D-Link DWL-A520 User Manual

D-Link AirPro DWL-A520

5 GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

Manual

Rev. 031802

Building Networks for People

Contents

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

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

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

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

Using the Configuration Utility ................................ 17

Troubleshooting...................................................... 24

Networking Basics .................................................. 29

Technical Specifications ......................................... 59

Contacting Technical Support................................. 61

Limited Warranty and Registration ......................... 62

Package Contents

Contents of Package:

• D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 5GHz Wireless PCI Adapter

• Manual and Drivers on CD

• Quick Installation Guide (printed)

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

• A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI Card slot

• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE

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

• An 802.11a Access Point (e.g., DWL-5000AP for Infrastructure

Mode) or another 802.11a wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-A650 for laptops or another DWL-A520 for Ad-Hoc mode.)

System Requirements:

Introduction

The D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter is an advanced IEEE

802.11a compatible, high performance, wireless adapter that supports data transfer speeds of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode.

It is an ideal way to connect your desktop computer to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Install Guide (included in your 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! Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this manual. You will see several options for setting up a network using the DWL-A520.

The DWL-A520 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, Windows 98SE, in either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point.)

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.

Product Features

• Adheres to 802.11a standard in providing high data wireless transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. Capable of providing data rates of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode.

• Operation in the 5.2GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) frequency band

• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – a new technique for transmitting high-speed data over a radio wave.

• Dynamic data rate scaling from 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 and 72Mbps depending upon reception quality.

• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate switching.

• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at 64/128/152-bit encryption with dynamic key exchange for security.

• Supports infrastructure networks via Access Point and Ad-Hoc networks via peer-to-peer communication.

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

• Requires an available 32-bit PCI Card slot that is PCI 2.2 compliant.

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.

LED

LED stands for light-emitting diode. The DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter has two LEDs: POWER and ACTIVITY.

Network Mode LED Activity

Network Activity Both LEDs flash in

unison

Searching for a Network Connection

Associated with the Network, but No Activity

Power Save Mode (Power-up or Reset)

Adapter is disabled Only the POWER LED

Both LEDs flash alternately

Both LEDs flicker dimly

POWER LED – slow rate blink

flashes

ACTIVITY

POWER

Wireless Basics

D-Link AirPro wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11a, the D-Link AirPro 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 LAN (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. 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 has proven to be beneficial for many users.

Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an Ethernet LAN. 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 the 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. Ad-hoc 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, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Furthermore, IEEE standardization mandates interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform to the 802.11a set of standards.

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.

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Flexibility - 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 LAN systems 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 AirPro Wireless LAN products include:

 802.11a 5GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop

computers (DWL-A650)

 802.11a 5GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers

(DWL-A520)

 802.11a 5GHz Wireless Access Points (DWL-5000AP)

Standards - Based Technology

The IEEE 802.11a standard designates that devices operate at an optimal data rate of 54 Megabits per second. 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. 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. D-Link AirPro products will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.

Wireless Basics (continued)

Installation Considerations

Designed to go up to 900 feet (~300 meters), D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 lets you access your network with your computer from virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:

Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and

1. your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link AirPro Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it may be beneficial to have more than one access point with overlapping coverage.

2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with wireless adapters - A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45degree 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 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 generate extreme RF noise.

Wireless Basics (continued)

For the average residence, range should not be a problem. 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 that will be connected. 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.

Getting Started

To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building. We will discuss the following types of networks in this section:

1. A Home Internet Network

with A Residential Gateway/Router

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses

3. An Ad Hoc Network

4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing

Please select, from the four types of networks described above, the type of network that is appropriate for your needs. Please follow the instructions in the corresponding section that follows.

1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router

(Network administrators with Dynamic IPs can also follow these instructions.)

If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using a DHCP-capable Residential Gateway/Router – or - if you want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses, then follow the instructions on the next page. When it is complete, your network may look similar to this:

DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically.” With a DHCP-capable gateway, there is no need to manually assign an IP address.

1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router

(continued)

(Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an Ethernet (CAT5) cable to an 802.11a Access Point such as the DWL-5000AP.)

This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable Residential Gateway/Router for your network.

To complete the installation, please follow these steps:

1. Connect the Router/Gateway (for example, the D-Link DI-704P) to

a Broadband connection, (e.g., a Cable modem such as the D-Link

DCM-200 cable modem or a DSL modem such as the D-Link DSL-

300.)

2. Connect the 802.11a Access Point (DWL-5000AP) to the router.

3. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into a

desktop computer on your wireless network. (You can also install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop computer. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide included with each product.)

4. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is

installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter.

5. By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP

Address. If you are having difficulty connecting, check to make sure

that the IP Address of the wireless adapter is within the IP address range of your network. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking The IP Address.

6. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses

(Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.)

If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or- you want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow the instructions on the next page. When you have completed your network, it should look similar to this:

Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) provides you a static IP address for each computer and the Access Point on your network. Please refer to the manual that came with your Access Point to determine its configuration.

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses (continued)

Please follow these steps to complete the installation:

1. Connect the Wireless Access Point (the D-Link AirPro DWL-

5000AP is shown in the example) to a Broadband connection (i.e., a Cable modem such as the D-Link DCM-200 cable modem.)

2. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into a

3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is

installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter.

4. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters. Please refer to

the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning an IP Address.

Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on 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.

If you are using a PPPoE client (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet) please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further instructions regarding connecting to the Internet.

5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

3. An Ad Hoc Network

If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share files and printers, but no Internet connection, please complete the following instructions. When your Ad Hoc network is complete it may look similar to this:

(Requirements: Wireless network adapters -for example, the D-Link AirPro DWL-

A650 and the DWL-A520.)

To complete this installation, please follow these steps:

1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into a

2. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters. Please refer to

the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning

an IP Address.

Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all computers on your 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.

3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is

installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter.

4. Check the Wireless Configuration for each wireless adapter.

Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Wireless Configuration.

5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing

If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using one computer or laptop as an Internet Server, then follow the instructions below. When you have completed your network, it should look similar to this:

DFE-530TX

To share an Internet connection with Internet Sharing software you will need to purchase Internet Sharing software or use the Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) utility provided with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME or Windows 98SE. Please follow your software documentation to properly configure the Internet sharing software after you install your wireless networking adapters. To install your wireless network adapter follow the instructions on the next page.

4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing (continued)

If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on the same computer into which you are installing this wireless network adapter, then follow these steps:

1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter (please

refer to the Quick Install Guide.)

2. Check the Device Manager to confirm that your adapter is installed

correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter.

3. Install your Internet Sharing Software

4. If required by the ICS software, set the static IP Address for the

wireless adapter. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning an IP Address.

Note: The IP Address for all the computers on the network must be in the same IP Address range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on 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.

5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers.

If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on a computer other than the one in which you are installing the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter, then follow these steps:

1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into the

computer (please refer to the Quick Install Guide.)

2. Check the IP Address for the wireless adapter. Please make

certain that all the computers on your network are in the same IP Address range. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Checking your IP Address.

Note: By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP Address, automatically.

3. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking

Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP.

Using the Configuration Utility

The Configuration Utility program for the DWL-A520 is called LinkMon. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide that came with the DWL-A520 for instructions on how to install LinkMon on your computer. Once you have installed LinkMon (the configuration utility), you can read this section of the manual to find out how to monitor and configure your DWL-A520 adapter using LinkMon. There are five tabs in the LinkMon Configuration Utility program. In this section we will describe the uses for each tab in the Configuration Utility window.

To access LinkMon once it has been installed, just double-click on the LinkMon icon in the taskbar.

Under the General Tab you will find general information about the program and its operations.

General Tab

D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter

Using the Configuration Utility (continued)

Under the Frame Statistics Tab you will find statistical information showing the number of frames being sent and received, retry count on frames sent, frame checksum error counts for received frames, and receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) information.

Frame Statistics Tab

D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter

Using the Configuration Utility (continued)

Under the Transmit Retries Tab you will find detailed transmit retry statistical information for transmitted frames.

Transmit Retries Tab

D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter

+ 44 hidden pages

D-Link DWL-A520 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Package Contents

Introduction

Product Features

Wireless Basics

Getting Started