D Link DWLG520A4 Users Manual
D-Link
802.11g Wireless PCI Adapter
AirPlus X
treme
DWL-G520
Manual
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G
Building Networks for People
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Content s
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
Getting Started......................................................................................9
Using the Configuration Utility..............................................................12
Networking Basics ..............................................................................23
Troubleshooting...................................................................................36
T echnical S pecifications ......................................................................41
Contacting T echnical Support..............................................................43
Warranty and Registration ...................................................................44
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Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
802.1 1g Wireless PCI 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 desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
An 802.11g or 802.11b access point (for Infrastructure mode),
or another 802.1 1g or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc,
Peer-to-Peer networking mode.)
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Introduction
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 Wireless PCI Adapter is an 802.1 1b/802.1 1 g
high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G520 provides data transfers at up to 54 Mbps (up
to 108Mbps in Super G mode) when used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G products.
The 802.1 1g standard is backwards compatible with 802.1 1b devices.
The DWL-G520 has the newest, strongest and most advanced security features available
today . When used with other 802.11 WP A (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. 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 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
for the DWL-G520, used in conjunction with other WP A-compatible 802.1 1 products, will
still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre- Shared Key mode of WP A,
the DWL-G520 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-G520, you will automatically receive a new key every time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
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not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
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Features
Faster Wireless Networking with Super G - Speeds up to 15 times faster (up to
108Mbps) with Super G mode. With the DWL-G520 in your PC, you will have the
flexibility of wireless networking speeds that save you time and money .
Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE
802.1 1b and 802.1 1g standards, the DWL-G520 can connect with existing 802.1 1bor 802.11g- 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 WPA -With the DWL-G520 in your desktop PC
you can securely connect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentication, as well as WP A (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of
security for your data and communication than has previously been available.
32-bit PCI Performance -The DWL-G520 is a powerful 32-bit PCI Adapter that in-
stalls quickly and easily into desktop PCs, and when used with other D-Link Air Plus
Xtreme G products will automatically connect to the network out of the box.
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User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.
LED
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-G520 has one LED:
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A steady light indicates a
connection to an access
point.
A blinking light indicates
activity on the network.
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Wireless Basics
D-Link 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. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want,
when and where you want it. Y ou 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.
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility
within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time
information can significantly improve worker efficiency .
- Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
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.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
The DWL-G520 is compatible with the following wireless products:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650
Wireless Cardbus Adapter used with laptop computers
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D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
Wireless Router
The DWL-G520 is also interoperable with other 802.1 1g and 802.1 1b standards-
compliant devices.
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Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G520 Wireless PCI Adapter utilizes the 802.11b and the 802.11g standards.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the
data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing 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 DWLG520 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest
speed and range possible.
802.11g of fers the most advanced network security features available today , including:
WP A , 802.1x, TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
The DWL-G520 is backwards compatible with 802.1 1b devices. This means that if you
have an existing 802.11b network, the devices in that network will be compatible with
802.1 1g devices at speeds up to 1 1Mbps in the 2.4GHz range.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 lets 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. 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:
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Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G520 and other network
devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-G520’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
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(.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.
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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.
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Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices
or appliances that generate RF noise.
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Getting Started
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an access point, or wireless router, such as
the DI-624.
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-G520 Wireless PCI 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 AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
For a typical wireless
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2
setup at home (as shown
above), please do the
following:
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6
66
Y ou will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into
your home or office).
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3
33
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1
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4
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Consult with your 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).
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 Wireless PCI Adapter into an
available PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).
Install a D-Link DWL-G650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G650).
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 WPA. (Without a RADIUS server you can still use the WPA 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
Install the D-Link DWL-G520 Wireless PCI Adapter into the desktop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Install the D-Link DWL-G650 into a laptop 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 the box below).
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.
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.
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Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 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 inst allation of the
DWL-G520 (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 AirPlus Xtreme G > D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
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.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
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Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
T o access the WP A security features
of the DWL-G520 you must install the
Aegis software (included on the installation CD) before installing the adapter into
your desktop 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
Configuration Utility (continued)
Link Info
default
Status: Displays the MAC address of the access point that is associated with the
DWL-G520.
SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The
factory SSID setting is set to default.
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-G520.
Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G520
wireless connection to the access point. The Signal S trength represents the wireless
signal between the access point and the DWL-G520. 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
that access point or router.
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Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
SSID: Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a wireless network. Access point s
and wireless devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN (Wireless Local Area
Network) must use the same SSID.The default setting is default.
Wireless Mode: Click on the pull-down menu; select from the following options:
Infrastructure - Connecting to the WLAN using an access point. (This is the
default setting.)
Ad-Hoc - Wireless mode used when connecting directly to a computer equipped
with a wireless adapter in a Peer-to-Peer environment.
The following choices are available when Infrastructure is selected in Wireless Mode:
SUPER G: when this option is selected, only devices set to Super G will be able
to communicate on the network.
11B: when this option is selected, only devices set to 802.11b will be able to
communicate on the network.
11G: when this option is selected, only devices set to 802.11g will be able to
communicate on the network.
Ad-Hoc Band: select either 802.1 1b or 802.1 1g as the band for Ad-Hoc communication.
Channel: The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-G520. In Ad-
Hoc mode, the channel must be manually set to the same channel for each wireless
adapter.
Tx Rate: Tx rates are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to 54Mbps.
(108Mbps in Super G mode).
Power Mode: Select from three modes:
Continuous Access Mode - This default setting consumes the most power.
Maximum Power Save - This setting consumes the least power.
Power Save - This setting consumes a moderate amount of power.
Click Apply to save the changes.
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Configuration Utility (continued)
Encryption>WEP
Encryption – WEP is selected here. The other choices are WPA, WP A PSK and
None.
Authorization mode – Choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication –Communicates the key across the network.
Shared Authentication –Allows communication only with other devices with
identical WEP settings.
Auto – Will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of the wireless
client.
Default Key –Select one of 4 keys to be the default key.
Network Key – Enter a key in either ASCII or Hexadecimal format.
Key Format – ASCII or Hexadecimal.
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
Key length –Select the key length, either 64- or 128-bits.
Click Apply to save the changes.
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