D-Link dwl-650 User Manual

D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+

2.4 GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

Manual

Building Networks for People

Contents

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

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

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

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

5. Installing the DWL-650+ ............................................ 12

6. Using the Configuration Utility ................................... 15

7. Troubleshooting ......................................................... 22

8. Networking Basics ..................................................... 26

9. Technical Specifications............................................. 54

10. Contacting Technical Support ..................................... 56

11. Limited Warranty.......................................................... 57

12. Registration................................................................60

2

1. Package Contents

Contents of Package:

• D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

• Manual, QIG, and Drivers on CD

• Printed Quick Installation Guide

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

• A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus PC Card slot

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

• Cardbus Controller, properly installed and working

• 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-520 for Ad­Hoc mode.)

System Requirements:

3

2. Introduction

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus 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-650+ 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 PCI Adapter.

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

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 DWL­650+ 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 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 take full
advantage of a “connected” environment for work or play!

The DWL-650+ 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-650+ 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.

*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11b specifications. Actual data throughput
will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building
materials and construction, and network overhead lower actual data throughput rate.

4

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

• Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range

• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data

rate switching

• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at
64/128/256-bit encryption

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

• Built-in dual diversity antenna for reduced interference in a multi-path
environment

• 32-bit Cardbus Performance

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities

LEDs

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-650+ has two LEDs:

1. Power - Green LED lights on steady to indicate a proper connection

to a power source.

2. Link - Green LED flashes to indicate activity on the network

and lights on steady to indicate that a link to the network is
established.

Power

5

Link

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.

6

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.

Some D-Link devices that are compatible with the D-Link DWL-650+ are:

 D-Link DWL-520+ 2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop

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.

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.

7

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-650+ lets you access your
network with your laptop 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:

1.

Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access

Point and your receiving device (i.e., the DWL-650+) 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.

8

Wireless Basics

A

y

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-650+ 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 a 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-650+ Cardbus 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.

9

Getting Started

p

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 (the D-Link
DI-614+.)

See the Quick Installation Guide included with the router.

Install the drivers for the DWL-520+ wireless network adapter into

with the ada

ter.

the desktop computer.

See the Quick Installation Guide included

Install the drivers for the D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ wireless
network adapter into the laptop computer.

Installation Guide included with the DWL-650+.

See the Quick

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.

10

Getting Started

k

k

f

Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network

Install the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ wireless network adapter into
the desktop computer.

the product for installation instructions

See the Quick Installation Guide included with

.

Install the DWL-650+ into a laptop computer.

Installation Guide included with the product.

See the Quic

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 o

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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5. Installing the DWL-650+

Installing the DWL-650+ Drivers & Utility

NOTE:

this point. You will be instructed in Section 2 to install the DWL-650+
Cardbus adapter.

Windows XP, 2000, Me, or 98 Installation:

The following screen shots are taken from Windows XP. Windows 2000, Me,
and 98 will have a similar screenshots for installing the drivers.

Do not insert the DWL-650+ Cardbus into the Cardbus slot at

• Turn on the laptop computer.

• Insert the D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Driver CD into the CD-ROM

Drive.

• Click on the Install Driver/PC Utility bullet point on the installation
screen.

12

Installing the DWL-650+

A

Drivers and Utility

If the AutoRun function on your laptop computer does not automatically start,
proceed to the steps below. If it does, proceed to Section 2.

• Go to Start > Run > type
D:\Setup.exe

• Click OK

NOTE:

The letter “D” represents
the letter of the CD-ROM drive.
Your CD-ROM drive may be a
different drive letter.

Installing the Drivers and Utility (continued…)

• Click Next

Fig. 5.1.2 Windows XP setup screen.
The Windows 2000, Me, and 98 screen
will look similar to Fig 5.1.2.

Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Utility and Driver.

The InstallShield Wizard will install D-Link

irPlus DWL-650+ Utility and Driver on your

computer. To continue, click Next.

Fig. 5.2.1

Setup will install D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Utility and Driver in the following folder.

• Click Next to install the Utility

program in the default folder.

13

Fig. 5.2.2

Installing the DWL-650+

y

Drivers and Utility

• Select No, I will restart my
computer later.

• Click Finish

Fig. 5.2.3

• Shut down your laptop computer.

• Insert the DWL-650+ into the Cardbus slot.

• Restart your laptop computer

• Click Next at the Welcome

screen (Fig. 5.2.4)

For Windows XP, Fig.

5.2.5 may appear after the
laptop computer restarts.
Click Continue Anyway
to finalize the installation.
(This device has been
successfully tested to
work on Windows XP,
as well as Windows 2000,
Windows Me and
Windows 98.
Microsoft certification is
pending.)

Fig. 5.2.4

Fig. 5.2.5

14

The InstallShield Wizard has success fully
installed D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Utility and
Driver. Before you can use the program, you
must restart

our computer.

D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter

Installing the DWL-650+

900

For Windows 2000, Fig. 5.2.6 may appear
after the laptop computer restarts. Select Yes
to finalize the installation.

Click Finish to complete the
installation.

Fig. 5.2.6

For Windows Me and 98, after the laptop
computer restarts, it will ask you to reboot the

Fig. 5.2.7

computer once more to finalize the driver
installation. Select Yes to finalize the
installation.

Fig. 5.2.8

YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE INSTALLATION OF THE DRIVERS. SEE
NETWORKING BASICS IN THIS MANUAL FOR INFORMATION ON
SETTING UP YOUR NETWORK.

D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus A dapter

6. Using the Configuration Utility

If you want to alter the default settings or optimize the performance of the
DWL-650+, D-Link has included a configuration utility to do so.

Note: Out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-650+ will associate with
D-Link AirPlus wireless routers (e.g., DI-614+) and access points (e.g., DWL-

AP+).

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. 6.1) shown on the right.

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

(Fig. 6.2) that has been created on your desktop workspace.

After double-clicking on the icon (Fig. 6.1), the D-Link AirPlus
DWL-650+ Utility window will appear.

15

Fig. 6.1

DWL-650+

Fig. 6.2

Configuration Utility

Link Info

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

Status: Displays the MAC Address of the Access Point that is associated with the
DWL-650+.

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-650+ 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-650+.

Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-650+
wireless connection to the access point. The Signal Strength represents the wireless
signal between the access point and the DWL-650+. 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-650+ automatically.

16

Configuration Utility

Configuration

To communicate on the network, all devices must have
the same settings for the following properties:

This Configuration
screen displays the
default settings for
the DWL-650+.

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-1000AP. (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-650+ 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

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:

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

Click Apply to save the changes.

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

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

throughput when 4x is enabled on both the wireless client and either the DWL­900AP+ (wireless Access Point) or the DI-614+ (wireless Router.)

17

Configuration Utility

A

Encryption

D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

Fig. 6.5

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 DWL­650+ has Encryption disabled as the default setting.

Authentication 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.

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