D Link 2002080002-1 User Manual

D-Link DWLDWL--AABB520520

2.4/5GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

Manual

Rev. 0209016

1

....................

...............................

........................

11
18
25
28
59
62

Building Networks for People

Contents

Package Contents................................

Introduction................................

Wireless Basics................................

Getting Started .......................................................

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

Troubleshooting......................................................

Networking Basics..................................................

Technical Specifications .........................................

Limited Warranty and Registration.........................

2

Package Contents

Contents of Package:

• D-Link DWL-AB520 2.4/5GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

• Manual and Drivers on CD

• Quick Installation Guide (printed)

If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.

System Requirements:

• A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI Card slot

• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE

• At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor or higher

•

3

Introduction

The D-Link DWL-AB520 Wireless PCI Adapter is an advanced IEEE

802.11a/b compatible, high performance, wireless adapter that supports
data transfer speeds of up to 108 Mbps in Turbo Mode.

It is an ideal way to connect your laptop computer to a Wireless Local
Area Network (WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick
Install Guide (included in your 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! Please take a
look at our Getting Started section in this manual. You will see several
options for setting up a network using the DWL-AB520.

The DWL-AB520 comes with software drivers for the most popular
Microsoft Windows operating systems and can be integrated into a larger
network, running Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows
98SE, in either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure
mode (with an Access Point.)

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.

4

Product Features

• Adheres to 802.11a/b standard in providing high data wireless
transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. Capable of providing data rates
of up to 108 Mbps in Turbo Mode.

• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – a new
technique for transmitting high-speed data over a radio wave.

• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic
data rate switching.

• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at
64/128/152-bit encryption with dynamic key exchange for security.

• Supports infrastructure networks via Access Point and Ad-Hoc
networks via peer-to-peer communication.

• Built-in dual diversity antenna for reduced interference in a multi­path environment.

• Requires an available 32-bit PCI Card slot that is PCI 2.2
compliant.

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.

LED

LED stands for light-emitting diode. The DWL-AB520 Wireless PCI
Adapter has two LEDs, as shown below. When the computer is ON, the

adapter is inserted properly, and there is activity on the network, both
LEDs flash in unison. The BOTTOM LED (POWER) flashes to indicate
that the adapter is inserted properly into a computer that is ON. The
TOP LED (Network) flashes to indicate network activity.

TOP

BOTTOM

LEDs

5

Antenna

The DWL-AB520 Wireless PCI Adapter has two mode for external
antenna and internal antenna. As below:

For external antenna: (Please refer to the figure 1)

1. Remover the back cover of the computer

2. Install the DWL-AB520 PCI Adapter carefully and firmly into an
available CPI slot.

3. Pass the wireless antenna through the hole on the back panel

4. Secure the screw and replace the computer cover

5. Put the antenna into the antenna stand

For internal antenna, the installation instruction as follows and performed
by D-Link authorized OEM company at factory. (Please refer the figure 2
and 3)

1. Remove the back cover of the computer.

2. Install the DWL-AB520 PCI Adapter carefully and firmly into an
available PCI slot.

3. The internal antenna should be installed on the front panel of the
computer by D-Link authorized OEM company at factory.

4. Find the internal antenna plug in the computer chassis.

5. Insert this internal antenna plug carefully and firmly into the
receptacle on the DWL-AB520 PCI Adapter.

6. Replace the computer’s cover.

Warning: This internal antenna is not allowed to be installed by the end
user.

6

Figure 1: External Antenna

Figure 2: Two Types of Internal Antennas

7

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 or business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11a/b, the D-Link
wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want,
when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location
or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able
to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.

A wireless LAN (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. 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 has proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop
systems, support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For
most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired
Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer equipped with a
wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within
the wireless-cell. 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 Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this
link.

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. Ad-hoc
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.
Furthermore, IEEE standardization mandates interoperability of all
WLAN devices that conform to the 802.11a/b set of standards.

8

Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system

you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls,

30 meters.)

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

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go

where wires cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for

wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN
hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be
significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic
environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes.

Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of
topologies 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 full infrastructure networks of
thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Considerations

Designed to go up to 1650 feet (~500 meters), D-Link DWL-AB520 lets
you access your network with your computer from virtually anywhere

ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must pass thru may
limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and
background RF noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing
range is to follow these basic principles:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and
your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1­For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it
may be beneficial to have more than one access point with
overlapping coverage.

2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers
with wireless adapters - 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 2­degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make sure

9