D Link WA142A1 Users Manual
DWA-142
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
Wireless Installation Considerations ......................10
Adapter Installation ................................................11
Configuration .............................................................15
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ...................15
Wireless Networks ........................................... 16
My Wireless Networks .....................................17
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager ...........................................................27
Using the Windows® XP Utility .........................29
Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase ........................ 31
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager ...........................................................31
Using the Windows® XP Utility .........................33
Troubleshooting .........................................................35
Wireless Basics .........................................................39
Networking Basics ....................................................44
Check your IP address .......................................... 44
Statically Assign an IP address ............................. 45
Technical Specifications ...........................................46
Contacting Technical Support ..................................48
Support ............................................................ 20
About ...............................................................21
Windows® XP Configuration Utility ......................... 22
Disabling The Windows® XP Utility ................... 23
Wireless Security ....................................................... 25
What is WEP? ........................................................25
What is WPA? ........................................................ 26
Configure WEP ......................................................27
Warranty .....................................................................49
Registration ................................................................ 55
2D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-142 Wireless USB Adapter
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
Product Overview
Package Contents
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows® 2000 (Service Pack 4) or XP (Service Pack 2)
• CD-ROM Drive
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• An 802.11g/n or 802.11b access point (for Infrastructure mode), or another 802.11g or 802.11b wireless
adapter (for Ad-Hoc mode.)
3D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-142 Wireless USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs.
Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-142 can enable
Draft 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by RangeBooster N™ technology, the DWA-142 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception
than 802.11g*. The DWA-142 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher networking.
Maximize wireless performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a RangeBooster N 650 Router and stay connected
from virtually anywhere in the home. This USB Adapter supports WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside
intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process. You’ll be able to configure this
USB Adapter without having to call the teenager from down the street to help you. The D-Link Wireless Manager is
included with this product to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-142 Wireless USB Adapter is great for travel and a convenient solution for
providing high performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC. Enjoy the many benefits of wireless
connectivity today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and Draft 802.11n specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network
conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual
data throughput rate. Environmental conditions will adversely affect wireless signal range.
4D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Compact size for placement anywhere.
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
• Fully 802.11b/802.11g compatible.
• Draft 802.11n compliant.
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required.
• USB 2.0 standard*.
• Better Security with 802.1x and WPA - In addition to 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption, you can also
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.
Features
• Position the DWA-142 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible.
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point and Peer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc
mode.
• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.
* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput.
5D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-142
to your computer.
6D-Link DWA-142 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(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a different manufacture’s adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is
uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conflict with the new software. If you plan
to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows® XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows® 2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
7D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts 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-142 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-142 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, 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:
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. Building Materials make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect 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
(fish tanks), mirrors, file 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 2.4GHz 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 2.4GHz 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.
10D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Adapter Installation
Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-142 USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software
from the D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-142 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The step-by-step instructions
that follow are shown in Windows XP. The steps and screens are similar for the other Windows operating systems.
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\
DWA-142.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
When the autorun screen appears, click Install Drivers.
Click Install Drivers
11D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program
Files\D-Link\DWA-142, where C: represents the drive letter of
your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse
and specify the location.
Click Next
Select the Program Files folder location.
Click Next
12D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your
computer.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Click Next
The D-Link configuration wizard will now appear.
If you are using Windows® XP (SP2), you will have the option
to use either the D-Link utility or the built-in Windows® Wireless
utility.
Click Next
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID
incorrectly, you will automatically be brought to the site survey
page. Click Scan to display the site survey page.
Click Next
13D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks
(site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click
Connect.
Click Connect
Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your
computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Click Finish
14D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Configuration
This section will show you how to configure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as the
Windows® XP Zero Configuration Utility.
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
The D-Link DWA-142 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides
the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on the desktop will start the Configuration .
If you are using Windows® XP, please skip to page 22.
Double-click the Wireless Conection
Manager icon on your desktop.
15D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Wireless Networks
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect
to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
SSID:
MAC:
Signal:
Security:
Channel:
Refresh Button:
Connect Button:
The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name
of the wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless
device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless
connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure. You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
Highlight a wireless network and click the
Connect button. If the network is secure, a
pop-up window will appear. Enter the security
information to connect (refer to the Wireless
Security section for more information).
Activate Button:
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
16D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
My Wireless Networks
The My Wireless Networks page will allow you to create, edit, and delete wireless network profiles. Every time you
connect to a network using the Wireless Networks page, a profile will automatically be created.
New Button:
Modify:
Delete:
Active:
Profile Details:
Click New to create a new wireless network
profile (refer to page 18).
Click Modify to edit a current profile (refer to
page 19).
Click Delete to remove a profile.
Click Activate to use a profile. Allow up to 30
seconds to connect to the wireless network.
The Profile Details section will display information
about the wireless network such as the network
name (SSID), network type (Infrastructure or
Ad-Hoc), and if the network is secured.
17D-Link DWA-142 User Manual
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