D-Link DWL-120R User Manual
D-LINK
2.4GHz Wireless USB Adapter
Air DWL-120
Manual
(09/27/2002)
Building Networks for People
Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction ..........................................................................................4
Wireless Basics ....................................................................................6
Getting Started ................................................................................... 10
Using the Configuration Utility ............................................................ 13
Networking Basics ..............................................................................19
Troubleshooting..................................................................................32
Technical Specifications .....................................................................35
Contacting Technical Support.............................................................36
Warranty and Registration.................................................................. 37
2
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link Air DWL-120
2.4 GHz Wireless USB Adapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
A computer with an available USB port
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE
At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
An 802.11b Access Point or Router (e.g., DWL-900AP for
Infrastructure Mode) or another 802.11b wireless adapter
(e.g., DWL-650 for Ad-Hoc mode.)
3
Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-120 2.4GHz Wireless USB Adapter is an ideal way to
extend the reach and number of computers connected to your wireless network.
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation 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!
This DWL-120 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, or Windows 98SE in either Ad
Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access
Point.) The IEEE 802.11b standards compliance means this adapter gives
you the flexibility to connect it to any 802.11b network. The IEEE 802.11b
Ethernet standard allows you to connect computers and devices at speeds up
to 11Mbps, dependent upon the distance between wireless adapters, the
configuration of your working environment, or the capabilities or limitations of
your computer systems.
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 familiarize yourself with wireless technology. You should also give
yourself some time to become familiar with your new wireless network.
4
Features and Benefits
Provides high-speed wireless connection at up to 11Mbps
Operates in the 2.4 to 2.4835 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
Supports wireless data encryption with 64-bit WEP and 128-bit
WEP for more secure networking
Supports infrastructure networks via an Access Point and peer-to-
peer communication in ad-hoc mode
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Cost-effective wireless solution
IEEE 802.11b and Wi-Fi Certified
Connects at up to 328 feet indoors*
WHQL Certification for Windows XP
Easy installation
One year warranty
**
* Environmental factors may adversely affect range
5
Features
Antenna
Used to wirelessly
connect to 802.11b
networks
Mini-USB port
Used to connect the
DWL-120 to your
computer
Link/Activity LED
Link - Indicates that the
DWL-120 is properly
installed in the computer.
Activity - Blinks when data
is being transmitted
through the wireless
connection.
Wireless Basics
D-Link 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
D-Link 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.
6
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.
7
Wireless Basics (continued)
The DWL-120 is compatible with the D-Link Air 802.11b family of products
which include:
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop
computers (DWL-650)
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(DWL-520)
Wireless Access Points (DWL-900AP)
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-120 is interoperable with
existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of
up to 11Mbps.
8
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link Air DWL-120 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 antenna of the DWL-120 in an upright position.
2.
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-120 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link Air Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
Position your receiving devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is
minimized.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
9
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-120 will connect with other
D-Link Air products, right out of the box.
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point, such as the DWL-900AP+.
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-120 wireless network USB 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 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 AirPro DI-764
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
A desktop computer with another D-Link Air DWL-120
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
10
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
Please refer to the following
sections of this manual for
additional information about
setting up a network:
2
1
Networking Basics - learn
how to check and assign
your IP Address; share
printers and files.
Using the Configuration
Menu - learn the settings for
the DWL-120, using the
web-based interface.
Troubleshooting - learn
how to check for common
installation issues and other
tips for troubleshooting.
Please remember that D-Link Air wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
3
4
5
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.)
Install the D-Link Air DWL-120 wireless USB adapter into an available USB
port on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with
the DWL-120.)
If you are connecting a laptop computer to your network, install the drivers for
the wireless cardbus adapter (e.g., DWL-650+ or the DWL-650) into a laptop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-A650,
DWL-650+, or DWL-650.)
11
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link Air DWL-120 Wireless USB adapter into the desktop
computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.
Install a wireless network adapter into the laptop computer. In the
example above the DWL-650+ or DWL-650 may be installed 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.
12
Using the Configuration Utility
With its default settings, the DWL-120 will connect
with other D-Link Air products, right out of the box.
D-Link Air DWL-120 uses the Configuration Utility as the management
software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to change any settings
related to the wireless adapter. When the computer is started, the
Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded
in the toolbar (see illustration below.) Clicking on the utility icon will start the
Configuration Utility. Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to
click on Start>Programs>D-Link DWL-120.
A new icon - will appear in your Icon tray. Double-click on the icon
shown above. The screen below will be displayed with the following default
settings:
System
Associated SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the
name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID setting
is set to default.
MAC Address:
Displays the MAC Address of the
Access Point that is associated
with the DWL-120.
Network Type:
The default setting is Infrastructure.
Ad-Hoc mode is used for peer-to-
peer networking.
Status:
Displays the current connection state of the DWL-120.
WEP:
(Wireless Encryption Protocol)
Displays encryption status.
Link Quality:
Displays the wireless signal strength
for the DWL-120 wireless connection
to the access point.
13
Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration
Network Type:
Infrastructure is the factory default setting. Ad-Hoc mode is used for peer
to peer networking. See the Getting Started section in this manual for
examples of these network types.
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The
factory SSID setting is set to default. Make changes here to match the
SSID on existing Wireless Router or Access Point.
Tx Rate:
You can adjust the transmission rate to get the best signal possible depending on your usage and your environment.
Default Setting:
Reverts the DWL-120 back to its factory default settings
WEP Setting:
Will allow you to configure the Encryption for your DWL-120. By default
WEP is disabled.
Advanced Setting:
To configure advanced settings for Power, RTS and Fragmentation Threshold.
14
Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration>WEP Setting
WEP encryption on the
router or access point.
WEP stands for Wired
Equivalent Privacy. It is a
security protocol for
Wireless Local Area
Networks
Hexadecimal format
WEP type:
Select 128 bit WEP or 64 bit WEP encryption
consists of numbers 0-9
and letters a-f.
Default Key ID:
1 is the default key, or you may select a key from 1-4
Input WEP keys:
Input up to 4 WEP keys in hexadecimal format
Click OK if you have made any changes
Configuration>Advanced Setting
Power Save:
Select Enable or Disable;
Disable is the default setting
If you enable WEP
encryption make
sure to match the
RTS Threshold:
Request to Send threshold
measures the value in bytes.
Any packet size exceeding
2432 will trigger the DWL120 to use RTS/CTS
mechanism for transmission.
Fragmentation Threshold:
The fragmentation threshold, which is specified in bytes, determines whether
packets will be fragmented. Packets exceeding the 2346 byte setting will be
fragmented before transmission.
Click OK if you have made any changes
15
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