D Link DWLG680A1 User Manual
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D-Link
IEEE 802.11g
WLAN Cardbus Adapter
AirPlus X
DWL-G680
Manual
TREME
G
version c1
Building Networks for People
Content s
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
Getting Started......................................................................................9
Using the Configuration Utility..............................................................12
Networking Basics ..............................................................................24
Troubleshooting...................................................................................37
T echnical S pecifications ......................................................................42
Contacting T echnical Support ..............................................................44
Warranty and Registration ...................................................................45
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Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G680
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High-Speed 2.4GHz/802.11g Wireless Cardbus Adapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
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Printed Quick Installation Guide
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If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements for Configuration:
A laptop or notebook computer with an available 32-bit
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cardbus slot
Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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An 802.11g or 802.11b access point (for Infrastructure mode),
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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-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an 802.11b/
802.11g high-performance, wireless adapter that support s high-speed wireless networking
at home, at work or in public places.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G680 provides data transfers at up to 54 Mbps
(compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
products. The 802.1 1g standard is backwards comp atible with 802.1 1b products.
The DWL-G680 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. WPA 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 not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security
for the DWL-G680, used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible 802.11 products, will
still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA,
the DWL-G680 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-G680, you will automatically receive a new key every time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
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*Not all servers can provide Authentication
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Features
Faster Wireless Networking - Faster data transfers mean increased productivity .
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With the DWL-G680 in your laptop PC, you will have the flexibility of wireless networking speeds that save you time and money .
Compatible with 802.1 1b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE
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802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWL-G680 can connect with existing 802.11bor 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-G680 in your laptop PC you
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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 Cardbus Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity -The DWL-G680 is a pow-
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erful 32-bit Cardbus Adapter that installs quickly and easily into laptop 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.
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LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-G680 has the following LEDs:
Activity
A blinking light indicates
data is being transmitted.
Link
A steady light indicates a
connection to an access
point.
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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-G680 is compatible with the following wireless products:
D-Link Air DWL-650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+,
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Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link Air DWL-520, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+,
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D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
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Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ and D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2000AP
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Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Points
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, D-Link AirPro DI-764, D-Link Air Xpert DI-774,
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D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
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Wireless Routers
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus 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 DWLG650 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-G680 is backwards compatible with 802.11b 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-G680 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-G680 and other network
devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-G680’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
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the DI-624.
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for Peer-to-Peer
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communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer,
such as two or more DWL-G680 Wireless 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 AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
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A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
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D-Link AirPro DWL-G680
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
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D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520, D-Link Air DWL-520,
or D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
Y ou 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.
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 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 the D-Link DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G680).
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.
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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
Install the D-Link DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into one laptop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Install another DWL-G680 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-G680 uses the Configuration Utility as the
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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-G680 (refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came with your purchase) whenever
you start the computer , the Configuration Utility start s 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
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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.
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.
*Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the
settings for the DWL-G680:
Status:
Displays the MAC address of the
access point or router to which the
DWL-G680 is associated.
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the name
assigned to the wireless network.
The factory SSID setting is default.
Frequency:
802.11g indicates that the DWL-
G650 is communicating in the
2.4GHz band.
Wireless Mode:
Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the Getting
Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
Encryption:
Y ou can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Link Info
AirPlus Xtreme G Wireless Utility
802.11g
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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-G680.
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G680 wireless connection to the access point.
The signal strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the
DWL-G680. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar.
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that access
point or router.
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a
wireless network. Access points 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.
Data Encryption:
Select Enabled or Disabled.
Authentication:
Choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication - The DWL-G680 is
visible to all devices on 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
access point or router.
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII or hexadecimal format.
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key .
Configuration
AirPlus Xtreme G Wireless Utility
IP Settings
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
IP Settings:
When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window , the pop-up screen above will
appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window .
Click Apply to save changes.
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Frequency:
Select 802.1 1b/g - 2.4GHz or
802.1 1b.
Advanced
Super G:
Enable or Disable the Super G
function (108Mbps). In order to
communicate, all devices must
share the same setting for this
feature.
Starting Ad-Hoc Network:
This setting is always 2.4GHz.
Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in the Ad-Hoc network must be set to the same
channel.
Profile IP Settings:
You can Enable or Disable the IP Settings portion of your profile here. If you select
Disable you will need to configure the IP address information each time you connect to
a network. If you select Enable you will maintain the same IP address information each
time you connect to a network.
Power Mode:
Disable -This default setting consumes the most power .
Enable - This setting consumes the least power .
Launch Utility on Startup:
Select Enable or Disable.
Data Packet Parameter:
Set the Fragmentation Threshold and the RTS Threshold. Please see below .
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If you experience a high packet
error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value
range of 256 to 2432. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.
RTS Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If inconsistent data flow is a
problem, only a minor modification should be made.
Click Apply if you have made any changes.
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