D-Link Air DWL-520 User manual

Manual
D-Link Air
DWL-520
2.4GHz
Building Networks for People
TM
Wireless PCI Adapter

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................13
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................20
Troubleshooting...................................................................................33
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................38
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................40
Warranty..... ........................................................................................41
Registration..... ....................................................................................44

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Contents of Package:
D-Link Air DWL-520
2.4 GHz Wireless PCIAdapter
Manual and Warranty on CD
QuickInstallationGuide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
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Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98SE
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A computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+), or an 802.11b
wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-650.)
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This manual applies specifically to the DWL-520 revision C1. Please
referto earlier versionsof this manualif youhave aprevious version
ofthe DWL-520.

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Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-520 Wireless PCIAdapter is an 802.11b wireless adapter
that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public
places.
The DWL-520 is compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-Link
Air andAirPlus family of products including the DWL-650 and DWL-650+ Wire-
less Cardbus Adapters, the DI-614+ Wireless Router, DWL-900AP+ Wireless
Access Point and the DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter.
The DWL-520 is an ideal way to connect your desktop 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 Win-
dows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Win-
dows 98SE) 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 appli-
cation as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this manual
and get acquainted with wireless technology.

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Link: Solid green light indicates connection to the network
ACT: Blinking green light indicates activity on the network
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
Features & Benefits
Providesameasure of security for theinformation transmitted over awireless
network with high data encryption at 64 or 128-bit WEP.
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Supportsinfrastructurenetworksvia an access point and peer-to-peercommu-
nicationinad-hoc mode
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32-bitPCI performance
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User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Maximumreliability, throughput andconnectivity with automaticdatarate
switching
Operatesinthe2.4GHzfrequency range
Providesa simple andinexpensive wayto connectyour desktopcomputerto
a wireless network at home, or at the office
Wi-Ficompatible
Fullycompliant with the 802.11bstandard and interoperablewith all existing
802.11b-compliantdevices
Quick and Easy Installation- The DWL-520 installs quickly and easily to 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
HighPerformance 32-bit PCI- The highcapacity PCI interfaceutilized by the
DWL-520ensuresoptimal performance in transmittinga wireless signal within
the desktop computer. By utilizing a standard PCI 2.2 interface, the DWL-520
ensuresa wide range ofcompatibility with motherboardsused byPC manu-
facturers
Provideshigh-speedwirelessconnection up to 11Mbps

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D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
useand compatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithin yourhome,business
or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the
D-Link wireless family of products will allow you to securely access the data
you want, when and where you want it. 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
suchas airports,coffeeshops anduniversities. Innovativeways toutilize WLAN
technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently.
Wireless Basics
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.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to
linkto aconventionalEthernetLANin orderto useservers,printersoran Internet
connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Router is a device
used to provide this link.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
locationwithin theoperating rangeof theWLAN. Managementdecisionsbased
on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs –WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are
easyto setup, manage,change andrelocate. Networksthat frequentlychange,
bothphysicallyand logically,can benefit fromWLANsease ofimplementation.
WLANscan operatein locationswhereinstallationofwiringmaybeimpractical.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can
be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.
Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go
where wires cannot.
Scalability – Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a
variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications or existing
infrastructures. 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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The DWL-520 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which include:
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(D-Link Air DWL-650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+)
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
(D-Link Air DWL-900AP, D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router
(D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+)
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-520 is also interoperable with
existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of
up to 11Mbps.
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link Air DWL-520 lets you access your network, using a wireless
connection, from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the number,
thicknessand locationof walls,ceilings, orotherobjectsthatthewirelesssignals
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 DWL-520 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link Air Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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2. 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! Try to make sure that devices 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 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 RF noise.
Installation Considerations (continued)

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There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point or Router, such as
theDI-614+
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-
peer communication, using wireless network adapters on
each computer, such as two or more DWL-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):
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-520, when activated, will
connect with other D-Link Air products, right out of the box.
A wireless Router - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-520
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
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Please remember that D-Link Air wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
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.)
Installthe D-Link AirDWL-520 wireless PCI adapter intoan availablePCI slot
onyour desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-520.)
Installthe driversfor the wirelessCardbus adapter into alaptop computer.
(E.g, the DWL-650. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-
650.)
Getting Started
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet
networkadapter(such as a DFE-530TX+) tothe router also.

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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link Air DWL-520 Wireless PCI adapter into the
desktop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included with the
product for installation instructions.
Install the wireless Cardbus adapter (e.g., DWL-650) into a laptop
computer. Other possibilities include installing another DWL-520
into another desktop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide
includedwith 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)
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.
Forexample: Ifthe first computerisassigned anIPAddress of 192.168.0.2
with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be
assignedan IPAddressof 192.168.0.3withaSubnetMask of255.255.255.0,
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.
IP Address
Desktop

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Using the Configuration Utility
BeforeyouusetheconfigurationutilityfortheDWL-520,you must install the drivers and
theconfigurationutilityfromtheCD-ROMthatcamewiththeDWL-520. (Pleaseseethe
Quick Installation Guide that came with the product.) After you have completed this
installationand restartedyourcomputer, youcan access the Configuration Utilityat any
time by clicking on the icon in your taskbar at the bottom right corner, on the desktop.
If you want to alter the default settings or optimize the performance of the DWL-520,
D-Link has included a configuration utility to do so.
Double-click on the Configuration Utility icon in the taskbar (shown below):
Note: With its default settings, and when activated, the DWL-520 will associate with
D-Link AirPlus products such as the DI-614+ (a wireless router), right out of the box.
Note: If the utility icon does not appear, double-click on the shortcut icon that has
beencreatedonyour desktop workspace (shown below):
After double-clicking on the icon, the D-Link AirDWL-520 Utility window will appear as
shownonthefollowingpage:

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Link Info
Using the Configuration Utility
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the
following:
SSID- TheService Set Identifier isthe nameassigned tothe wireless
network. The factory SSID setting is set to default.
Displays the MAC Address of the Access Point that is associ-
atedwiththe DWL-650
Status-
Tx Rate- The factory setting is set to 11 Mbps; however, TxRate settings
areautomaticallydetermined by the DWL-520 dependingon the
distance from the access point.
Channel- Displays the channel information. By default, the channel is
set to 6 and selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-520.
Link Quality/
Signal Strength- Displays the link quality for the DWL-520 wireless connection to
the access point. The signal strength represents the wireless
signalbetween the accesspointand the DWL-520. Thepercent-
agecoincides with the graphicalbar.
Data Rate- Displays the statistics of data transmitted and received

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Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration
To communicate on the network all devices must have
the same settings for the following properties:
This Configuration
screen displays the
default settings for
the DWL-520
Ad-Hoc -wirelessmode used when connecting directlyto a com-
puterequippedwithawirelessadaptersuchastheD-LinkAir DWL-
520WirelessPCIAdapter in a peer-to-peer environment.
Preamble- SelectLong orShort Preamble. ThePreambledefinesthelength
oftheCRC block (Cyclic Redundancyis a commontechnique for
detecting data transmission errors) for communication between
theaccesspointandtheroamingwirelessnetworkadapters. Auto
is the default setting. Note: High network traffic areas should
usethe shorter preamble type.
Tx Rate- Select the transmission rate on the network. Auto is the default
setting.
Ifanychangesaremadetotheconfigurationofthewirelessadapter, clickApply tosave
thechanges.
SSID- (ServiceSet Identifier) is a namethatidentifiesawirelessnetwork.
Access Points and wireless clients attempting to connect to a
specificWLAN(WirelessLocalArea Network) mustuse the same
SSID. The default setting is default.
Wireless Mode- Clickon the pull-down menu;select fromthe followingoptions:
Channel- The default channel setting is channel 6. However, the DWL-
650 will automatically select the channel to match the channel
setting for the selected access point. InAd-Hoc mode, the chan-
nel must be manually set to the same channel for each wireless
adapter.
Infrastructure -connectingthe WLAN using an access point such
as the DWL-6000AP. (The default setting.)

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Using the Configuration Utility
Encryption
Data Encryption- Enable Encryption by clicking on the box. The DWL-520 has
Encryption disabled as the default setting.
Authorization
Mode- Chooseoneofthefollowingmodes:
Key Format- ASCII or Hexadecimal
Open Authentication-communicatesthe key across the network
SharedAuthentication-allowscommunicationonlywith otherde-
vices with identical WEP settings
Auto- will automatically adjust to theAuthentication mode of the
wireless client.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the number 0-9 and the lettersA-F
ASCII (American StandardCode forInformation Interchange) is a codefor
representing English lettersas numbersfrom 0-127
ClickApply to savethe changes.
Select the key you wish to use for Encryption
Default Key-
Select the key length, either 64 or 128 bit
Key Length-
Enter a key in eitherASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format
Network Key-
If you enable WEP encryption make sure to enable WEP encryption on
all the devices in your network.

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Using the Configuration Utility
Site Survey
The window above displays the Available Networks. Scroll up and down the list and
highlight the network to which you wish to connect. Click on the Connect button.
Available Network
Refresh- Click Refresh to get the most current network information
Connect- Highlight a network and click Connect to connect to that network
Add- Click Add to create a new profile to add to the list of available
networks. Please see the next page for details on configuring the
newprofile.
Remove- Highlight a profile and click Remove to delete it from the list.
Properties- Highlight a profile and click Properties to see the configuration
settingsofthe highlighted network

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Using the Configuration Utility
Site Survey > Add
Profile Name-
Enter a profile name. Default is the default setting.
SSID (Service Set Identifier)-
Enter an SSID name (up to 32 characters in length.)
The SSID is a unique name that identifies a network.
Allthe devicesinanetworkmust sharethesameSSID
namein order to communicate.
Operation Mode-
Select Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure mode. Infrastructure
indicates that there is an access point in the network.
An Ad-Hocnetworkconsistsofdirectpeer-to-peercom-
munication, with no access point in the network.
Channel-
Channel 6 is the default channel. All devices on the network must be set to the same
channel to communicate on the network.
Tx Rate-
Select the data transmission speed on the network. Auto is the default setting; it will
automatically select the best possible transmission rate on your network.
Preamble-
Select Long, Short orAuto (default) Preamble. The preamble defines the length of the
CRCblock (Cyclic Redundancy Checkis a commontechnique for detectingdata trans-
mission errors) for communication between theAccess Point and the roaming wireless
Networkadapters. WiththeAutosetting the DWL-520 will automatically selectthe best
Preamblesetting for the conditionson yournetwork.
Data Encryption-
Select this box to enable data encryption.
Authorization Mode-
Choose one of the following modes: Open-communicates the key across the network;
Shared-allowscommunication only withotherdeviceswith identical WEPsettings;Auto-
automatically adjusts to theAuthentication mode of the network.
Default Key-
After inputting up to four Network Keys, select the key you wish to use.
Network Key-
Enter a key corresponding to the format you selected in the Key Format field.
Key Length-
Select 64 or 128 bit key length.
SelectASCII orHexadecimal.
Key Format-
Hexadecimal digits consist of the number 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

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TheABOUT screengives you information about theFirmware and Utility Versionsof
theDWL-520.
Using the Configuration Utility
About

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Using the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP
In this section you will learn how to establish a network at home or work,
using Microsoft Windows XP.
Note: Please refer to websites such as http://www.homenethelp.com
and http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 for information about
networking computers using Windows 2000, ME or 98SE.
Go to Start>Control Panel>Network Connections
Select Set up a home or small office network
Networking Basics
When this screen appears, click Next.