D-Link dwa-160 User Manual
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
Adapter Installation ................................................11
Conguration ............................................................. 17
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ................... 17
Wireless Networks ........................................... 18
Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS)......................... 19
What is WEA™? .....................................................31
Congure WEP .......................................................... 32
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager ........................................................... 32
Using Windows Vista ....................................... 34
Using the Windows XP Utility ..........................36
Congure WPA™/WPA2™-Personal .......................... 38
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager ........................................................... 38
Using Windows® Vista™ ...................................40
Using the Windows® XP Utility ........................ 42
Wireless Basics ......................................................... 50
Wireless Modes ..................................................... 54
Networking Basics .................................................... 55
Check your IP address ..........................................55
Windows XP/2000 Users .......................................55
My Wireless Networks .....................................22
Add Prole ...................................................23
Modify Prole ............................................... 24
Support ............................................................ 25
About ...............................................................26
Connect to a Wireless Network ................................ 27
Using Windows® Vista™ ......................................... 27
Using Windows XP ................................................ 29
Wireless Security.......................................................30
What is WPA™? .....................................................30
Windows Vista Users .......................................55
Statically Assign an IP address ............................. 56
Windows XP/2000 Users ................................. 56
Windows Vista Users .......................................56
Technical Specications........................................... 58
Contacting Technical Support ................................. 58
Warranty .....................................................................60
Registration ................................................................ 66
2D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-160 Xtreme N™ Dual™ Band USB Adapter
• Cradle
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager 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
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• A draft 802.11n or 802.11g or 802.11a access point or wireless router
Vista™, 2000 (Service Pack 4) or XP (Service Pack 3)
3D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-160 Xtreme N™ Dual™ Band 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 DWA160 can enable Draft 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by Xtreme N™ Dual™ technology, the DWA-160 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception
than 802.11a or 802.11g*. The DWA-160 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher
networking, and its 5GHz Mediaband helps avoid interference by providing a clearer wireless band for signals than
existing 802.11g products. Maximize wireless performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a Xtreme N™ Dual™
Media router or an Xtreme N™ Gaming 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 Quick Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process. The D-Link Wireless Manager
is included with this product to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-160 Xtreme N™ Dual™ Band 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 Draft 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network
conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network trafc, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual
data throughput rate. Environmental conditions will adversely affect wireless signal range.
4D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Compact size for placement anywhere.
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
• Fully 802.11g and 802.11a compatible.
• Draft 802.11n compliant.
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required.
• 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.
You may also use 802.1x for wireless authentication.
Features
• Position the DWA-160 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 affect throughput.
5D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-160
to your computer.
6D-Link DWA-160 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 different manufacture’s adapter or a different 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 different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
®
Windows
Windows
XP/Vista™ users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
®
2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
7D-Link DWA-160 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-160 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-160 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, 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 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. Building Materials make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect 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 2.4GHz 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 2.4GHz 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-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Adapter Installation
Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-160 Xtreme N™ Dual™ Band USB Adapter into your computer before installing
the driver software from the D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-160 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive.
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type
“D:\DWA160.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
When the autorun screen appears, click Install Drivers.
11D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program
Files\D-Link\DWA-160, where C: represents the drive letter of
your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse
and specify the location.
Click Next
Select the Program Files folder location.
Click Next
12D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your
computer.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Click Next
The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear.
If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to
page 15. The following instructions will connect you to a wireless
network using Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS).
Click Next
13D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Push Button Configuration (PBC)
To connect to your network using the WPS push button
conguration method, click the virtual button as shown in the
screenshot.
Press the WPS button on your access point or wireless router
within 2 minutes to establish connectivity.
When this screen appears, you have successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Next to complete your setup.
Click Next
14D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually
connect to a wireless network and then click Next.
Click Next
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID
incorrectly, you will automatically be brought to the site survey
page. Click Scan to display the site survey page.
Click Next
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site
survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next.
Click Next
15D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Next to complete your setup.
Click Next
Click Finish to continue.
Click Finish
16D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Configuration
This section will show you how to congure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as the
Windows® XP Zero Conguration Utility & Vista WLAN auto conguration.
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
The D-Link DWA-160 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides
the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on the desktop will start the Conguration.
If you are using Windows® Vista™ please skip to page 27 or Windows® XP skip to page 29.
Double-click the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on your desktop.
17D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Wireless Networks
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect
to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
SSID:
MAC:
Signal:
Security:
Channel:
WPS Button:
Refresh Button:
The SSID (Service Set Identier) is the name
of the wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless
device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless
connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure. You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi
Protected Setup. Refer to the next page.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
®
Connect Button:
Activate Button:
Highlight a wireless network and click the
Connect button. If the network is secure, a
pop-up window will appear. Enter the security
information to connect (refer to the Wireless
Security section for more information).
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
18D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
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