D-Link DWL-AG650 User Manual

D-Link

Air Xpert

DWL- AG650

Tri-mode Dualband

Wireless Cardbus Adapter

Manual

Building Networks for People

Contents

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

Introdu ction.........................................................................................4

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

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

Using the Configuration Utility ............................................................13

Networking Basics ............................................................................20

Troubleshooting ................................................................................33

Technical Specifications....................................................................38

Contacting Technical Support ............................................................40

Package Contents

Contents of Package:

D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG650

Tri-mode Dualband Wireless Cardbus Adapter Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD

Printed Quick Installation Guide

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

System Requirements for Configurati on:

A laptop com puter with an available 32-bit Cardbus PC

Card slot

Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE

At least 128 MB of m emory and a 500 MHz processorn

An 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g Access Point (for Infrastruc-

ture Mode) or another 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc; Peer-to-Peer networking mode).

Introducti on

The D-Link Air Xpert D WL-AG650 Tri-Mode Dualband Wireless Cardbus Adapter, when installed into your desktop PC, pro vides you a versatile way to wirelessly connect to any one of three available wireless networks - 802.11b and the newer, faster 802.11g and

802.11a that opera te in two discrete, non-interfering frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

The versa tile 802.11a/b/g compatible DWL-AG650 gives you an immediate way to expand to your e xisting 802.11b network and protect your overall wireless network investment. When you add an 802.11a/b/g access po int (D-Link Air Xpert DWL-7000AP) or router (DLink Air Xpert DI-774), your ne twork will be capable of handling up to four times the user load of your current 802.11b netwo rk.

Along with compatibility to earlier 802.11b networks, the DWL-AG650 also offers t he rob ust speed (up to 54Mbps) of the newer 802.11g and 802.11a standards, so that everyone can work fa ster and more efficiently. Additionally, the 802.11a 5GHz band offers a way to quick ly transfer data in a frequency range that does not experience interference or interruptio ns from cordless phones, microwave ovens and other devices that use the 2. 4GHz frequency ba nd.

In a ddition to offering faster data transfer speeds when used with other 802.11a or draft

802.11g products, the DWL-AG650 has the newest, most advanced security features available today, using the dr aft 802.11i security standard. These additional security features are optiona l. You may choose to continue using the familiar WEP security, or you may not wish to utilize se curity features at all. However, if you do choose to use the D WL-AG650’s powerful security features with other WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and

802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the s ecurity features will include:

WP A*: A ne w security feature, Wi-Fi Protected Access authorizes and identifies

users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval.

WP A 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 older WEP encryption require d the keys to be changed manually).

802.1x: Aut hentication is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the Authentica tion process the server verifies the identity of the client attempting to connect to the network. U nfamiliar clients would be denied access.

Users that choo se not to incorporate a RADIUS server in their network may also use the optional e nhanced security features, or they may wish to continue using the standard WEP security, or they ma y choose to use no security at all. However, if you do wish to experie nce the enhanced security of the DWL-AG650 in conjunction with other draft 802. 1 1i compatible products, without a RADIUS server, the Pre Shared Key mode of WPA will assign a new se curity key every time the DWL-AG650 connects to the draft 802.11i Acces s Point. If you choose to enable the enhanced security features of the DWLAG650, you need only to input your encryption information once in the configuration menu. No longe r will you have to manually change the WEP key to ensure security - with the DWL-AG650, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communications.

Features

Dualband versatility - With the D WL-AG650, you have the option of using one

of two freque ncies. If the 2.4GHz frequency band is experiencing interruptions and interfe rence from cordless phones, and microwave ovens, you have the option o f using the 5GHz band with 802.11a enabled devices.

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

with the IEEE 802.11a , 802.11b and Draft 802.11g standards, the DWL-AG650 can connect with existing 802.11b routers, access points and cards. That means you can still communicate with co lleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even more wireless ne tworks.

Better Security with 802.1x and WP A* -With the DWL-AG650 in your laptop

PC you can securely connect t o a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much higher level o f security for your data and communications than has previously bee n available. To use the DWL-AG650’s 802.1x security fea tures, your Operating System and all the de vices in your network must support it. Windows XP suppo rts 802.1x and a free 802.1x upgrade is available for Windows 2000. Check the manufacturer’s website for available 802.1x upgrades for other operating systems.

32-bit Ca rdbus Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity -The DWL-AG650 is

a powerful 32-bit Cardbus adapte r that installs quickly and easily into desktop PCs, and when u sed with other D-LinkAirXpert ABG products will automatically connect to the network out of the box.

User-friendly configu ration and diagnostic utilities

LEDs

LED stands for Light-Em itting Diode. The DWL-AG650 has the following

LEDs:

LED LED Activity

Ac tivity

Link

A blinking light indicates data is be ing transmitted

A steady light indica tes a connection to an Access Point

Wireles s Basics

D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards t o provide easy-touse and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.

A WLAN is a cellular computer networ k that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in both hom e 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 sam e protocols as Ethernet adapter cards.

Wireless B asics (continued)

People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:

Mobil ity - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any

location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-tim e 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 im plementation. WLANs can operate in locations where the installation of wiring may be impractical.

Installation a nd Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be

fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless t echnology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or office.

Inexpensive Soluti on - Wireless network devices are as competitively

priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.

Scal ability - 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 netw orks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.

The DWL-AG650 is compatible with the following wireless products:

D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG650, D-Link AirPro DWL-A650, D-Link

AirPlus DWL- 650+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650, DLink AirPro DWL-AB650

Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers

D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 and D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+,

D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520, another D-Link Air Xpert D WL-AG520, and D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520

Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-

2000AP and D-Link Air Xpert DWL-7000AP

Wireless Access Point s D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624 and

D-Link Air Xpert DI-774

Wireless Broadband Routers

Wireless B asics (continued)

Standards-Ba sed Technology

The D WL-AG650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter utilizes the 802.11a, 802.11b and draft 802.11g standard.

The IEEE draft 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It incr eases the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11a standard also increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps, but within the 5GHz band. Both 802.11a and 802.11g 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. T he D-Link DWL-AG650 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible.

The DWL-AG650 offers the most advanced network security features available today, including: WPA and 802.1x.

In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-AG650 is compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have an existing

802.11b network, or a network with a mixture of 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b,

the devices in that network will be compatible with the DWL-AG650.

Wireless B asics (continued)

Installation Conside rations

The D-Link Air Xpert D WL-AG650 lets you access your network, using a wireless

connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind, however, t hat 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:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-AG650 and

other network devices to a m inimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link wir eless product’s range from 3-90 fee t (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 Star ted

There are basically two m odes of networking:

Infrastructure - using an Access Point or Wireless Router,

such as the D WL-7000AP or DI-774.

Ad-Hoc - directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-

peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or m ore DWL-AG650 wireless network 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 or a Wireless Router. The Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link network devices (your existing network may be comprised of other devices):

A wireless Router - D-Link Air Xpert DI- 774

A laptop com puter with a wireless adapter -

D-Link Air Xpert D WL-AG650, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWLG650, D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650,or D-Link AirPlus D WL-650+

A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -

D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520

A Cable modem - D-Link DCM -200 or DCM-201

Getting Started

Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network

DWL-AG6 50

DWL-AG5 20

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

Y ou will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into

your home or office)

Consult with yo ur Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem

Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router (see the Quick

Installation Guide included with your router).

Insta ll the D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into an available

PCI slo t on your desktop computer.

(See the Q uick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).

If yo u are connecting a laptop computer to your network, you can install the

drivers for the D-Link DWL-AG650 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop

compute r. You may also install the DWL-A650, DWL-G650, DWL-AB650 or other

compatible D-Link wirele ss Cardbus adapter.

(See the Q uick Installation Guide included with the wireless Cardbus adapter).

Getting Started

Setting up a Wireless Ad-Ho c Network

Install the D-Link DWL-AG650 Wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer. (See the Qu ick Installation Guide included with the

product for installation instructions).

Install a D WL-AG650 into a laptop computer, or you can install another DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into a desktop computer.

(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product).

Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc m ode, set the adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP Address to each computer on the Ad-Hoc network. (See Box below)

IP Addre ss

When assigning IP Addresses to the computers on the network, please remember that the IP Address for each computer must be in the same IP Address range as all the computers in the network, and the subnet mask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.

For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.2 wit h 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 devi ces are assigned the same IP Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.

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