D Link WA171C1 User Manual
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Version 1.00 | 02/27/2018
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User Manual
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AC600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi USB Adapter
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DWA-171
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Product Overview ..............................................................3
Package Contents .........................................................................3
System Requirements ................................................................. 3
Introduction ................................................................................... 4
Hardware Overview .....................................................................5
Installation ......................................................................... 6
Getting Started .............................................................................. 6
Remove Existing Installations ..........................................6
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ..................................... 7
Wireless Installation Considerations ......................................9
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Adapter Installation ...................................................................10
Connecting to a Wireless Network .................................13
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Windows® 10 ................................................................................13
Windows® 8.1 ...............................................................................15
WPA2 .......................................................................................15
Statically Assign an IP Address ..............................................29
Wireless Encryption ...................................................................30
What is WPA? ..................................................................30
Technical Specications .................................................. 31
Regulatory Information ..................................................32
Windows® 7 ...................................................................................17
WPA2 .......................................................................................17
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 20
Wireless Basics .................................................................23
Wireless Modes ............................................................................27
Networking Basics ........................................................... 28
Check your IP address ...............................................................28
Windows® 7/8.1/10 Users .................................................28
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Section 1 - Product Overview
D-Link DWA-171 AC600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi USB Adapter
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Product Overview
Package Contents
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System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows® 10/8.1/7
• A 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g or 802.11a access point or wireless router
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Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The AC600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi USB Adapter (DWA-171) delivers powerful wireless AC technology to your desktop or notebook computer. Simply plug
the adapter into an available USB port and connect to a wireless network to access a encrypted, high-speed internet connection – 2.4GHz (150Mbps)
or 5GHz (up to 433Mbps). And with integrated Dual Band technology, you’ll have reduced Wi-Fi interference to maximize throughput for faster
streaming, gaming, and Skype calls.
Interference-Free Bandwidth
The AC600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi USB Adapter(DWA-171) delivers Dual Band technology to your home network for intelligent, versatile, interference-free
bandwidth. Check your email and surf the Internet on the 2.4GHz band; or game, make Skype calls and stream HD movies to multiple devices using
the cleaner, interference-free 5GHz band. Whatever you like to do online, Dual Band has you covered.
Easy WPS Push Button Setup
Quickly and easily establish a fast, encrypted home network that will have you browsing, streaming, and watching in minutes. It’s as easy as push
and connect!
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Compatible With All Your Wireless Products
While the AC600 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi USB Adapter delivers cutting-edge 802.11ac speed to your home network, it’s also backward compatible with all
of your current wireless products – no updates or adapters necessary to connect to 802.11n/g/b/a networks.
What is wireless AC?
802.11ac is a new networking standard that produces high-throughput wireless speed on the 5GHz band. What does this mean for your home
network? Flawless HD video streaming, faster gaming, and lag-free Skype and Facetime calls, all with less Wi-Fi interference for smooth, lightningfast performance.
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“Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11ac specication and IEEE Standard 802.11n specication. D-Link makes no warranties as to forward compatibility with future standards or compatibility with 802.11ac
devices from other manufacturers. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, may
lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors may adversely aect wireless signal range. Up to 433Mbps wireless speeds achieved when connecting to other 802.11ac devices. Data throughput may also be
limited by the product’s interface, less than 480 Mbps for a USB 2.0 interface. The inclusion of a specic product or manufacturer does not imply its endorsement of D-Link or the D-Link product. Computer must adhere
to Microsoft’s recommended System Requirements.”
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Section 1 - Product Overview
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Hardware Overview
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1 WPS Button
2 USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-171 to your computer.
Press the WPS button to automatically connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router
or access point and establish connectivity.
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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
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Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a dierent manufacture’s adapter or a dierent model of D-Link adapter, make sure the software for these devices 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. Windows® 10, 8.1, and 7 user may use the built-in wireless utility for all
adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows 10 users: Click Start > All apps > Windows System > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
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Windows® 8.1 users: Press Windows Key + Q > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
Windows® 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
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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.
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Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.
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Section 2 - Installation
Click Ye s 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.
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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 dierence. 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 2.4GHz 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.
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Section 2 - Installation
Adapter Installation
The DWA-171 dongle contains all software and drivers required to run on Windows
operating systems. Turn on your computer and Insert the DWA-171 into an open USB
port on your PC. Once inserted, your PC will take a moment to recognize the device
and create a virtual drive.
When the autorun screen appears, click Run Setup.exe.
If the Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start >
Run. In the run box type “E:\Setup.exe” (where E: represents the drive letter assigned
to the USB dongle).
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The welcome window will appear. Click Next to continue.
Once setup begins, select a location to install drivers and software. By default setup will
install to the default location: C:\Program Files\D-Link\DWA-171, where C: represents
the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a dierent location click Browse and
specify the location, then click Next.
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Section 2 - Installation
Before installation, you will be prompted to conrm the installation location. If the
location is correct, click Install. To change the location, click Back to return to the
previous screen.
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The drivers and software will now install. Please allow 1-2 minutes for this process to
nish.
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Section 2 - Installation
Once setup has nished, Windows may display a security prompt conrming installation
of the software. Click Install to conrm. If you click Don’t Install, your hardware may
not be installed properly and may not work correctly.
Windows will display several prompts as the drivers are installed in the background.
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Once Windows has completed background installation, click Finish to exit the setup
wizard. Your DWA-171 is now ready to use.
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Section 5 - Connecting to a Wireless Network
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Windows® 10
When connecting to the your router wirelessly for the rst time, you will need to input the wireless network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password
(security key) of the device you are connecting to. If your product has a Wi-Fi conguration card, you can nd the default network name and Wi-Fi
password here. Otherwise refer to the product label for the default Wi-Fi network SSID and password, or enter the Wi-Fi credentials set during the
product conguration.
To join an existing network, locate the wireless network icon in the taskbar, next to the time
display, and click on it.
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Wireless Icon
Clicking on this icon will display a list of wireless networks which are within range of your
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computer. Select the desired network by clicking on the SSID.
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Section 5 - Connecting to a Wireless Network
To connect to the SSID, click Connect.
To automatically connect to the router when your device detects the SSID, click the Connect
Automatically check box.
You will then be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (network security key) for the wireless
network. Enter the password into the box and click Next to connect to the network. Your
computer will now automatically connect to this wireless network when it is detected.
You can also use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to connect to the router. Press the WPS button
on your D-Link device and you will be automatically connected.
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Section 5 - Connecting to a Wireless Network
Windows® 8.1
WPA2
It is strongly recommended that you enable wireless encryption (WPA2) on your wireless router or access point before conguring your wireless
adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the security key (Wi-Fi password) being used.
To join an existing network, locate the wireless network icon in the taskbar next to the time
display.
Wireless Icon
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Clicking on this icon will display a list of wireless networks that are within connecting
proximity of your computer. Select the desired network by clicking on the network name.
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Section 5 - Connecting to a Wireless Network
You will then be prompted to enter the network security key (Wi-Fi password) for the wireless
network. Enter the password into the box and click Next.
If you wish to use Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) to connect to the router, you can also press
the WPS button on your router during this step to enable the WPS function.
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When you have established a successful connection to a wireless network, the word
Connected will appear next to the name of the network to which you are connected to.
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