D-Link Air DWL-120 User manual

DWL-120
Wireless USB Adapter
User's Manual

Table of Contents for the DWL-120
Wireless USB Adapter
Introduction i
Contents of Package ii
Wireless Basics 1
Getting Started 3
Configuration Utility 10
Troubleshooting 20
Networking Basics 38
Technical Support 65
Specifications 66
Warranty 70
Registration 75

INTRODUCTION
The D-Link DWL-120 802.11b Wireless USB Adapter is an
ideal way to connect your laptop computer to a wireless network
or as part of a wired LAN (Local Area Network) with a wireless
network segment. After completing the steps outlined in this
manual, 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 and play!
This DWL-120 comes with drivers for the most popular operating
systems and can be integrated into a large network. The
User’s Manual is designed to help you connect your
computer to a network when running Windows 98, Windows
ME, or Windows 2000 in either Ad Hoc mode (without an
Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access Point).
Yet the IEEE802.11b standards compliance means this adapter
gives you the flexibility to connect it to any 802.11b networks.
The IEEE 802.11bEthernet standard allows you to connect
computers and devices at speeds up to 11Mbps, depending on
the distance between wireless adapters.
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless
technology and its application as it relates to networking.
Take a moment to readthrough this manual and familiarize
yourself with wireless technology. But you should also give
yourself some time to play with your new wireless network.
i

CONTENTS OF PACKAGE
CD
B
ii
A
DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter Package Contents
ADWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter with cable
BDriver CD
CUser’s Manual
DQuick Install Guide

WIRELESS BASICS
Your new D-Link Air product is based on industry standards to pro-
vide easy to use and compatible high speed wireless connectivity
within your home or business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11b,
the D-Link Air family of products will allow you to access the data
you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be teth-
ered to a workstation or forced to run new wiring. You will be able
to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
Standards Based Technology
Based on IEEE 802.11b, D-Link Air products can perform up to 11
Megabits per second. 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. This technology works by
using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz range utilizing Direct
Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) technology. D-Link Air prod-
ucts will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to
ensure the greatest speed and range possible with the technology.
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 100 meters indoors and up to 300 meters
outdoors, D-Link Air lets you access your network from anywhere
you want. However, keep in mind, that range is limited by the
number of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals
must pass through. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of
materials and background RF noise in your home or business.
The key to maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:
1

WIRELESS BASICS
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings to a minimum -
Each wall or ceiling can rob your D-Link Air Wireless
product from 1-30M of range. 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, and Computers -
A wall that is .5 meters thick, at a 45 degree angle
appears to be almost 1 meter thick. At a 2 degree
angle it looks over 14 meters thick! Try to make sure
that the AP 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 neg-
ative effect on range. Again, try to position Access
Points, Residential Gateways, and Computers so that
the signal passes through drywall or open doorways
and not other materials.
4. Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception
by using the software signal strength tools
included with your product.
5. Keep your product away (at least 1-2 meters) from electrical devices
that generate RF noise, like microwaves, Monitors,
electric motors, etc.
For the average American 4-bedroom home, range should not be a
problem. 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 Residential
Gateways and/or Computers that will be connected. Additional
Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in
rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired.
2

GETTING STARTED
To begin, you must select the type of wireless network you will
be building and follow the relevant instructions.
Which statementbelow best describes the type of network you
want to build?
The Home Internet Network with A Residential
Gateway, Firewall, or Router(LAN administrators
with Dynamic IPs should follow these instructions)
"I have 2 or more computers and/or laptops and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using a Residential
Gateway, Router, or Firewall or I want to connect to an
Ethernet network that uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses"
(requires a Wireless Router or Access Point and Ethernet capable
Gateway, Router, or Firewall or an existing Ethernet network).
When you have installed your wireless network it will look
like this:
3

GETTING STARTED
Please note that this type of installation requires that your
Residential Gateway, Router, Firewall or Network Administrator
can give you a dynamic IP address for each computer. Please
consult the documentation that comes with your Access Point to
determine its necessary configuration.
To complete this installation, please follow these steps:
1.Using the provided Ethernet cable, connect the router to the
Cable/DSLmodem. Also connect the Access Point to the Router.
2. Install the Wireless Adapter - see the Quick Install Guides.
3. Check the wireless connection- see Configuration Utility and
Networking Basics section.
4. Check IP Address for the wireless adapter - see Networking Basics
section.
NOTE: The default settings for the wireless adapter is set to obtain a
Dynamic IP Address.
5. Learn to share printers and files - see Networking Basics section.
4

GETTING STARTED
The Home Internet Network with Multiple IPs (LAN
administrators with Static IPs should follow
these instructions).
"I have 2 or more computers and/or laptops and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses
thatI have purchased from my Internet Service Provider or I
want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP
addresses" (requires Access Point, Ethernet capable
Broadband modem, and multiple IP address Internet Account
or an existing Ethernet network).
When you have installed your wireless network it will look
like this:
5

GETTING STARTED
Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP
or Network Administrator can give you a static IP address for
each computer. Please consult the documentation that comes
with your Access Point to determine its necessary configuration.
To complete this installation, please follow these steps:
1.Using the provided Ethernet cable, connect the router to the
Cable/DSLmodem. Also connect the Access Point to the Router.
2. Install the wireless Adapter - see the Quick Install Guides.
3. Check the wireless connection- see Configuration Utility and
Networking Basics section.
4. Set Static IP Address for the wireless Adapter - see Networking
Basics section.
NOTE: If you are using a PPPoE client, go to “Networking Basics
section” instead. Verify the settings with your ISP or Network
Administrator if necessary.
5. Learn to share printers and files - see Networking Basics.
6