D-Link AirPlus DWL-G120 User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
802.11g (2.4GHz)
Wireless USB Adapter
D-Link AirPlus G
DWL-G120
TM

2
Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................13
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................19
Troubleshooting...................................................................................32
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................35
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................36
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................37

3
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120
802.11g (2.4 GHz) Wireless USBAdapter
Manual on CD-ROM
QuickInstallation Guide
Package Contents
Properly installed and working USB Controller
USB Cable
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
SystemRequirements:



Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE

Acomputer or laptop with an available USB port

At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor



TM

4
Introduction
* This is the theoretical maximum of the chipset used in the DWL-G120 Wireless USB
Adapter.Actualthrough-putmay vary.
TM
The D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 802.11g (2.4GHz) Wireless USBAdapter is
a convenient Plug & Play USB 2.0 solution that brings wireless networking to
your laptop or desktop PC. It provides up to a 128-bit level of WEP security to
your wireless data transfers.
The DWL-G120 comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windowsoperatingsystemsandcan beintegratedintoalargernetwork, running
Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE in either Ad-Hoc mode (without an access point
or router) or Infrastructure mode (with an access point or router). The IEEE
802.11g Ethernet standard allows you to connect computers and 802.11g
compatible devices at speeds up to 54Mbps*, dependent upon the distance
between wireless adapters, the configuration of your working environment, or
the capabilities or limitations of your computer systems.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G120 provides data transfers at up to 54
Mbps when used with other D-Link AirPlus G products. The 802.11g standard
is backwards compatible with 802.11b products.

5
Features and Benefits
**
* Environmental factors may adversely affect range
Convenience of Plug & Play installation.

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.

Network Security with 128-bit WEP encryption.
USB 2.0 standard.

Fully 802.11g compatible. Backwards compatible with 802.11b
devices.

Five times faster - achieve data transfer speeds up to 54 Mbps; up to
5x faster than conventional 802.11b networks, when used with other
802.11g devices.


6
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
useandcompatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithinyour 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 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that
transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are
usedincreasingly inboth home andoffice environments,and publicareas 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/ActivityLED
Power - Indicates that the
DWL-G120is properly
installed in the computer.
Link - Blinks when data is
beingtransmitted through
thewirelessconnection.
Mini-USB 2.0 port
Used to connect the
DWL-G120to your
computer
Antenna
Used to wirelessly
connectto 802.11g
networks

7
Wireless Basics (continued)
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
locationwithintheoperating rangeoftheWLAN. Managementdecisions based
on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs –WLANsare easy toset up, manage,change
and relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease
ofimplementation. WLANscan operatein locations where installation ofwiring
may be impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be
fastandeasyandcaneliminatetheneedtopullcablethroughwallsandceilings.
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
userstolarger infrastructurenetworksto accommodatehundredsor 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
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G120 Wireless USBAdapter utilizes the 802.11g standard.
TheIEEE802.11g standardis anextensionofthe802.11b standard.Itincreases
thedatarateupto54Mbpswithinthe2.4GHzband,utilizing OFDM technology.
Thismeans thatin mostenvironments, withinthe specifiedrange ofthis 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
transmittinghigh-speeddigitaldataoveraradiowaveutilizingOFDM(Orthogonal
FrequencyDivisionMultiplexing) technology.OFDM works bysplitting theradio
signalinto multiplesmaller sub-signals thatare thentransmitted simultaneously
at different frequenciesto the receiver. OFDMreducesthe amountof crosstalk
(interference)in signaltransmissions. TheD-Link DWL-G120 will automatically
sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and
range possible.
The DWL-G120 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 up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range.
Wireless Basics (continued)

9
Installation Considerations
TheD-LinkAirPlusG DWL-G120 letsyou accessyournetworkusingawireless
connection from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind,
however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other
objectsthatthe wirelesssignals mustpassthrough, maylimit therange.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:
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
4
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G120 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your DWL-G120’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
1
Be aware of the direct line between network devices.Awall 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
Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door
oraluminum studs mayhave anegative effectonrange.Tryto position
wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the
signalpasses throughdrywalloropendoorwaysandnotothermaterials.
3
Wireless Basics (continued)
TM

10
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-G120 will connect with other
D-Link AirPlus G products, right out of the box.
A wireless broadband Router-
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
A laptop computer with a USB wireless network adapter -
D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120
A desktop computer with a USB wireless network adapter -
D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120
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-624.
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-G120 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):
TM
TM
TM
TM

11
Getting Started (continued)
55
55
5
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
44
44
4
11
11
1
22
22
2
33
33
3
66
66
6
DI-624
DWL-G120
802.11g/2.4GHz Wireless
USB Adapter
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an
Ethernet network adapter (such as a DFE-530TX+) to the router also.
Install the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter into a
laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G120.)
TM
Install the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USBAdapter into
an available USB slot on your desktop computer. (See the Quick
Installation Guide included with the DWL-G120.)
TM
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router. (See the
Quick Installation Guide included with your router.)
Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the
modem.
You willneed broadband Internetaccess (a Cable or DSL-subscriberline
into your home or office).
802.11g/2.4GHz Wireless
108Mbps USB Adapter
DWL-G120
802.11g/2.4GHz Wireless
USB Adapter

12
Getting Started (continued)
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
assignedanIPaddress of192.168.0.3witha subnet maskof255.255.255.0,
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.
IPAddress
InstalltheDWL-G120 WirelessUSBadapter intothedesktopcomputer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Installanother DWL-G120 intothe laptopcomputer. Oryou mayinstall
another wireless adapter such as the D-Link DWL-G650 wireless PC
Card 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 theAd-Hoc network. (See Box below.)
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
D-Link AirPlusTM G DWL-G120
802.11g/2.4GHz Wireless USB Adaper

13
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
thatenables windowsconfiguration.
D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 uses the Configuration Utility as the
managementsoftware. Theutility providestheuser aneasy interfaceto change
any settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed the
installation of the DWL-G120 (refer to the Quick Installation Guide that came
with yourpurchase)whenever youstartthe computer,the Configuration Utility
starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar (see
illustrationbelow*.) Clickingonthe utilityiconwillstarttheConfiguration Utility.
Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to click on Start >Programs
>D-Link AirPlus G >D-Link AirPlus G Utility.
UsingtheConfigurationUtility
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility
or the D-Link Configuration Utility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To usethe D-LinkConfiguration Utilitywith XP,right-click
on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcornerof your computerscreen.
In the window that appears, select
View Available Wireless Networks
and click the Advanced button. The
screen at right will appear.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtilityicon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
TM

14
Link Info
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display
the settings for the DWL-G120:
SSID:
TheServiceSet Identifieris
the name assigned to the
wireless network.
The factory SSID setting is
default.
Tx Rate:
Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to a
maximum of 54Mbps.
Status:
Displays current connec-
tion state of the DWL-
G120.
Channel:
The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-G120.
Signal Strength:
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that
access point or router.
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G120 wireless connection to the access
point. The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access
point and the DWL-G120. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar.
Link Quality:
Displays the wireless signal strength for the DWL-G120 wireless connection
to the access point.
Data Rate:
Displays the statistics of the data that is transmitted and received.
D-Link AirPlus G Wireless Utility
54

15
Wireless Mode:
Infrastructure is the factory
defaultsetting.Ad-Hoc modeis
usedfor Peer-to-Peernetwork-
ing. See the Getting Started section in this manual for examples of these net-
work types.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
SSID:
TheServiceSetIdentifieristhe
nameassignedto thewireless
network.ThefactorySSIDset-
ting 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
onyour usageand yourenvironment. TheTx Ratewill bedetermined automati-
cally 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.
Channel:
The default channel setting is channel 6. In Infrastructure mode, the
DWL-G120 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.
D-Link AirPlus G Wireless Utility
Auto
54

16
Encryption
Data Encryption:
Enable encryption by clicking in the box. Data encryption is de-selected as the
defaultsetting.
Default Key:
Enter a key in eitherASCII 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 theAuthentication mode of the wireless
access point or router
Key Format:
ASCII or hexadecimal format
Key Length:
Select the key length, either 64 or 128 bits
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American StandardCode forInformation Interchange) isacode for
representingEnglishlettersas numbers from 0-127
D-Link AirPlus G Wireless Utility
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)

17
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.
D-Link AirPlus G Wireless Utility
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)

18
In this window you can configure all the properties of a profile in order to con-
nect with a network of your choice.
Click OK to save the changes.
Properties
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)

19
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
andhttp://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 forinformation aboutnetworking
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.

20
Please follow all the instructions in this window:
Networking Basics (continued)
Click Next.
In the following window, select the best description of your computer. If your
computer connects to the Internet through a router, select the second option
as shown.
Click Next.