D-Link AirPlus G DI-524 802.11g/ 2.4 GHz Wireless Router TM Manual Building Networks for People Contents Package Contents ................................................................................ 3 Introduction ........................................................................................... 4 Wireless Basics .................................................................................... 8 Getting Started ....................................................................................11 Using the Configuration Menu ............................................................ 12 Networking Basics .............................................................................. 40 Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 55 Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 62 Frequently Asked Questions .............................................................. 65 Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 93 Warranty and Registration .................................................................. 94 2 Package Contents Contents of Package: D-Link AirPlus G DI-524 802.11/2.4GHz Wireless Router Power Adapter-DC 7.5V, 1.5A Manual and Warranty on CD Quick Installation Guide Ethernet Cable (All the DI-524's Ethernet ports are Auto-MDIX) Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with the DI-524 will cause damage and void the warranty for this product. If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. System Requirements for Configuration: Ethernet-Based Cable or DSL Modem Computers with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating systems with an installed Ethernet adapter Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or Netscape Navigator Version 7.0 and Above 3 Introduction The D-Link AirPlus G DI-524 High-Speed Wireless Router is an 802.11g highperformance, wireless router that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places. Unlike most routers, the DI-524 provides data transfers at up to 108 Mbps (compared to the standard 54 Mbps) when used with other D-Link AirPlus G products. The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products. This means that you do not need to change your entire network to maintain connectivity. You may sacrifice some of 802.11g's speed when you mix 802.11b and 802.11g devices, but you will not lose the ability to communicate when you incorporate the 802.11g standard into your 802.11b network. You may choose to slowly change your network by gradually replacing the 802.11b devices with 802.11g devices . In addition to offering faster data transfer speeds when used with other 802.11g products, the DI-524 has the newest, strongest, most advanced security features available today. When used with other 802.11g WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and 802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include: WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval. 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 insures much greater security than the standard WEP security. (By contrast, the older WEP encryption required the keys to be changed manually.) 802.1x: Authentication is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the Authentication process the 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 DI-524, used in conjunction with other 802.11g products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre Shared Key mode of WPA, the DI-524 will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11g 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 DI-524, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communications. 4 Connections All Ethernet Ports (WAN and LAN) are auto MDI/MDIX, meaning you can use either a straight-through or a crossover Ethernet cable. Pressing the Reset Button restores the router to its original factory default settings. Auto MDI/MDIX LAN ports automatically sense the cable type when connecting to Ethernet-enabled computers. The Auto MDI/ MDIX WAN port is the connection for the Ethernet cable to the Cable or DSL modem Receptor for the Power Adapter 5 LEDs WAN LED A solid light indicates connection on the WAN port. This LED blinks during data transmission WLAN LED A solid light indicates that the wireless segment is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission POWER LED A solid light indicates a proper connection to the power supply STATUS A blinking light indicates that the DI-524 is ready LOCAL NETWORK LED A solid light indicates a connection to an Ethernet-enabled computer on ports 1-4. This LED blinks during data transmission 6 Features Fully compatible with the 802.11g standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to 54Mbps Backwards compatible with the 802.11b standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to 11Mbps WPA (Wi Fi Protected Access) authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval, 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 the he or she connects to the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the network. 802.1x Authentication in conjunction with the RADIUS server verifies the identity of would be clients Utilizes OFDM technology (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range Connects multiple computers to a Broadband (Cable or DSL) modem to share the Internet connection Advanced Firewall features Supports NAT with VPN pass-through, providing added security MAC Filtering IP Filtering URL Filtering Domain Blocking Scheduling DHCP server supported enables all networked computers to automatically receive IP addresses Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring Access Control to manage users on the network Supports special applications that require multiple connections Equipped with 4 10/100 Ethernet ports, 1 WAN port, Auto MDI/MDIX 7 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 WLAN is a cellular 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 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 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 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 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. 8 Wireless Basics (continued) Standards-Based Technology The DI-524 Wireless Broadband Router 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 highspeed 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 DI-524 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 of up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range. 9 Wireless Basics (continued) Installation Considerations The D-Link AirPlus G DI-524 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: 1 Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DI-524 and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link wireless product's range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized. 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. 2 3 Building 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. 4 Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate extreme RF noise. 10 Getting Started Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network 2 3 1 4 6 5 Please remember that D-Link AirPlus G wireless devices are pre-configured 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 the DI-524 Wireless Broadband Router (see the printed Quick Installation Guide included with your router.) If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, install the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G510 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot on your desktop computer. You may also install the DWL-G510, or the DWL-520. (See the printed Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter.) Install the D-Link DWL-G630 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer. (See the printed Quick Installation Guid ...