D Link WUA2340A1 User Manual
D-Link AirPlus XTREME GTM
WUA-2340
802.11g (2.4GHz)
Wireless G USB 2.0 Adapter
Manual
Building Networks for People
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340
2.4GHz Wireless G USB 2.0 Adapter
Manual on CD-ROM
Quick Installation Guide
Cradle
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
Windows XP/2000
At least 64MB of memory and a 500MHz processor
Properly installed and working USB Controller
3
Introduction
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 Wireless G USB Adapter is an 802.11b/802.11g high-performance,convenient Plug & Play USB 2.0 solution that brings wireless networking to your laptop or desktop PC.
With a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps (108Mbps* in Turbo mode) you can connect to a wireless network at home, at the office or at any wireless hotspot. Now you can stay connected wherever you are and wherever you go.
The WUA-2340 is Wi-Fi compliant, meaning that it can connect and interoperate with other 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi-compliant wireless routers, access points and adapters. The WUA-2340 connects to any available USB port on a laptop or desktop Windows -based computer and also includes a USB cradle. With the optional USB cradle, the WUA-2340 can be positioned virtually anywhere at a workstation to achieve the best available wireless signal reception - whether that workstation is in your office, on your deck or patio, by the pool, at the local coffee shop, or in an airport terminal while waiting to board your next flight.
The adapter works with Microsoft Windows XP and Windows 2000 operating systems to ensure that you’ll be up and running on a wireless network in just a matter of seconds.
Using its default settings, the WUA-2340 automatically connects to other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM wireless products as soon as it active.
The WUA-2340 has the newest, strongest and most advanced security features available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) and 802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) 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 previous WEP encryption implementations required the keys to be changed manually.)
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and evironmental factors lower actual data throughput rate.
4
Introduction (continued)
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 WUA-2340, used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible 802.11 products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA, the WUA-2340 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 configuration menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure security. With the WUA-2340 , you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
5
Features and Benefits
Provides maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps
(108Mbps1 in Turbo mode).
Compact size for placement anywhere.
Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
Fully 802.11b/802.11g compatible.
Powered by the USB port; no external power source is required.
USB 2.0 standard2.
Better Security with 802.1x and WPA - In addition to 64-,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.
Optimal wireless reception using its cradle (included). Position the WUA-2340 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.
Connects at up to 328 feet indoors3.
1 year warranty.
1Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual data throughput rate.
2Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput. 3Environmental factors may adversely affect range.
6
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.
A wireless 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 to 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.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.
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.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The WUA-2340 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 WUA-2340 and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your WUA-2340 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 WUA-2340 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 WUA-2340 Wireless Network USB 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 laptop computer with a D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340
A desktop computer with a D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
9
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
1
2
3
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WUA-2340 |
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WUA-2340 |
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5 |
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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 AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 Wireless USB 2.0 adapter into an available USB port on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the WUA-2340.)
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 wireless USB 2.0 adapter into an available USB port on your laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the WUA-2340.)
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
WUA-2340
Wireless G USB 2.0 Adapter
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 Wireless USB 2.0 adapter into the desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.)
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 Wireless USB 2.0 adapter into the 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.
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.
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UsingtheConfigurationUtility
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme GTM WUA-2340 uses the 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 WUA-2340 (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.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on this icon on your desktop to open.
*Configuration Utility icon in the system tray
12
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Link Info
Status:
Displays the MAC address of the access point or router to which the WUA-2340 is associated.
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The factory SSID setting is default.
Frequency:
802.11b indicates that the WUA-2340 is communicating in the 2.4GHz band.
Wireless Mode:
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.)
13
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Connection Info:
When the WUA-2340 is connected to a wireless network, Connected will be displayed in this field.
Tx Rate:
The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps (108Mbps* in Turbo mode).
Channel:
The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically determined by the WUA-2340 .
Signal Quality:
Displays the signal strength and the link quality of the WUA-2340 s wireless connection to the access point or router.
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal with the current SSID and associates with that access point or router.
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors lower actual data throughput rate.
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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
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.
15
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
IP Settings
Authentication:
Choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication – the WUA-2340 is visible to all devices on the network.
Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other devices with identical WEP settings.
WPA – Wi-Fi protected access improves upon WEP security. In conjunction with a RADIUS server and EAP (extensible authentication protocol), WPA ensures that only authenticated users access the network.
WPA-PSK – provides user authentication without a RADIUS server in the network. PSK (Pre-Shared Key) provides authentication through use of a passphrase that is shared by the devices on the network. This is the most secure encryption available without a RADIUS server.
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format.
IEEE 802.1X:
Select Enabled or Disabled. 802.1x requires that a RADIUS server be included in your network in order to authenticate users.
Keys 1-4:
When you select WEP encryption, you will enter up to four WEP keys in the fields provided, using either Hexadecimal or ASCII format. From the keys you have entered, select the default key by clicking on the button next to it.
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.
Authentication Config:
When you enable IEEE 802.1X click on Authentication Config.
The Advanced Security Settings screen will appear. See the following pages for more information.
IP Settings:
When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window, the pop-up screen above will appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window.
Click Apply to save changes.
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