D-link DWL-900AP User Manual

D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+

2.4 GHz Wireless Access Point

Manual

Rev. 101102

Building Networks for People

2

Contents

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

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

3. Wireless Basics ........................................... 7

4. Getting Started .......................................... 10

5. Using the Configuration Menu .............. 12

6. Using the

Air

Plus AP Manager.............. 23

7. Troubleshooting ........................................ 27

8. Networking Basics ................................... 32

9. Technical Specifications ........................ 66

10. Contacting Technical Support ............. 68

11. Warranty and Registration ................... 69

1. Package Contents

Contents of Package:

 D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access

Point

 Power Supply – 5V DC, 2.0A
 Manual on CD
 Quick Installation Guide
 Ethernet Cable

Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with

the DWL-900AP+ will cause damage and void the warranty for this product.

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

System Requirements:

 Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating

system with an installed Ethernet adapter

 Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or above, with

JavaScript enabled

4

2. Introduction

Power Receptor

MDII RJ-45 Ethernet

Port

 Straight-Through

cable is required
when connecting to a
router or switch

 Cross-Over

cable is required to
connect to a computer

Reset Button

Power

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point is an enhanced

802.11b high-performance wireless access point. It is an ideal way to
extend the reach and number of computers connected to your wireless
network.

Unlike most 802.11b access points, the DWL-900AP+ is capable of data
transfer 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.

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 enjoy the freedom that wireless networking
delivers.

The DWL-900AP+ is compatible with most popular operating systems,
including Macintosh, Linux and Windows, and can be integrated into a large
network. This Manual is designed to help you connect the Access Point and
the D-Link AirPlus 2.4GHz Wireless Adapters into a network in Infrastructure
mode. Please take a look at the Getting Started section in this manual to

see an example of an Infrastructure network using the DWL-900AP+.

This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Please take a moment to read
through this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.

Connections

Features & Benefits

 Up to 2X Faster with AirPlus Products - high-speed wireless data

transfer rates up to 22Mbps. With twice the data rate and capacity,
the DWL-900AP+ delivers media rich content such as digital images,
videos, and MP3 files much faster than standard 802.11b networks

 Fully 802.11b Compatible – Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b

standard and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant
devices

 Improved Performance – Up to 20% faster data transfer rates on

standard 802.11b networks

 Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP Encryption – Supports

64/128/256-bit WEP encryption for higher level of security for your
data and wireless communication than encryption found in existing

802.11b products

 Built-in DHCP Server – If enabled, it will automatically assign IP

addresses to wireless clients in a temporary network.

 Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring – Easy-to-use

interface independent of the operating system

 4 Different Operation Modes – Capable of operating in one of four

different operation modes to meet your wireless networking
requirements: Access Point, AP-to-AP Bridging, AP-to-Multipoint
Bridging, and Wireless Client.

6

LEDS

Power
LAN

WLAN

Power: solid green light indicates connection
LAN: blinking green light indicates activity; solid green light

indicates connection
WLAN: blinking green light indicates wireless activity; solid

green light indicates connection

LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access
Point has 3 LEDs as shown below:

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 public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the
IEEE standard, the D-Link AirPlus 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 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 pull cable through walls and
ceilings.

8

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 AirPlus Wireless Family of LAN products include:

 Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop

computers (DWL-650+)

 Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers

(DWL-520+)

 Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Points (DWL-900AP+)
 Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router (DI-614+)

The DWL-900AP+ will also work with D-Link Air 802.11b wireless adapters,
which include:

 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers

(DWL-650)

 2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers (DWL-520)

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 22 Mbps. D-Link AirPlus products will automatically

sense the best possible connection speed to ensure optimal network
performance.

Installation Considerations

Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet
(100 meters) indoors, D-Link’s AirPlus DWL-900AP+ 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 number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access
Point and your receiving device (e.g., 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.

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.

10

4. Getting Started

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.

It is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically.”

With a DHCP-capable gateway/router, there is

no need to manually assign an IP address.

Please note: If you have a DHCP-capable router, such as the D-

Link DI-604 or DI-614+, there is no need to assign an 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.

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.

Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-900AP+ 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.

IP ADDRESS

An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point. The Infrastructure
Network example shown on the next page contains the following D-Link

network devices:
A wireless Access Point - D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+

An Ethernet Broadband Router - D-Link DI-604
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200

Getting Started

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 an Ethernet Broadband Router (such as the
D-Link DI-604) See the Quick Installation Guide included with the

DI-604.

Connect the router to the D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+. Refer to

the Quick Installation Guide for setting up the DWL-900AP+.

If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can
install the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ wireless PCI adapter into an
available PCI slot. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the

DWL-520+.

Please refer to the following sections
of this manual for additional
information about setting up a network:

Networking Basics- learn how to
check your IP Address; share printers
and files.

Using the Configuration Utility- learn
the settings you must use on each
computer in your network for
successful communication.
Troubleshooting- learn how to check
for the proper installation of the

network adapters’ drivers and other

tips for troubleshooting the network.

Install the drivers for the wireless cardbus adapter (D-Link

AirPlus DWL-650+) into the laptop computer. See the Quick

Installation Guide included with the DWL-650+ for installation

instructions.

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.

12

5. Using the Configuration Menu

SSID

default

Channel

6

Encryption

disabled

User Name

admin

Password

(no password, leave field blank)

IP Address

192.168.0.50

You will need a JavaScript-enabled web-browser such as Internet Explorer

4.0 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher.

The computer that you are using for initial configuration must have an IP
Address within the same range as the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+.
The DWL-900AP+ has a default IP Address of 192.168.0.50 with subnet
mask of 255.255.255.0

If you are using a D-Link router in your network, such as the DI-604, with the
factory default settings, you will not need to assign a static IP Address to the
computer that you are using to configure the Access Point. (Skip to Fig. 5.1:
entering the IP address)

If you are not using a D-Link router in your network, you will need to assign a
Static IP Address to the computer that you are using to configure the DWL­900AP+, within the IP Address Range of the DWL-900AP+. Assign a static IP
address of 192.168.0.2 with subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (Please see
Networking Basics in this manual for information on Assigning a Static IP
Address.)

Note: Please write down the current IP address settings of the computer. You

may need to revert back to these settings after configuring the DWL-900AP+.

After you have assigned a Static IP Address to the computer you are using for
configuration (if necessary), next you will assign the DWL-900AP+ an IP
Address within the range of your existing network.

After changing the DWL-900AP+’s IP Address, you must revert back to the
original IP address in order to regain connection to the DWL-900AP+.

 If the computer had a static IP address, re-input that same address.

 If the computer had a dynamic IP Address (i.e., a DHCP capable router

automatically assigns the IP Address) then change the setting of your
network adapter to receive a Dynamic IP Address.

The Configuration Menu for the DWL-900AP+ is web-based. When using
the configuration program, please consider the following:

Factory Default Settings for the DWL-900AP+

Using the Configuration Menu

 Open the web browser
 Type in the IP Address of

the Access Point

 Type admin in the

User Name field

 Leave the

Password blank

 Click OK

Fig. 5.1

The Configuration window will
appear. You can select from
several options in this
window. Here the Home >
Wireless tab is displayed. If
you wish to change the
default settings, you can
make changes to the
following items:

 AP name
 SSID
 Channel
 WEP Encryption
 Key Type

Home > Wireless

Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-900AP+, you can
access the Configuration Utility by opening the web-browser and typing in
the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+. The DWL-900AP+’s default IP Address
is shown below:

(The IP Address shown in the example above is the default setting. Use this IP address when
connecting to a network consisting of other D-Link devices set to their default settings. If you
have changed the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+ to conform to a network other than one
with D-Link devices, then input that IP Address in the web browser, instead of the default IP
Address shown.)

Fig. 5.2

Fig. 5.3

14

Using the Configuration Menu

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

Fig. 5.4

AP Name: You may choose to rename your Access Point, especially if you
have more than one Access Point on your network.

SSID: (Service Set Identifier) “default” is the default setting. The SSID
is a unique name that identifies a network. All devices on a network must
share the same SSID name in order to communicate on the network. If you
choose to change the SSID from the default setting, input your new SSID
name in this field. The SSID can be up to 32 characters in length.

Channel: Channel 6 is the default channel. Input a new number if you
want to change the default setting. All devices on the network must be set to
the same channel to communicate on the network.

WEP Encryption: Select Enable Encryption to use WEP (Wired Equivalent
Privacy) on the network. All devices on the network, and the Access Point,

must share the same WEP selection – either Enable or Disable, and they
must share the same WEP key. The WEP key is generated from ASCII or
Hexadecimal entries that are either 64, 128, or 256 bit in length. When
enabling encryption, select the Key Type (ASCII or Hexadecimal) and then
input the appropriate digits or letters. You can create up to 4 keys. Select
the key you wish to use.

Click Help at any time for more information.
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions.

This window displays the default
settings of the DWL-900AP+.
The default IP Address is

192.168.0.50. If you select

Dynamic IP Address, you will
obtain a dynamic IP Address
from a DHCP server on your
network. (This is not advisable
since it will be difficult to
determine the dynamic IP
address assigned to the DWL­900AP+.) The Subnet Mask is

255.255.255.0. Input the IP

Address of the Gateway (the
router on your network.)
Click Apply if you have made any changes.

Using the Configuration Menu

The illustration at right shows
the recommended default
setting (Disabled) for the
DHCP Server function of the
DWL-900AP+. If you wish to
use the DWL-900AP+ as a
DHCP server (not

recommended if you already
have a DHCP enabled
router/gateway on your
network) then select Enabled.

Enter the IP Address range
and click Apply, if you have
made any changes.

The DWl-900AP+ can be configured to perform in any one of five modes, as a
wireless access point, as a point-to-point bridge with another access point, as a
point-to-multi-point bridge, as a wireless client, or as a wireless repeater.

Home > DHCP

Advanced > Mode

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.

Fig 5.6

Access Point: This mode is used to create a wireless LAN. Access Point is the
default setting.

Fig. 5.5

16

Using the Configuration Menu

Wireless Client: Will

transform any IEEE 802.3
Ethernet device into an

802.11b wireless client as
long you are connecting to a
DWL-900AP+ acting as an
Access Point. The Site
Survey function will allow you
to scan for available wireless
networks.

Wireless Bridge: This mode will
allow you to connect two wireless
LANs together. The wireless
bridge will only work with another
DWL-900AP+.

Advanced > Mode > Site Survey

Note! If you use the DWL-900AP+

in Wireless Bridge Mode, make sure
that you enter the Wireless MAC
Address of the remote DWL900AP+
unit that you want to establish a
wireless connection.

Multi-point Bridge: This mode will allow you to connect multiple wireless LANs
together. Other wireless LANs must be using DWL-900AP+s.

Using the Configuration Menu

Repeater: This mode will allow

you to extend the range of your
wireless network. The repeater
mode will work with another
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+,
DI-614+, DI-714P+, AirPro
DI-764, DI-754 (with inserted
DWL-650+), or AirPremier
DWL-1000AP+.

Note! If you use the DWL-900AP+
in Wireless Client or Repeater
Mode, make sure that you enter the
Ethernet Mac Address (LAN MAC
Address) of the unit that you want to
extend the wireless coverage.

18

Using the Configuration Menu

Advanced > Performance

The default Performance
settings are shown here.

Beacon Interval: Beacons are
packets sent by an Access
Point to synchronize a wireless
network. Specify a Beacon
interval value. Default (100) is
recommended.

RTS Threshold: This value
should remain at its default
setting of 2,432. If you
encounter inconsistent data
flow, only minor modifications
to the value range between
256 and 2,432 are
recommended.

Fragmentation: This value
should remain at its default setting of 2,346. If you experience a high packet error
rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value range
of 256 to 2,346. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.

DTIM Interval (Beacon Rate): (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) Enter a value
between 1 and 16384 for the Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM.) A DTIM is
a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to broadcast and
multicast messages.

Transmission Rate: Select the transmission rate for the network
Preamble: Long Preamble is the default setting. (High traffic networks should use

the shorter preamble type.) The preamble defines the length of the CRC block
(Cyclic Redundancy Check is a common technique for detecting data transmission
errors) used in communication between the Access Point and the roaming wireless
Network adapters.

Authentication:

Open System – communicates the key across the network
Shared Key – devices must have identical WEP settings to communicate

Auto – automatically adjusts to the Authentication mode of the wireless client
Antenna Type: Select Left, Right or both (Diversity) antenna
SSID Broadcast: (Service Set Identifier) Enable or Disable (default) the broadcast

of the SSID name across the network. SSID is a name that identifies a wireless

network. All devices on a network must use the same SSID to establish

Advanced > Filters
Tools > Admin

Change your password in this
window. It can be up to 14
characters in length. Please
keep a copy of your
password in a safe place.

Click Apply, if you have
made any changes.

communication.

Using the Configuration Menu

Fig. 5.8

Use MAC Filters to allow or deny wireless connection to the DWL­900AP+.
Select Disable MAC Filters (default) to disable this feature. Select Only

allow the MAC address… or Only deny the MAC address… and enter the
MAC Address of the selected computer into the field above. Or you can click
on the pull-down arrow next to the Connected PCs field, select the
computer from the list, and click Clone. The MAC address you have chosen
will appear in the MAC Filter List.
Click Apply to save your choices.

Fig. 5.9

20

Using the Configuration Menu

Tools > System

The current
system settings
can be saved as a
file onto the local
hard drive by
clicking Save. The
saved file can be
loaded back on the
DWL-900AP+ by
clicking Browse.
When you have
selected the
settings file, click
Load.
Click Restore to
return to Factory

Default Settings.

Tools > Firmware

Upgrade the
firmware for the
Access Point.
Click on the link to
find upgrades to
the firmware on
the D-Link
website at

http://support.dlink.
com. After you

have downloaded
a firmware
upgrade to your
local drive, click
Browse. Select
the firmware and
click Apply to
complete the
upgrade.

Fig. 5.11

Fig. 5.10

Using the Configuration Menu

The DWL-900AP+
keeps a running log of
events and activities
occurring on the
Access Point. If the
device is rebooted,
the logs are
automatically cleared.
You may save the log
files under Log
Settings.
To enable or disable
logging for the Access
Point, click on Log
Settings. To monitor
the wireless stations,
select Enable and the
log file will be sent to
the associated
computer.

Status > Device Info

Status > Log

This page displays the
current information for
the DWL-900AP+. It
will display the

Ethernet and
Wireless information.
Ethernet:

 MAC Address
 IP Address
 Subnet Mask
 Gateway
 DHCP Server

Wireless:

 MAC Address
 SSID
 Encryption
 Channel
 AP mode

First Page - displays the first page of the Log
Last Page - displays the last page of the Log
Previous - moves back one log page
Next - moves forward one log page
Clear - clears the log completely
Log Settings – Brings up the page to configure the logs

Fig. 5.12

Fig. 5.13