D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+ User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
D-Link AirPlus® DWL-120+
2.4GHz Wireless USB Adapter

2
Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................ 3
Introduction ........................................................................................... 4
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... 6
Getting Started ..................................................................................... 9
Using the Configuration Utility ............................................................ 12
Networking Basics .............................................................................. 18
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 31
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 34
Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 35
Warranty and Registration .................................................................. 36

3
Properly installed and working USB Controller
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+
2.4 GHz Wireless USB Adapter
Manual on CD-ROM
Quick Installation Guide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:



Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
A computer or laptop with an available USB port

At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor



USB Cable


4
Introduction
The D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+ 2.4GHz Wireless USB Adapter is a convenient
Plug & Play USB 1.1 solution that brings wireless networking to your laptop
or desktop PC. It provides up to 256-bit level of WEP security to your wireless
data transfers.
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide (included in
your package) you will have the ability to share information and resources, such
as files, printers, and Internet connection and enjoy the freedom that wireless
networking delivers.
The DWL-120+ comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windows operating systems and can be integrated into a larger network, running
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE in either Ad
Hoc mode (without an Access Point or Router) or Infrastructure mode (with an
Access Point or Router). The IEEE 802.11b Ethernet standard allows you to
connect computers and 802.11b compatible devices at speeds up to 22Mbps*,
dependent upon the distance between wireless adapters, the configuration of
your working environment, or the capabilities or limitations of your computer
systems.
*”Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11b 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.”

5
Features and Benefits
Convenience of Plug & Play installation

**
* Environmental factors may adversely affect range
Three year warranty (USA only)

Connects at up to 328 feet indoors*

User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities

Supports infrastructure networks via an Access Point or Router and
Peer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc mode

Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP encryption

USB 1.1 standard

Fully 802.11b compatible


6
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.
Wireless Basics
Features
Link/Activity LED
Power - Indicates that
the DWL-120+ is properly
installed in the computer.
Link - Blinks when data is
being transmitted through
the wireless connection.
Antenna
Used to wirelessly
connect to 802.11b
networks
Mini-USB port
Used to connect the
DWL-120+ to your
computer

7
Wireless Basics (continued)
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.
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-120+ is interoperable with
existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of
up to 22Mbps* when used with other D-Link AirPlus devices.
*”Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11b 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.”

8
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+ 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 antenna of the DWL-120+ in an upright position.
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-120+ 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.
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate extreme RF noise.
3.
4.
5.
2.
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.

9
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-120+ will connect with other
D-Link AirPlus products, right out of the box.
A wireless broadband Router-
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
A laptop computer with a USB wireless network adapter -
D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+
A desktop computer with a USB wireless network adapter -
D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+
A Cable modem -
D-Link DCM-201
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point or Router, such as the DI-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-120+ wireless 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):

10
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 DWL-120 wireless USB adapter into an available USB
port on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with
the DWL-120+.)
If you are connecting a laptop computer to your network, you can install the
DWL-120+ into an available USB port on your laptop. (See the Quick Installation
Guide included with the DWL-120+.)
Getting Started
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
5
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
4
1
2
3

11
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
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.
IP Address
Install the D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+ Wireless USB adapter into the
desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the
product for installation instructions.)
Install another DWL-120+ into the laptop computer. Or you may
install another wireless adapter such as the D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
wireless cardbus adapter. (See the Quick Installation Guide included
with the product for installation instructions.)
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)

12
Channel:
The default setting is 6.
D-Link AirPlus DWL-120+ 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. When the computer is started, 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 DWL-120+.
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,
click on the Zero Configuration Utility in the taskbar in the lower corner of your
computer screen and 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.
Using the Configuration Utility
Link Info
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier
is the name assigned to
the wireless network. The
factory SSID setting is set
to default.
Tx Rate:
The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for
optimal speed up to a maximum speed of 22Mbps.
Status:
Displays the current con-
nection state of the DWL-
120+.
Link Quality:
Displays the wireless signal strength for the DWL-120+ wireless connection
to the access point.
Data Rate:
Displays the statistics of the data that is transmitted and received.
A new icon will appear in your Icon tray. Double-
click on the icon shown at right. The screen below
will be displayed with the following default settings:
Auto

13
Channel:
The default channel setting is channel 6. In Infrastructure mode, the
DWL-120+ will automatically select the channel to match the channel setting
for the selected Access Point. In Ad Hoc mode, the channel must be manually
set to the same channel for each wireless adapter.
Configuration
Using the Configuration Utility
Wireless Mode:
Infrastructure is the factory default setting. Ad-Hoc mode is used for peer-to-
peer networking. See the Getting Started section in this manual for examples of
these network types.
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The
factory SSID setting is set to default. Make changes here to match the SSID
on the existing Wireless Router or Access Point.
Tx Rate:
You can adjust the transmission rate to get the best signal possible depending on
your usage and your environment. The Tx Rate will be determined automatically
by signal strength. Default is set to Auto.
Power Mode:
Select from three modes:
Continuous Access Mode - this default setting consumes the most power
Maximum Power Save - this setting consumes the least power
Power Save - this setting consumes a moderate amount of power
Click Apply to save changes.
Preamble:
Select Long or Short Preamble. The Preamble defines the length of the
CRC block (Cyclic Redundancy Check is a common technique for detecting
data transmission errors) for communication between the Access Point and
the roaming wireless Network adapters. Long Preamble is the default setting.
High network traffic areas should use the Short Preamble.
Auto

14
Using the Configuration Utility
Encryption
Data Encryption:
Enable encryption by clicking in the box. Data encryption is de-selected as
the default setting.
Default Key:
Enter a key in either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format. Select one
of the 4 keys that you have created to be the default key.
Authorization Mode:
Click Apply if you have made any changes
Open Authentication - communicates the key across the network
Shared Authentication - allows communication only with other devices
with identical WEP settings
Auto - will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of the wireless
Access Point or Router
Key Format:
ASCII (e.g., a word) or Hexadecimal format
Key Length:
select the key length, either 64, 128 or 256 bits
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

15
Using the Configuration Utility
Site Survey
Available Networks:
The top section of the window 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.
Profiles:
In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you have
created for the wireless network at home, at the office and in public places.
Scroll up and down and highlight the profile that you wish to configure. You
can ADD or REMOVE a profile, or configure the Properties of the profile in
order to connect with an available network.
Properties:
Click on Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.

16
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
In this window you can configure all the properties of a profile in order to
connect with a network of your choice.
Click OK to save the changes.
Properties
Current Setting
Current Setting/Default Setting
default

17
Using the Configuration Utility
About
The About tab displays the utility and the firmware versions.

18
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.

19
Please follow all the instructions in this window:
Networking Basics
Click Next
In the following window, select the best description of your computer. If
your computer connects to the internet through a gateway/router, select the
second option as shown.
Click Next

20
Enter a Computer description and a Computer name (optional.)
Networking Basics
Click Next
Enter a Workgroup name. All computers on your network should have the
same Workgroup name.
Click Next