D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Version 5.0 | 09/23/2014
User Manual
Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter
DWA-131
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Product Overview .............................................................. 3
Package Contents .........................................................................3
System Requirements ................................................................. 3
Introduction ................................................................................... 4
Features ............................................................................................5
Hardware Overview ..................................................................... 6
Installation ......................................................................... 7
Getting Started .............................................................................. 7
Remove Existing Installations .......................................... 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ..................................... 8
Wireless Installation Considerations ....................................10
Driver Installation .......................................................................11
Using SoftAP ....................................................................13
Connecting to a Wireless Network .................................16
Using Mac OS ...............................................................................16
Statically Assign an IP address ...............................................35
Technical Specications .................................................. 36
Using Windows 8 .......................................................................18
Using Windows 7 .......................................................................20
Conguring Wireless Security ........................................22
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 25
Wireless Basics .................................................................29
Wireless Modes ............................................................................33
Networking Basics ........................................................... 34
Check your IP address ...............................................................34
2D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-131 Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager, Manual and Warranty on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
Product Overview
Package Contents
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
®
• Windows
• CD-ROM Drive
• 300 MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• A 802.11n, 802.11b or 802.11g access point or wireless router
8, Windows® 7
3D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-131 Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs.
Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-131 can enable 802.11n
wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by Wireless N technology, the DWA-131 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*.
The DWA-131 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless
performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a Wireless N router and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home.
This USB Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information
from being exposed.
D-Link’s SoftAP feature allows the DWA-131 to act as an access point, allowing you to share your Internet connection wirelessly
with other devices, or extend the coverage of an existing network.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-131 Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter is great for travel and a convenient solution
for providing high performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC. Enjoy the many benets of wireless
connectivity today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and
environmental factors, including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput
rate. Environmental conditions will adversely aect wireless signal range.
4D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Compact size for placement anywhere
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation
• Fully 802.11g compatible
• 802.11n compliant
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required
Features
• USB 2.0 standard
• You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much
higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.
• Position the DWA-131 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point
• User-friendly conguration and diagnostic utilities
* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely aect throughput.
*
5D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1
1 USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-131 to your computer.
6D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in device
manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make
sure any software is uninstalled.
Getting Started
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
• Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a dierent manufacturer’s adapter or a dierent model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is uninstalled
before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conict with the new software. If you plan to use multiple
adapters at dierent times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up. Windows® 7, Vista® and
XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
®
Windows
Windows XP/Vista
7/8 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
®
users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
7D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any
conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable
the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down the
list and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.
8D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. When disabled, a red X will be displayed.
Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like to use
the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.
9D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the
operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind 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 D-Link adapter and other network devices to a minimum
- each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’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. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative eect on range. Try to position access points, wireless
routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects
such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (sh tanks), mirrors, le cabinets, brick, and concrete will
degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF
noise.
5. If you are using 2.4 GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home
security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4
GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the
phone in not in use.
10D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Driver Installation
Before using the DWA-131 Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter, you must rst
install a device driver from the included D-Link CD.
Warning: Do NOT connect the DWA-131 Wireless N300 Nano USB Adapter to
the your computer’s USB port before installing the driver software from the
D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-131 Driver CD in the
CD-ROM drive.
Note: If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your
computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\autorun.exe” (where
D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
Once the D-Link Portable WiFi installation screen appears, you have two
options. If you wish to use the DWA-131 as a client device to connect to a
wireless router or access point, click Setup.
If you wish to use DWA-131 as a wireless access point so that you can share
your Internet connection with others, check the Install the SoftAP feature
box. Next, click Setup. This will install both the standard driver and the
SoftAP feature, allowing you to toggle between them at will.
One you click Setup, the software will begin installing.
11D-Link DWA-131 User Manual
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