D-Link DWL-520 User Manual

D-Link

Enhanced 2.4 GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

Air

Plus DWL-520+

Manual

Building Networks for People

Contents

Package Contents ............................................. 3

2. Introduction........................................................ 4

3. Wireless Basics ................................................. 6

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

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

6. Troubleshooting............................................... 19

7. Networking Basics........................................... 23

8. Technical Specifications ..................................51

9. Contacting Technical Support.......................... 53

10. Limited Warranty and Registration .................. 54

1. Package Contents

Contents of Package:

• D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

• Manual, QIG, and Driver on CD

• Quick Installation Guide

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

• A computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot

• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98

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

• An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+ for Infrastructure

Mode) or another 802.11b wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-650+ for Ad-Hoc mode.)

System Requirements:

2. Introduction

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Wireless PCI Adapter is an enhanced

802.11b high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.

Unlike most 802.11b network cards, the DWL-520+ provides speeds of up to 22 Mbps (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus products such as the DWL-520+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter. Now increased speed can be obtained when you enable the new 4x feature (when used with the 4x-enabled DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router or the 4x-enabled DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point.)

The DWL-520+ is also compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-Link AirPlus family of products including the DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter, the DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router and the DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point.

Extra security is provided by the addition of 802.1x* support. With 802.1x compatible routers and access points along with a radius server, the DWL520+ will participate in a much more secure network (that includes client authentication) than is available with WEP encryption alone.

It is an ideal way to connect one 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 DWL-520+ includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98) and can be integrated into a larger network, running, in either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point.) Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this

manual to see examples of typical network setups using the DWL-520+ in both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc 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.

* 802.1x Authentication requires EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol.) 802.1x supported EAP is available through the Windows XP Operating System. You will need to use the same type of EAP protocol on all the devices in your network when using the 802.1x feature.

Features and Benefits

• Supports 802.1x authentication security

• Now even faster performance with the new 4x feature, when used

with 4x-enabled DI-614+ or 4x-enabled DWL-900AP+

• Speeds up to 2X faster, with data transfer rates up to 22Mbps, when used with other D-Link AirPlus products

• Fully compatible with standard 802.11b-compliant devices

• Provides up to 20% faster data transfer rates when used with

standard 802.11b-compliant devices

• Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP encryption

• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data

rate switching

• Automatically discovers available networks when using the included Configuration utility

• Supports infrastructure networks via an Access Point and peer-topeer communication in ad-hoc mode

• Quick and Easy installation into desktop PCs

LEDs

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-520+ has one LED:

Power/Activity - Green LED lights on steady to indicate a proper connection to a power source and blinks to indicate activity.

Power/Activity

3. Wireless Basics

D-Link AirPlus wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or wherever a wireless network is available. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link AirPlus 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 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 with 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. 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 a 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. 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 install cable through walls and ceilings.

Wireless Basics

Network Expansion - 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 Local Area Networks (WLANs) 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.

D-Link devices that are compatible with the DWL-520+:

 D-Link DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop

computers

 D-Link DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router

 D-Link DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point

Standards - Based Technology

The IEEE standard-based technology assures that the D-Link AirPlus Products are interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology. This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. The technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz range at speeds up to 22Mbps. D-Link AirPlus products will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.

Wireless Basics

802.1x provides an extra level of security to your wireless network. Through its Authentication protocol (when 802.1x is activated), only clients with

802.1x authentication will be permitted to communicate in your network; all other clients will be denied access. This is a far more secure wireless network than has previously been available.

All devices on the network must be 802.1x compatible and must share the same EAP type. For Authentication purposes you will need a radius server in your network.

Installation Considerations

Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet (100 meters) indoors, the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ lets you access your network with your computer from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signal must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and any background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic guidelines:

Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access

Point and your receiving device (i.e., the DWL-520+) to a minimum Each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link AirPlus Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your Access Points, Residential Gateways, and computers so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Residential Gateways (routers), and computers. 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 the Access Points and Adapters 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 Access Points, and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.

4. Make sure that the device’s antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength tools included with your product.

5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical

devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.

Wireless Basics

For the average home, signal range should not be an issue. If you experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between the computers with wireless adapters. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired.

Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.

4. Getting Started

Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-520+ will

automatically connect with other D-Link Air or AirPlus products.

For the price of a single IP Address from your Broadband Internet Service provider you can share the Internet with all the computers on your local network, without sacrificing speed or security, using D-Link AirPlus networking products.

There are basically two modes of networking:

Infrastructure – using an Router/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-520+ wireless network PCI 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/Router. The Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link network devices:

A wireless Broadband Router - D-Link Air DI-614+ A laptop computer with a wireless network adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ A desktop computer with a wireless network adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol for assigning IP

ddresses “automatically.” With a DHCP-capable gateway/router, there is no need to

manuall

assign an IP Address.

Getting Started

Setting Up an Infrastructure Network

Please remember that D-Link AirPlus wireless devices are pre-configured to

connect together, right out of the box, with the default settings.

You will need a broadband Internet access (Cable/DSL) subscription.

Consult with your Cable/DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.

Connect the modem to a wireless Broadband router (such as the D-Link DI-614+.)

router.

See the Quick Installation Guide included with the

Install the drivers for the DWL-520+. See the Quick Installation

Guide included with the DWL-520+.

Install the drivers for the wireless network adapter (such as the

D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+) into the laptop computer.

Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-650+.

If you are using the 802.1x protocol in your network, your setup may be different than that pictured above. Please refer to the manual that came with your D-Link

802.1x compatible router or access point for further tips on setting up a more secure

network.

See the

Getting Started

Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network

Fig. 4.2

Install the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Wireless Network adapter into the desktop computer.

with the product for installation instructions

See the Quick Installation Guide included

Install a wireless network adapter into the laptop computer. In the example above the DWL-650+ is 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 mas 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.

5. Using the Configuration Utility

If you want to alter the default settings or optimize the performance of the DWL-520+, D-Link has included a configuration utility to do so.

Note: Out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-520+ will associate with D-Link AirPlus wireless routers and access points (e.g., DI-614+, DWL-900AP+.)

After the computer restarts, the configuration utility will automatically start and the utility icon will appear in the bottom right hand corner of the screen (systray).

• Double-click on the Configuration Utility icon (Fig. 5.1) shown on the right.

Note: If the utility icon does not appear, double-click on the shortcut icon

(Fig. 5.2) that has been created on your desktop workspace.

Fig. 5.1

After double-clicking on the icon (Fig. 5.1), the D-Link AirPlus

Configuration

DWL-520+ Utility window will appear.

Fig. 5.2

Link Info

After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the following.

slightly different on your computer.)

(Note: the appearance of the following illustrations may be

Configuration Utility (continued) Link Info (continued)

Status: Displays the MAC Address of the Access Point that is associated

with the DWL-520+.

SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The factory SSID setting is set to default.

TxRate: The factory setting is set to 11 Mbps; however, TxRate settings are automatically determined by the DWL-520+ depending on the distance from the access point.

Channel: Displays the channel information. By default, the channel is set to 6 and selection is automatically determined by the DWL-520+.

Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-520+ wireless connection to the access point. The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the DWL-520+. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar.

Data Rate: Displays the statistics of data transmitted and received.

Rescan: Rescans the network for the Access Point with the greatest signal

strength and connects the DWL-520+ automatically.

Configuration

The Configuration screen displays the default settings for the DWL-520+.

Configuration Utility (continued)

Configuration (continued)

To communicate on the network all devices must have the

same settings for the following properties:

SSID - (Service Set Identifier) is a name that identifies a wireless network. Access Points and wireless clients attempting to connect to a specific WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) must use the same SSID. The default setting is default.

Wireless Mode - Click on the pull-down menu; select from the following options:

Infrastructure - connecting the WLAN using an Access Point such as the DWL-900AP+. (The default setting.)

Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used when connecting directly to a computer equipped with a wireless adapter such as the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Wireless PCI adapter in a peer-to-peer environment.

Channel – The default channel setting is channel 6. However, the DWL- 520+ will automatically select the channel to match the channel setting for the selected Access Point. In Ad Hoc mode, the channel must be manually set to the same channel for each wireless adapter.

TX Rate - Select the transmission rate on the network. 11Mbps is the default setting.

Preamble - Select Long or Short Preamble. The Preamble defines the

length of the CRC block (Cyclic Redundancy Check is a common technique for detecting data transmission errors) for communication between the Access Point and the roaming wireless Network adapters. Long Preamble is the default setting. Note: High network traffic areas should use the

shorter preamble type.

Power Mode - Select from three modes:

Continuous Access Mode-this default setting consumes the most

power

Maximum Power Save-this setting consumes the least power Power Save- this setting consumes a moderate amount of power.

4x Config – Select 4x Disable or 4x Enable. The 4x feature increases your

data throughput when 4x is enabled on both the wireless client and either the DWL-900AP+ (wireless Access Point) or the DI-614+ (wireless Router.)

Click Apply to save the changes.

Configuration Utility (continued)

Encryption

D-Link AirPlus Configuration Utility

Fig. 5.5

Please note that all devices must share the same Encryption

settings to communicate on the network.

Data Encryption – enable Encryption by clicking on the box. The DWL520+ has Encryption disabled as the default setting.

Authorization mode – choose one of the following modes:

Open Authentication – communicates the key across the network Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other

devices with identical WEP settings Auto – will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of the

wireless client

Network Key – enter a key in either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format

Key Format - ASCII or Hexadecimal

Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F

SCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for

representing English letters as numbers from 0-127

Key type - select the key length, either 64, 128 or 256 bits Key Index – You can create up to 4 different security keys

Click Apply to save the changes.

Configuration Utility (continued)

Site Survey

D-Link AirPlus Configuration Utility

Fig. 5.6

Available Networks

The top section of the window displays the Available Networks. Scroll up and down the list and highlight the network to which you wish to connect. Click on the Connect button.

Profiles

In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you have created for the wireless network at home, at the office and in public places. Scroll up and down and highlight the profile that you wish to configure. You can ADD or REMOVE a profile, or configure the Properties of the profile in order to connect with an available network.

Properties

Click on Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.

Configuration Utility (continued)

Properties

Current Setting

Current Setting/Default Setting

default

Fig. 5.7

In this window you can configure all the properties of a profile in order to connect with a network of your choice.

After you have entered your changes in this window, click OK to save the changes.

Configuration Utility (continued)

About

D-Link AirPlus Configuration Utility

PCI Card

D-Link AirPlus Configuration Utility

Fig. 5.8

The ABOUT screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWL-520+.

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