D-Link DWL-7100 User Manual

D-Link

AirPremier

DWL-7100AP

802.11a/802.11g (2.4/5GHz) Wireless Access Point

Manual

Building Networks for People

Content s

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

Introduction............................................................................................4

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

Installation Considerations ....................................................................8

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

Using the Configuration Menu..............................................................11

Networking Basics ..............................................................................27

Troubleshooting...................................................................................42

T echnical S pecifications ......................................................................48

Contacting T echnical Support..............................................................51

Warranty and Registration ...................................................................52

Package Contents

Contents of Package:

D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP

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802.11a/802.11g (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wireless Access Point Power Adapter – 5V DC, 2.0A

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Manual on CD

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Quick Installation Guide

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Ethernet Cable

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Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage than the one included with the DWL-7100AP will cause damage and void the warranty for this product.

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

System Requirements For Configuration:

Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating

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system with an installed Ethernet adapter

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Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 6.0 or above, with JavaScript enabled

At least 128MB of memory and a 500MHz processor

Introduction

At up to fifteen times the speed of previous wireless devices (up to 108Mbps in Super AG mode), you can work faster and more efficiently, increasing productivity. With the DWL-7100AP , bandwid th-intensive applications like graphics or multimedia will benefit significantly because large files are able to move across the network quickly .

Inclusion of all three standards (802.1 1g; 802.1 1a; 802.1 1b) means that the DWL-7100AP is versatile enough to allow connection to almost any 802.1 1 network or device.

The DWL-7100AP has the newest, strongest and most advanced security features available today . When used with other 802.1 1 WP A (Wi-Fi Protected Access) compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:

WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a secret

key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporal key every 10,000 packets (a packet is a kind of message transmitted over a network.) This ensures much greater security than the standard WEP security. (By contrast, the previous WEP encryption implementations required the keys to be changed manually .)

For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security for the DWL-7100AP , used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible 802.1 1 products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA, the DWL-7100AP will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the

802.11 network. You only need to input your encryption information once in the configuration menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure security. With the DWL-7100AP, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.

Features

Faster Wireless Networking with speeds up to 108Mbps in Super AG mode

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Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible

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with the IEEE 802.1 1a, 802.1 1b and 802.1 1g standards, the DWL-7100AP can connect with existing 802.1 1b-, 802.11g- or 802.1 1a- compliant wireless network adapter cards.

Compatible with the 802.1 1b standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to

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1 1Mbps with 802.1 1b devices.

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Better security with WPA- The DWL-7100AP can securely connect to wireless clients on the network using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing a much higher level of security for your data and communications than has previously been available.

LEDs

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-7100AP Wireless Access Point has

5 Green LEDs as shown below:

LED

Power

LAN (10/100)

WLAN (802.11a and

802.11b or

802.11g)

LED Activity

A steady light indicates a connection to a power source

A steady light indicates a connection to the Ethernet port; a blinking light indicates activity

A blinking light indicates activity in the respective wireless mode: 802.1 1a and/or 802.11b/802.1 1g

Wireless Basics

D-Link AirPremier easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link AirPremier 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.

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 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.

AG wireless products are based on industry standards to provide

AG wireless family of products will allow you to securely access the data

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.

Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as

conventional Ethernet network devices.

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.

Wireless Basics (continued)

Standards-Based Technology

The DWL-7100AP Wireless Access Point utilizes the 802.11a, 802.1 1b and draft 802.11g standard.

The IEEE 802.11g st andard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the data rate up to 54Mbps within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11a standard also increases the data rate up to 54Mbps, but within the 5GHz band. Both 802.1 1a and 802.1 1g utilize OFDM technology.

This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver . OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions.

The DWL-7100AP offers the most advanced network security features available today , including WPA.

In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-7100AP is compatible with 802.1 1b devices. This means that if you have an existing 802.1 1b network, or a network with a mixture of 802.1 1g, 802.1 1a and 802.1 1b, the devices in that network will be compatible with the DWL-7100AP.

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Considerations

Desktop and laptop computers with wireless network adapters installed can access the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP 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. T ypical 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-7100AP and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

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.

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.

Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.

Getting Started

Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-7100AP will automatically connect with other D-Link AirPremier

AG products.

IP ADDRESS

Note: If you are using a DHCP-capable router in your network you will not need to assign a static IP address.

If you need to assign 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.

IMPORT ANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.

An Infrastructure wireless network contains an access point or router. The Infrastructure Network example, shown on the following page, contains the following

D-Link network devices:

A wireless Access Point - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP An Ethernet Router - D-Link DI-604 A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG650 A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTMAG DWL-AG520 A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201

Getting Started (continued)

An Infrastructure wireless network contains an access point or router. The Infrastructure Network example, shown here, contains the following D-Link network

devices:

Ethernet RouterEthernet Router

Ethernet Router

Ethernet RouterEthernet Router

DWL-7100AP

For a typical wireless setup (as shown above,) please do the following:

Y ou 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 an Ethernet broadband router such as the DI-604. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DI-604.)

Connect the router to the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-7100AP.)

If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot.

(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG520.)

Install the drivers for the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG650 into the laptop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG650. )

Using the Configuration Menu

Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-7100AP , you can access the Configuration Menu by opening the web-browser and typing in the IP address of the DWL-7100AP . The DWL-7100AP default IP address is shown below:

Open the web browser

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Type in the IP address of

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the access point

Note: if you have changed the default IP address assigned to the DWL-7100AP,

make sure to enter the correct IP address.

Type admin in the User Name field

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Leave the Password blank

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Click Next

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The Home>Wizard screen will appear. Please refer to the Quick Installation Guide for more information regarding the Setup Wizard.

Home > Wizard

Using the Configuration Menu (continued)

Home > Wireless

Note: In the Configuration screens that follow, you will be able to configure settings for 802.1 1a and 802.1 1g devices in your network. Settings that you input for 802.11g devices will also apply to

802.1 1b devices in your network.

Wireless Band-

SSID-

SSID Broadcast-

Channel-

Radio Frequency-

Apply-

Select 802.1 1g or 802.1 1a from the pulldown menu.

Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name designated for a specific wireless local area network (WLAN). The SSID’s factory default setting is default. The SSID can be easily changed to connect to an existing wireless network or to establish a new wireless network.

Enable or Disable SSID Broadcast. Enabling this feature broadcasts the SSID across the network.

6 is the default channel. All devices on the network must share the same channel.

The radio frequency will remain at 2.437GHz .

Click Apply to save the changes.

Using the Configuration Menu (continued)

Home > LAN

LAN is short for Local Area Network. This is considered your internal network. These are the IP settings of the LAN interface for the DWL-7100AP. These settings may be referred to as private settings. You may change the LAN IP address if needed. The LAN IP address is private to your internal network and cannot be seen on the Internet.

Get IP From-

IP Address-

Subnet Mask- The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0

Default Gateway-

Apply-

Select Static (Manual) or Dynamic (DHCP) as the method you will use to assign an IP address to the DWL-7100AP.

The IP address of the LAN interface. The default IP address is:

192.168.0.50 (Note: You will need to use the AP Manager to determine the IP address dynamically assigned to the access point.)

This field is optional. Enter in the lP address of the router on your network.

Click Apply if you have made any changes.

Using the Configuration Menu (continued)

Advanced > Mode

Choose 802.11a or

802.11g wireless band; then select from the following options:

Access Point:

Select this mode to create a WLAN (wireless local area network).

PtP Bridge (Point to Point Bridge):

This mode enables you to connect two WLANS.

Remote AP MAC Address: Input the

remote AP MAC address of the AP with which the DWL-7100AP will associate.

Remote

PtMP Bridge (Point to Multi-Point Bridge): This mode enables you to connect multiple

WLANs

Remote AP MAC Address: Input the remote AP MAC Addresses of the APs with which

the DWL-7100AP will associate

AP Repeater: To extend the range of the wireless network select this option and enter

the MAC address of the remote AP within your network that will have its range extended.

Remote AP MAC Address: Enter the MAC address of the remote AP within your network

that will have its range extended.

Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.

Using the Configuration Menu (continued)

Advanced > Performance

Wireless Band:

Select 802.11a (up to 108Mbps speed in turbo mode in the 5GHz range) or

802.11g (up to 54 Mbps speed with AirPlus adapters.)

Frequency: The

frequency range will be displayed.

Channel: The

default channel for 802.1 1a is 52. The default channel for 802.1 1g is 6.

Data Rate: Select the transmission rate for the network

Beacon Interval: Beacons are packets sent by an access point to synchronize a

wireless network. Specify a Beacon interval value (20-1000.) Default (100) is recommended.

DTIM: (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) Enter a value between 1 and 255 for the

Delivery Traf fic Indication Message (DTIM.) A DTIM is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages.

Fragment Length: This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you

experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value range of 256 to 2346. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor performance.

RTS Length: This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you encounter

inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications to the value range between 256 and 2346 are recommended.

Transmit Power: Adjust the transmission range here. This tool can be help ful for security

purposes if you wish to limit the transmission range.

Super Mode: Select Enabled or Disabled. Radio Wave: Select ON or OFF. Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.

Using the Configuration Menu (continued)

Advanced > Filters

Access Control:

Disabled - Disable the Access Control feature Accept - Accept the MAC addresses in the list into the network Reject - Reject the MAC addresses in the list from participating

in the network

Access Control List: Input the MAC addresses into the list

MAC Address (Media Access Control Address)

A unique hardware address that identifies a device on a network. It is assigned at the factory and cannot be changed. Usually you will find this address on a sticker on the device or on the packaging. (Please use the following format

when entering the MAC address- xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx)

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