose the ability to communicate when you incorporate the 802.11g standard into your 802.11b network. You may choose to slowly change your network by gradually replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices .
In addition to offering faster data transfer speeds when used with other 802.11g products, the DWL-G520+ has the newest, strongest, most advanced security features available today. When used with other 802.11g WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and 802.1x compatible products in a network with a radius server, the security features include:
WPA*: A new security feature, Wi-Fi Protected Access authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval.
WPA uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporal key every 10,000 packets (a packet is a kind of message transmitted over a network.) This insures much greater security than the standard WEP security. (By contrast, the older WEP encryption required the keys to be changed manually.)
802.1x*:Authentication is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the Authentication process the server verifies the identity of the client attempting to connect to the network. Unfamiliar clients would be denied access.
For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security for the DWL-G520+, used in conjunction with other 802.11g products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre Shared Key mode of WPA, the DWL-G520+ will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11g network. You only need to input your encryption information once in the configuration menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure security, with the DWLG520+, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communications.
* Available Q4 2003 as a free download |
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Features
Fully compatible with the 802.11g standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to 54Mbps
Backwards compatible with the 802.11b standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to 11Mbps
WPA* (Wi Fi Protected Access) authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval, for example:
TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), in conjunction with a RADIUS server, changes the temporal key every 10,000 packets, ensuring greater security
Pre Shared Key mode means that the home user, without a RADIUS server, will obtain a new security key every time the he or she connects to the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the network.
802.1x* Authentication in conjunction with the radius server verifies the identity of would be clients
Utilizes OFDM technology (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-G520+ has the following LEDs:
LED |
LED Activity |
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Activity |
A blinking light indicates data is being transmitted |
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Link |
A steady light indicates a connection to an Access Point |
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* Available Q4 2003 as a free download
5
Wireless Basics
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to- use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.
A WLAN is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs – WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or office.
Inexpensive Solution – Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.
Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.
The DWL-G520+ is compatible with the following wireless products:
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G650+
Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G520+
Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ and D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-2000AP+
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Points
D-Link AirPlus DWL-800AP+
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Range Extender
D-Link AirPlus DWL-810+
Enhanced 2.4GHz Ethernet-to-Wireless Bridge
7
Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G520+ Wireless PCI Adapter utilizes the 802.11g standard.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology.
This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-G520+ will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today, including: WPA*, 802.1x*TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key mode. These security features are explained in more detail in the Introduction and the Features section of this manual.
The DWL-G520+ is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have an existing 802.11b network, the devices in that network will be compatible with 802.11g devices at speeds up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range. Also based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-G520+ is interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of up to 11Mbps.
1 * Available Q4 2003 as a free download
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G520+ lets you access your network, using a wireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:
1.Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G520+ and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-
30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2.Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.
3.Building Materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4.Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.
9
Getting Started
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point, or Wireless Router, such as the DI-624+.
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to- peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or more DWL-G520+ wireless network PCI adapters.
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network and an Ad-Hoc Network.
An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or a Wireless Router. The Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link network devices (your existing network may be comprised of other devices):
A wireless Router - D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DI-624+
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G650+ or D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G520+ or D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
10
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
1
2
3
5
4 DWL-G520+ with
Destop Computer
Please remember that D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ wireless devices are preconfigured to connect together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into your home or office)
Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router (see the Quick
Installation Guide included with your router.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G+ DWL-G520+ wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot on your desktop computer. You may also install the DWL-520+.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter.)
Install the drivers for the D-Link DWL-G650+ wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer. You may also install DWL-650+.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter.)
11
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link DWL-G520+ Wireless Network adapter into one desktop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation instructions.
Install another DWL-G650+ into a laptop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, set the adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP Address to each computer on the Ad-Hoc network. (See Box below)
IP Address
When assigning IP Addresses to the computers on the network, please remember that the IP Address for each computer must be in the same IP Address range as all the computers in the network, and the subnet mask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.
For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.2 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255. 0, etc.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
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Using the Configuration Utility
If you wish to change the default settings or optimize the performance of the DWL-G520+, D-Link has included a configuration utility for this purpose. However, in Windows XP, you will instead use zero configuration utility.
Before you use the configuration utility for the DWL-G520+, you must install the drivers and the configuration utility from the CD-ROM that came with the DWLG520+. (Please see the Quick Installation Guide that came with the product.) After you have completed this installation and restarted your computer, you can access the Configuration Utility at any time by clicking on this icon that will appear on your desktop.
After double-clicking on the icon on the desktop (shown at right), the Link Info window shown on the next page will appear:
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