D-Link DWL-610 User Manual
TM
D-Link Air
DWL-610
2.4GHz
Wireless Cardbus Adapter
Manual
version 1.02
Building Networks for People
C
ontents
Package Contents................................................................................ 3
Introduction........................................................................................... 4
Wireless Basics ................................................................................... 6
Getting Started..................................................................................... 8
Using the Configuration Utility............................................................. 11
Networking Basics ............................................................................. 25
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 38
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 43
Warranty and Registration .................................................................. 45
Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 50
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Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link Air DWL-610
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2.4 GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
Manual and Drivers on CD
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Quick Installation Guide
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If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
A computer or laptop with an available PC card slot
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Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+) for Infrastructure
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mode, or an 802.11b wireless adapter for Ad-Hoc mode
(e.g., DWL-510.)
This manual applies specifically to the DWL-610 revision M1. Please
refer to earlier versions of this manual if you have a previous version
of the DWL-610.
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Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-610 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an 802.11b wireless adapter that
supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
The DW L-610 is c om patible with ex is ting 802.11b devices such as the D-Link Air and
AirPlus family of products including the DWL-510 and DWL-520+ Wireless PCI Adapters,
the DI-614+ Wireless Router, DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point and the DWL-122
Wireless USB Adapter.
The DWL-610 is an ideal way to connect your laptop 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 enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
The DWL-610 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 Router) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point or Router).
The IEEE 802.11b Ethernet standard allows you to connect computers and 802.11b
compatible 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.
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Features & Benefits
Provides a simple and inexpensive way to connect your laptop computer to a
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wireless network at home, at the office, or in public places
Fully compliant with the 802.11b standard and interoperable with all existing
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802.11b-compliant devices
Quick and Easy Installation- The DWL-610 installs quickly and easily into a
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cardbus slot in a laptop computer. By following the simple steps outlined in
the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available wireless network
in a matter of seconds
High Performance 32-bit Cardbus - The high capacity Cardbus interface
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utilized by the DWL-610 ensures optimal performance in transmitting a
wireless signal within the laptop computer.
Provides high-speed wireless connection up to 11Mbps
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Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
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Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate
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switching
Provides a measure of security for the information transmitted over a wireless
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network with high data encryption at 64 or 128-bit WEP.
Supports infrastructure networks via an access point and peer-to-peer commu-
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nication in ad-hoc mode
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
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LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
Link: Solid green light indicates connection to the network
ACT: Blinking amber light indicates activity on the network
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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, business or public access
wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want,
when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking
brings.
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits
and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs 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.
People use WLAN 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 are easy to set up, manage, change and
relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation.
WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fast
and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless
technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or
office.
Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways 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 larger infrastructure networks
to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of wireless
devices deployed.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventional Ethernet network devices.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
The DWL-610 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which include:
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
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2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter used with laptop computers
D-Link Air DWL-510, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
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2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+
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Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+
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Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Routers
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-610 is also interoperable with existing
compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of up to 11Mbps.
Installation Considerations
The D-Link Air DWL-610 lets you access your network, using a wireless connection,
from virtually anywhere within its operating range. 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:
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-610 and other
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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.)Pos i t i o n your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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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.
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Building Materials can impede the wireless signal - 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.
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Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
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Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-610, when activated, 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 or Router, such as
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the DI-614+
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-
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peer communication, using wireless network adapters on
each computer, such as two or more DWL-610 wireless
network 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 AirPlus DI-614+
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A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
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D-Link Air DWL-610
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
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D-Link Air DWL-510
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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1
3
4
6
5
Please remember that D-Link Air wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
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-510 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot on
your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-510.)
Install the D-Link Air DWL-610 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-610.)
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet
network adapter (such as a DFE-530TX+) to the router also.
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Desktop
Install the Wireless PCI adapter(e.g., DWL-510) into the desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation
instructions.)
Install the DWL-610 wireless Cardbus adapter 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.
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Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link Air DWL-610 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. After you have completed the installation of the DWL-610 (refer to the Quick
Installation Guide that came with your purchase) whenever you start the computer, 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 Air>D-Link Air Utility.
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the
D-Link Configuration Utility.
To use the D-Link Configuration Utility with XP, right-click
on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-hand corner of your computer screen.
In the window that appears, select View
Available Wireless Networks and click
the Advanced button. The screen at right
will appear.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
Configuration Utility icon.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
test1
test2
*Config Utility icon in
system tray
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the
settings for the DWL-610:
Status:
Displays the MAC Address of the
Access Point or Router to which the
DWL-610 is associated
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the name
assigned to the wireless network.
The factory SSID setting is default.
Frequency:
802.11b indicates that the DWL-610
is communicating in the 2.4GHz
band.
Wireless Mode:
Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the Getting
Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Link Info
Tx Rate:
The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an
optimal speed up to a maximum of 11Mbps.
Channel:
The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-610.
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-610 wireless connection to the access point.
The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the
DWL-610. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that Access
Point or Router
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a
wireless network. Access Points and wireless
devices 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 to the WLAN
using an Access Point.(This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used when
connecting directly to a computer equipped
with a wireless adapter in a peer-to-peer
environment.
Data Encryption:
Select Enabled or Disabled.
Authentication:
Choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication – the DWL-650 is
visible to all devices on the network
Shared Authentication – allows
communication only with other devices with
identical WEP settings
WPA – Wi-Fi protected access.
WPA-PSK – Wi-Fi protected access Pre-Shared Key.
IEEE802.1X:.
Enables or disables the use of 802.1X authentication
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format.
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key
Configuration
IP Settings
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for
representing English letters as numbers from 0-127
IP Settings:
When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window, the pop-up screen above will
appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window.
Click Apply to save changes.
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in the Ad Hoc
network must be set to the
same channel
Advanced
Profile IP Settings:
You can Enable or Disable
the IP Settings portion of
your profile here. If you
select Disable you will need
to configure the IP Address
information each time you
connect to a network. If you
select Enable you will
maintain the same IP
Address information each
time you connect to a
network.
Power Mode:
Disable -this default setting consumes the most power
Enable - this setting consumes the least power
Launch Utility on Startup:
Select Enable or Disable
Data Packet Parameter:
Select the parameters here
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If you experience a high packet
error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value
range of 256 to 2432. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.
RTS Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If inconsistent data flow is a
problem, only a minor modification should be made.
Click Apply if you have made any changes
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Available Network:
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.
Profile:
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.
Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get the
most updated list of available
networks.
Site Survey
Configure:
Highlight an existing network
and click Configure; the
configuration window on the
next page will appear.
Advanced:
Highlight a network; click
Advanced and the screen on
the next page will appear.
Add:
Click Add and the screen on the next page will appear.
Remove:
Highlight a network profile; click Remove to remove a network from the profile list.
Properties:
Highlight a network profile; click Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.
Connect:
Highlight a network profile; click Connect to connect to that network.
Rescan:
Click Rescan to rescan and connect to the strongest signal.
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Add
Advanced
In this window you can select
the type of network connection.
Click OK to save the
changes.
If you clicked on Add, you can
configure, in this window, all the
properties of a profile that you
wish to add to the network.
If you clicked on Configuration
or Properties you can configure, in this window, all the properties of a profile that already
exists in the network.
If you select WPA in the
Authentication field, please
see detailed instructions for
configuring WPA on the
following pages.
If you choose to use the IEEE
802.1X feature, please see the
detailed instructions on the following pages.
Click OK to save the
changes.
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