D Link WA520A1 User Manual
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM
DWA-520
Wireless PCI Adapter
Manual
Rev. A1
Building Networks for People
Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................ |
3 |
Introduction............................................................................................ |
4 |
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... |
6 |
Getting Started ...................................................................................... |
9 |
Using the Configuration Utility .............................................................. |
12 |
Networking Basics .............................................................................. |
26 |
Troubleshooting................................................................................... |
39 |
Technical Specifications ...................................................................... |
44 |
Contacting Technical Support .............................................................. |
46 |
Warranty and Registration ................................................................... |
47 |
2
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
!D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWA-520
Wireless PCI Adapter
!Manual and Drivers on CD
!Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
!A computer or laptop with an available 32-bit PCI slot
!Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
!At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
!An 802.11g or 802.11b Access Point (for Infrastructure mode), or another 802.11g or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc, Peer-to- Peer networking mode).
3
Introduction
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWA-520 Wireless PCI Adapter is an 802.11g highperformance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
Unlike most network cards, the DWA-520 provides data transfers at up to 54 Mbps. The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products.
The DWA-520 has the newest, strongest, and most advanced security features available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess) and 802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA/WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA/WPA2 uses TKIP 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 older WEP encryption 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 DWA-520, used in conjunction with other WPA/WPA2-compatible 802.11 products still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre Shared Key mode of WPA/WAP2 the DWA-520 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 configurationmenu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure security. With the DWA-520, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
* Not all servers can provide Authentication. |
4 |
Features & Benefits
!Five times faster - achieve data transfer speeds up to 54 Mbps; up to 5x faster than conventional 802.11b networks, when used with other 802.11g devices
!Fully compliant with the 802.11b standard and interoperable with all existing 802.11b-compliant and 802.11g compliant devices
!Provides a simple and inexpensive way to connect your desktop computer to a wireless network at home, at the office, or in public places
!Quick and Easy Installation- The DWA-520 installs quickly and easily into a standard PCI 2.2 slot in a desktop computer. By following the simple steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available wireless network in a matter of seconds
!High Performance 32-bit PCI - The high capacity PCI interface utilized by the DWA-520 ensures optimal performance in transmitting a wireless signal within the desktop computer. By utilizing a standard PCI 2.2 interface, the DWA-520 ensures a wide range of compatibility with motherboards used by PC manufacturers
!Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
!Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate switching
!Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point and Peer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc mode
!User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
!Provides a measure of security for the information transmitted over a wireless network with high data encryption at 64-, 128-, and 152-bit WEP
!Stronger Security than ever before with WPA/WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected
Access authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals, for example:
!TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), in conjunction with a RADIUS server, changes the temporal key every 10,000 packets, ensuring greater security
!Pre-Shared Key mode means that the home user, without a RADIUS server, will obtain a new security key every time he or she connects to the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the network
!Extra Protection - 802.1x Authentication in conjunction with the RADIUS server verifies the identity of wireless clients wishing to gain access to the
WLAN |
5 |
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. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.
AWireless 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 - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
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.
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.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.
6
Wireless Basics (continued)
The DWA-520 is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b wireless products, which include:
!D-Link Air DWL-650,D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWL-G650
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter used with laptop computers
!D-Link Air DWL-520, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
!D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWL-2000AP
2.4GHz Wireless Access Points
!D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+
2.4GHz Wireless Routers
Standards-Based Technology
The DWA-520 Wireless PCI Adapter utilizes the new 802.11g standard.
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 DWLG520 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today, including:
WPA/WPA2,802.1x,TKIP,AES and Pre-Shared Key mode. These security feature are explained in more detail in the Introduction and the Features section of this manual.
The DWA-520 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 802.11g devices at speeds up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range.
7
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G TM DWA-520 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. 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:
1Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWA-520 and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWA-520’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
2Be 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.
3Building 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.
4Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
8
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWA-520, when activated, will connect with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM products, right out of the box.
There are basically two modes of networking:
!Infrastructure – using an Access Point or Router, such as the DI-624
!Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to- peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or more DWA-520 wireless network 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 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 GTM DI-624
!A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWA-520, D-Link Air DWL-520, or D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
(D-Link Air devices have speeds up to 11Mbps)
!A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
LEDs
LED stands for
Light-Emitting
Diode.
Power: Solid green light indicates connection to the network Network: Blinking green light indicates activity on the network
9
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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1 |
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7 |
3 |
4 |
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6
5
Please remember that D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM wireless devices are preconfigured to connect together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
You 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.)
Install the D-Link DWA-520 WirelessTM PCI Adapter into an
available PCI slot on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWA-520.)
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM DWL-G650 Wireless PC Card Adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G650.)
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.
A RADIUS Server is optional. Connect a RADIUS Server to your network to use all the features of WPA/WPA2. (Without a RADIUS Server you can still use the WPA/WPA2 Pre-Shared Key mode.) RADIUS Authentication can also be provided by another service provider over the Internet and remote to your network site.
10
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Desktop
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM
DWL-G650
Install the DWA-520 into the desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation instructions.)
Install the DWL-G650 Wireless PC Card Adapter 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 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.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
11
Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link DWA-520 uses theTM Configuration Utility as the
management software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed the installation of the DWA-520 (refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came with your purchase) whenever you start the computer, the Configuration Utility starts 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 Utility.
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the D-Link Configuration Utility.
To 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.
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.
*Configuration Utility icon in the system tray
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on this icon on your desktop to open.
12
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the settings for the DWA-520:
Status:
Displays the MAC Address of the Access Point or Router to which the
DWA-520 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-
G520 is communicating in the 2.4GHz band.
Wireless Mode:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G Utility
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:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
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 DWA-520.
Signal Strength:
Displays the Link Quality for the DWA-520 wireless connection to the Access Point. The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the Access Point and the DWA-520. 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.
13
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G Utility
After you have configured the network through the Site Survey section of the D-Link AirPlus Utility, you can make minor adjustments and check on settings in this
Configuration screen.
For a complete explanation of the configuration of a network, please refer to the Site Survey section in this chapter.
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 DWA-520 is visible to all devices on the network
Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other devices with identical WEP settings
WPA/WPA2 – Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval.(A RADIUS Server is required for this mode.)
WPA/WPA2-PSK - WPA/WPA2 Pre-Shared Key mode ensures that the DWL G520 will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11 network.
(A RADIUS Server is not required for this mode.) |
14 |
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII or hexadecimal format.
IEEE 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 are denied access.
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key
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, this pop-up screen will appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window.
Click Apply to save changes.
*Not all servers can provide Authentication |
15 |
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