D-Link DWL-AG660 User Manual
TM
D-Link
AirPremier AG
DWL-AG660
11a/11g Dualband (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Wireless 108Mbps Cardbus Adapter
Manual
Building Networks for People
Content s
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
Getting Started....................................................................................10
Using the Configuration Utility..............................................................13
Networking Basics ..............................................................................22
Troubleshooting...................................................................................35
T echnical S pecifications ......................................................................40
Contacting T echnical Support..............................................................42
Warranty .......................... ...................................................................43
2
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG660
1 1a/11g Dualband (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wireless 108Mbps
Cardbus Adapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
Printed Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
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System Requirements for Configuration:
A laptop or notebook computer with an available 32-bit
cardbus slot
Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
At least 128MB of memory and a 500MHz processor
An 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g access point (for Infrastruc-
ture mode) or another 802.1 1a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless
adapter (for Ad-Hoc; Peer-to-Peer networking mode).
3
Introduction
At up to fifteen times the speed of previous wireless devices (up to 108Mbps in
SuperAG mode), you can work faster and more efficiently, increasing
productivity . With the DWL-AG660, bandwidth-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 (802.11g; 802.11a; 802.11b) means that the
DWL-AG660 is versatile enough to allow connection to almost any 802.11
network at home, at work or at public hotspots like coffeehouses, airports and
hotel lobbies.
The DWL-AG660 has the newest, strongest and most advanced security
features available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA (Wi-Fi Protected
Access) and 802.1X 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 (T emporal 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.)
802.1X: Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the
authentication process, the Authentication Server* verifies the identity
of the client attempting to connect to the network. Unfamiliar clients
would be denied access.
For home users that will
security for the DWL-AG660, used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible
802.1 1 product s, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-
Shared Key mode of WPA, the DWL-AG660 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 DWLAG660, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly
increasing the safety of your communication.
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the
4
Features
Faster Wireless Networking with speeds up to 108Mbps in Turbo
mode - Faster data transfers mean increased productivity. With the
DWL-AG660 in your laptop PC, you will have the flexibility of wireless
networking speeds that save you time and money.
Compatible with 802.1 1a, 802.1 1b and 802.11g Devices - Fully com-
patible with the IEEE 802.1 1a, 802.1 1b and 802.11g st andards, the DWLAG660 can connect with existing 802.1 1b-, 802.11g- or 802.1 1a- compliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can still communicate with colleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to
even more wireless networks.
Better Security with 802.1X and WP A -With the DWL-AG660 in your
laptop PC you can securely connect to a wireless network using 802.1X
for wireless authentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.
Versatility - The DWL-AG660 is fully compatible with IEEE 802.11a
and 802.11b st andards, making it interoperable with 802.11a and 802.1 1b
wireless routers and access points in your office, home or at public
wireless hotspots.
32-bit Cardbus Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity -The DWL-
AG660 is a powerful 32-bit cardbus adapter that installs quickly and
easily into laptop PCs, and when used with other D-Link AirPremier
AG products will automatically connect to the network out of the box.
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User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AG660 has the following LEDs:
Activity
A blinking light indicates
data is being transmitted
Link
A steady light indicates a connection to an access point
5
Wireless Basics
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to 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 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a computer network that transmits
and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs 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.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
People use WLAN 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.
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.
The DWL-AG660 is compatible with the following wireless products:
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530
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Wireless PCI card used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-7100AP
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Wireless Access Point
D-Link AirPremier AG DI-784
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Wireless Broadband Router
The DWL-AG660 is also interoperable with other 802.1 1g, 802.11a,
and 802.11b standards-compliant devices.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-AG660 Wireless Cardbus Adapter utilizes the 802.1 1a, 802.1 1b and
802.11g standard.
The IEEE 802.11g st andard is an extension of the 802.11b st andard. It increases
the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band (108Mbps in Turbo mode.)
The 802.11a standard also increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps, but within
the 5GHz band. Both 802.1 1a 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. The D-Link DWL-AG660 will automatically
sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and
range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today,
including: WP A , 802.1x, TKIP , AES and Pre-Shared Key mode. These security
features are explained in more detail in the Introduction and the Features section
of this manual.
The DWL-AG660 is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. This means
that if you have an existing 802.1 1b network, the devices in that network will be
compatible with 802.1 1g devices at speeds up to 1 1Mbp s in the 2.4GHz range.
8
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG660 let s you access your network, using
a wireless connection, 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.
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:
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-AG660 and
1
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your DWL-AG660’s range from 3-90 feet (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. T ry to position
wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the
signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
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4
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
9
Getting Started
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an access point or wireless router
such as the DWL-7100AP.
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-AG660 Wireless
108Mbps 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 AirPremier AG DI-784
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG660
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530,
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520,
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D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520, or D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
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Getting Started (continued)
11
1
Setting up a Wireless
Infrastructure
Network
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7
77
66
6
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For a typical wireless
setup at home (as
shown here), please
do the following:
You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber
line into your home or office).
Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.
22
2
22
33
3
33
DI-784DI-784
DI-784
DI-784DI-784
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DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AG
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AG
DWL-AGDWL-AG
with Laptop PCwith Laptop PC
with Laptop PC
with Laptop PCwith Laptop PC
55
5
55
44
4
44
660660
660
660660
530530
530
530530
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router (see the
Quick Installation Guide included with your router).
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, you can
install the D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530 W ireless PCI Adapter
into an available PCI slot on your desktop computer. You may also
install the DWL-A520, DWL-G520 or other compatible D-Link Wireless
PCI Adapter.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).
Install the D-Link DWL-AG660 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop
computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG660).
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an
Ethernet network adapter (such as a DFE-530TX+) to the router also.
A RADIUS server is optional. Connect a RADIUS server to your network
to use all the features of WP A. (Without a RADIUS server you can still
use the WP A Pre-Shared Key mode.) RADIUS Authentication can also
be provided by another service provider over the Internet and remote to
your network site.
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
DWL-AG660
Install the D-Link DWL-AG660 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into one
laptop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the
product for installation instructions).
Install another DWL-AG660 into a laptop computer, or you can
install a DWL-AG530 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 mode, set
the adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to
each computer on the Ad-Hoc network. (See box below).
DWL-AG660
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
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.
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Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG660 uses the Configuration Utility as the
management software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to change
any settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed the
installation of the DWL-AG660 (refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came
with your purchase) whenever you start the computer , the Configuration Utility
starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar (see
illustration below*.) Clicking on the utility icon will start the Configuration Utility.
Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to click on
Start>Programs>D-Link AirPremier AG >D-Link AirPremier AG Utility.
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility
or the D-Link Configuration Utility .
T o use the D-Link Configuration Utility with XP, right-click
on the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-hand corner of your computer screen.
In the window that appears, select
View Available Wireless Networks
and click the Advanced button. The
screen at right will appear.
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Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
T o access the WP A security features
of the DWL-AG660 you must install
the Aegis software (included on the
installation CD) before inserting the Adapter
into your laptop PC.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
Configuration Utility icon.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
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*Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Link Info
Status: Displays
the MAC address of
the access point
that is associated
with the DWLAG660.
SSID: The Service
Set Identifier is the
name assigned to
the wireless
network. The
factory SSID
setting is set to
default.
Frequency:
The DWL-AG660 is a dualband wireless cardbus adapter. In this instance the
5280MHz indicates that the DWL-AG660 is communicating in the 5GHz band
(802.11a).
Wireless Mode: Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here.
Encryption: You can see if WEP is enabled or disabled here.
Tx Rate: Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed
up to a maximum of 54Mbps.
Channel: The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-AG660.
Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-AG660
wireless connection to the access point. The Signal Strength represents the
wireless signal between the access point and the DWL-AG660. The percentage
coincides with the graphical bar.
Data Rate: Displays the statistics of data transmitted and received.
Rescan: Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates
with the access point or router.
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