Alpha Networks WMP-G04 user manual

D-Link WMP-G04

2.4GHz up to 54Mbps

Wireless Mini PCI Card

Manual

Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................3

Wireless Basics ...............................................................................................56

Getting Started ................................................................................................. 9

Using the Configuration Utility .................................................................... 12

Networking Basics ....................................................................................... 18

Warranty and Registration............................................................................. 31

2

Introduction

The Alpha Networks WMP-G04 Wireless Mini PCI Card is an enhanced 802.11g
high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking at home,
at work or in public places.

Unlike most network cards, the WMP-G04 provides speeds of up to 54 Mbps (compared
to the standard 11 Mbps) 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 replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices gradually.

In addition to offering faster data transfer speeds when used with other 802.11g products,
the WMP-G04 has the newest, strongest, most advanced security features available
today.

For home users that will not incorporate a radius server in their network, the security for
the WMP-G04, used in conjunction with other 802.11g products, will be much stronger
than ever before. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to
ensure security, with the WMP-G04, you will automatically receive a new key every
time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communications.

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The WMP-G04 is compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the AirPlus,
AirPlusXtremeG and AirPremier family of products including the DWL-520, DWL-520+

and the DWL-AG530 Wireless PCI Adapter, the DI-624 Wireless Router/Access Point
and the DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter. (When used with 802.11b devices,
the WMP-G04 will reach speeds at up to 11Mbps.)

It is an ideal way to connect one laptop computer to a Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide
(included in the package) you will have the ability to share information and resources,
such as files and printers, and take full advantage of a “connected” environment for
work or play!

The WMP-G04 includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows
operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98(SE)) and
can be integrated into a larger network, running, in either

Access Point) or mode (with an Access Point.)

our Getting Started section in this manual to see examples of typical network setups

using the WMP-G04 in both Access Point and Peer-to-Peer modes.

This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its application
as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this manual and get
acquainted with wireless technology.

Peer-to-Peer

Access Point

mode (without an

Please take a look at

4

Wireless Basics

Alpha wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to­use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business
or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the
Alpha wireless family of products will allow you to securely access the data
you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom
that wireless networking delivers.

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that
transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs
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.

Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to
link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet
connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Router is a device
used to provide this link.

5

Wireless Basics (continued)

People use wireless LAN 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 (Wireless Local Area Networks) 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 Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can

be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.

Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go

where wires cannot.

Scalability – Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a

variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications or existing
infrastructures. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to­peer 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.

6

Wireless Basics (continued)

Standards-Based Technology

The WMPL-G04 Wireless Mini PCI Card 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 WMP-G01 will automatically
sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and
range possible.

The WMP-G04 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 WMP-G04 is interoperable with
existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of
up to 11Mbps.

7

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Considerations

The D-Link WMP-G04 lets you access your network, using a wireless
connection, from virtually anywhere. 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 WMP-G04 and other

network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your
Alpha 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! Try to make sure that devices are positioned so that the signal will
travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.

3. Building Materials make a difference - 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 generate RF noise.

8

Getting Started

There are basically two modes of networking:

Access Point – using an Access Point, such as the

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DWL-900AP.
Peer-to-Peer – directly connecting to another computer, for

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peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters
on each computer, such as two or more WMP-G04 wireless
network Mini PCI card.

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 Router. To utilize the
full features of the WMP-G04 you will need to include a radius server in your
network. 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 Access Point - D-Link AirPlus 900AP

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A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -

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D-Link AirPlusXtreme G DWL-G650

A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -

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D-Link AirPlus DWL-520
(802.11b devices have speeds up to 11Mbps)

A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200

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