D Link WA121B1 User Manual
Version 2.00 | 02/08/2017
User Manual
Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter
DWA-121
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Product Overview ..............................................................3
Package Contents .........................................................................3
System Requirements ................................................................. 3
Introduction ................................................................................... 4
Features ............................................................................................5
Hardware Overview ..................................................................... 6
Installation ......................................................................... 7
Getting Started .............................................................................. 7
Remove Existing Installations .......................................... 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ..................................... 8
Driver Installation .......................................................................10
Wireless Installation Considerations ....................................13
Connecting to a Wireless Network .................................14
Using Windows 10 ......................................................................14
Using Windows 8.1/ Windows 8 ............................................16
Technical Specications .................................................. 34
Using Windows 7 .......................................................................18
Conguring Wireless Security ........................................20
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 23
Wireless Basics .................................................................27
Wireless Modes ............................................................................31
Networking Basics ........................................................... 32
Check your IP address ...............................................................32
Statically Assign an IP address ...............................................33
2D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
Product Overview
Package Contents
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB port
®
• Windows
• CD-ROM drive
• 1.3 GHz processor and at least 128 MB of RAM
• A 802.11n/g/b access point or wireless router
10/ 8.1/ 8/ 7
3D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs.
Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC, simply utilize your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port and the adapter’s 802.11n
wireless connectivity.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-121 provides a faster wireless connection than 802.11g*. The DWA-121 was
designed for use in bigger homes, and for users that require higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless performance
by connecting this USB Adapter to a Wireless N™ router, and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home. This USB
Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard easily guides you step-by-step through the installation process. The D-Link Wireless Manager is
included with this product to help you keep track of your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed, the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter conveniently provides you with highperformance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC when you are traveling. Enjoy the many benets of wireless
connectivity today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental
factors, including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental conditions
will adversely aect wireless signal range.
4D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Compact size for placement anywhere
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation
• Fully 802.11g compatible
• 802.11n compliant
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required
• USB 2.0 standard
• You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), providing you a much
higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available
Features
• Position the DWA-121 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point
5D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1
1 USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-121 to your computer.
6D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in device
manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make
sure any software is uninstalled.
Getting Started
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
• Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a dierent manufacturer’s adapter or a dierent model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is uninstalled
before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conict with the new software. If you plan to use multiple adapters
at dierent times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
To remove any old software:
Windows 10 users: Click Start > All apps > Windows System > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
®
Windows
7/8 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features
7D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any
conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable
the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down the
list and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.
8D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. When disabled, a red X will be displayed.
Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like to use
the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.
9D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Driver Installation
Before using the DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter, you must rst
install a device driver from the included D-Link CD.
Warning: Do NOT connect the DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter to
your computer’s USB port before installing the driver software from the D-Link
CD.
Turn on the computer and insert the D-Link DWA-121 Driver CD in the
CD-ROM drive.
Note: If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your
computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\autorun.exe” (where
D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
The D-Link DWA-121 InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Select the
setup language from the list and click Next.
10D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The welcome window will appear. Click Next to continue.
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Next
to continue.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
11D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The drivers and software will now install. Please allow 1-2 minutes for this
process to nish.
The driver installation process is complete. Click Finish to exit setup.
To connect to your wireless network, see “Connecting to a Wireless
Network 14”. Once a connection is established, the Status LED
should be solid blue.
12D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the
operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind 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:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link adapter and other network devices to a minimum
- each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’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. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative eect on range. Try to position access points, wireless
routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects
such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (sh tanks), mirrors, le cabinets, brick, and concrete will
degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF
noise.
5. If you are using 2.4 GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home
security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4
GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the
phone in not in use.
13D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
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