D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Enhanced 2.4 GHz Wireless PCI Adapter Manual Building Networks for People Contents 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Package Contents ............................................. 3 Introduction........................................................ 4 Wireless Basics ................................................. 6 Getting Started .................................................. 9 Using the Configuration Utility ......................... 12 Troubleshooting............................................... 19 Networking Basics........................................... 23 Technical Specifications .................................. 51 Contacting Technical Support.......................... 53 10. Limited Warranty .......................... .................. 54 2 1. Package Contents Contents of Package: · · · D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI Adapter Manual, QIG, and Driver on CD Quick Installation Guide If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. System Requirements: · · · · A computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98 At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+ for Infrastructure Mode) or another 802.11b wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-650+ for Ad-Hoc mode.) 3 2. Introduction The D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ Wireless PCI Adapter is an enhanced 802.11b high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places. Unlike most 802.11b network cards, the DWL-520+ provides speeds of up to 22 Mbps (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus products such as the DWL-520+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter. Now increased speed can be obtained when you enable the new 4x feature (when used with the 4x-enabled DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router or the 4x-enabled DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point.) The DWL-520+ is also compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-Link AirPlus family of products including the DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter, the DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router and the DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point. Extra security is provided by the addition of 802.1x* support. With 802.1x compatible routers and access points along with a radius server, the DWL520+ will participate in a much more secure network (that includes client authentication) than is available with WEP encryption alone. It is an ideal way to connect one computer to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide (included in the package) you will have the ability to share information and resources, such as files and printers, and take full advantage of a "connected" environment for work or play! The DWL-520+ includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows 98) and can be integrated into a larger network, running, in either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point.) Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this manual to see examples of typical network setups using the DWL-520+ in both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc modes. This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology. * 802.1x Authentication requires EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol.) 802.1x supported EAP is available through the Windows XP Operating System. You will need to use the same type of EAP protocol on all the devices in your network when using the 802.1x feature. *Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g 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 4 throughput rate. Features and Benefits · · · · · · · · · · Supports 802.1x authentication security Now even faster performance with the new 4x feature, when used with 4x-enabled DI-614+ or 4x-enabled DWL-900AP+ Speeds up to 2X faster, with data transfer rates up to 22Mbps, when used with other D-Link AirPlus products Fully compatible with standard 802.11b-compliant devices Provides up to 20% faster data transfer rates when used with standard 802.11b-compliant devices Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP encryption Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate switching Automatically discovers available networks when using the included Configuration utility Supports infrastructure networks via an Access Point and peer-topeer communication in ad-hoc mode Quick and Easy installation into desktop PCs LEDs LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-520+ has one LED: Power/Activity - Green LED lights on steady to indicate a proper connection to a power source and blinks to indicate activity. Power/Activity 5 3. Wireless Basics D-Link AirPlus wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or wherever a wireless network is available. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the D-Link AirPlus wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers. A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs 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 with 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. For most users, there is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other than the added benefit of the ability to roam within a wireless-cell. Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link. People use wireless LAN 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 (Wireless Local Area Networks) are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to install cable through walls and ceilings. 6 Wireless Basics Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go. Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for Wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring frequent moves, adds, and changes. Scalability - Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a variety of topologies 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 full infrastructure networks of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area. D-Link devices that are compatible with the DWL-520+: D-Link DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers D-Link DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router D-Link DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point Standards - Based Technology The IEEE standard-based technology assures that the D-Link AirPlus Products are interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology. This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable delays. The technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz range at speeds up to 22Mbps.* D-Link AirPlus products will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology. *Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g 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. 7 Wireless Basics 802.1x provides an extra level of security to your wireless network. Through its Authentication protocol (when 802.1x is activated), only clients with 802.1x authentication will be permitted to communicate in your network; all other clients will be denied access. This is a far more secure wireless network than has previously been available. All devices on the network must be 802.1x compatible and must share the same EAP type. For Authentication purposes you will need a radius server in your network. Installation Considerations Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet (100 meters) indoors, the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ lets you access your network with your computer from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signal must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and any background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic guidelines: 1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access Point and your receiving device (i.e., the DWL-520+) to a minimum Each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link AirPlus Wireless product's range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your Access Points, Residential Gateways, and computers so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized. 2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Residential Gateways (routers), and computers. 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! Try to make sure that the Access Points and Adapters are positioned so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling 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, and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials. 4. Make sure that the device's antenna is positioned for best reception by using the software signal strength tools included with your product. 5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise. 8 Wireless Basics For the average home, signal range should not be an issue. If you experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between the computers with wireless adapters. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired. Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs. 4. Getting Started Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-520+ will automatically connect with other D-Link Air or AirPlus products. For the price of a single IP Address from your Broadband Internet Service provider you can share the Internet with all the computers on your local network, without sacrificing speed or security, using D-Link AirPlus networking products. There are basically two modes ...