D Link WA171A1 User Manual

Preface

D-Link reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in the content hereof without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Manual Revisions

Revision	Date	Description
1.0	March 7, 2013	• Initial release for Revision A1

Trademarks

D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Table of Contents

Preface.................................................................................	2
Manual Revisions..........................................................................	2
Trademarks......................................................................................	2
Product Overview...............................................................	4
Package Contents.........................................................................	4
System Requirements..................................................................	4
Hardware Overview......................................................................	5
Installation..........................................................................	6
Getting Started..............................................................................	6
Remove Existing Installations...........................................	6
Disable Other Adapters.......................................................	7
Wireless Installation Considerations......................................	9
Adapter Installation....................................................................	10
Connect to a Wireless Network........................................	14
Windows® 8...................................................................................	14
Windows® 7...................................................................................	16
Windows Vista®............................................................................	18
Windows® XP................................................................................	20
Troubleshooting...............................................................	22
Wireless Basics..................................................................	25
Wireless Modes............................................................................	29

Networking Basics............................................................	30
Check your IP address................................................................	30
Windows® 8 Users...............................................................	30
Windows® 7/Vista® Users..................................................	30
Windows® XP Users.............................................................	30
Statically Assign an IP Address...............................................	31
Windows® 8 Users................................................................	31
Windows® 7/ Vista® Users..................................................	32
Windows® XP Users.............................................................	33
Technical Specifications...................................................	34
Contacting Technical Support.........................................	35
Warranty............................................................................	36
Registration......................................................................	43

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 1 - Product Overview

ProductPackageOverviewContents

D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter

CD with drivers and manual

Quick install Guide

System Requirements

•Windows® 8, 7, Vista®, or XP (32/64-bit)

•CD-ROM Drive

•An 802.11ac (draft), 802.11n, 802.11g, or 802.11a wireless network

•20MB hard drive space

•An available USB port

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 1 - Product Overview

Hardware Overview

1	USB Connector	Used to connect the DWA-171 to your computer.

2	WPS Button	Press to connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router or access point.

D-Link DWA-171 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 and Ethernet 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® users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.

To remove any old software:

Windows® 8 users: Press Windows Key + Q > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.

Windows® 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.

Windows Vista® users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

Windows® XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Disable Other 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).

Windows XP - Go to Start > My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager.

Windows Vista/7 - Go to Start > Device Manager.

Windows 8 - Press the Windows key and X together and then click Device Manager.

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.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Click Yes to disable the adapter.

When the adapter is disabled, a down arrow or a grayed icon 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.

D-Link DWA-171 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.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Adapter Installation

Warning: Do NOT connect the DWA-171 Wireless N Dual Band USB Adapter to your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD.

Step 1

Turn on the computer and insert the D-Link DWA-171 CD in the CD-ROM drive.

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).

When the autorun screen appears, click Install.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Step 2

When the Welcome screen appears, click Next to continue.

Step 3

Select the folder where you would like to Install the driver by clicking Browse. Click Next to continue.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Step 4

Select the location of the D-Link icon in the program folder and click Next to continue.

Step 5

Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Next to continue.

If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Section 2 - Installation

Step 6

The DWA-171 drivers will now be installed. This may take up to one minute.

Step 7

Your DWA-171 adapter is now installed. Click Finish.

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

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