D-Link AirPremier DWL-G680 User manual

Manual
D-Link AirPremier®
DWL-G680
High-Speed 802.11g
Building Networks for People
Wireless Notebook Adapter
Rev. A2

2
Contents
Package Contents ............................................................................... 3
Introduction ........................................................................................... 4
Features & Benefits............................................................................. 5
Wireless Basics ................................................................................... 6
Getting Started ..................................................................................... 9
Using the Configuration Utility ............................................................. 12
Networking Basics ............................................................................. 26
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 44
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 51
Technical Support .............................................................................. 53
Warranty............................................................................................. 54
Registration ....................................................................................... 57

3
Package Contents
System Requirements:
Windows XP/2000/ME/98SE

A laptop or notebook computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus
slot

At least 64 MB of memory and a 500 MHz processor

An 802.11g or 802.11b Access Point (for Infrastructure mode), or another
802.11g or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc, Peer-to-Peer networking
mode).

Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremier® DWL-G680
High-Speed 2.4 GHz/802.11g Wireless Cardbus Adapter
Manual and Drivers on CD
Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.




4
Introduction
The DWL-G680 has the newest, strongest, and most advanced security features available
today. When used with other 802.11 WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access/Wi-Fi Protected
Access 2TM) and 802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the
security features include:
WPA/WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM which authorizes
and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically at regular
intervals. WPA/WPA2 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 ensures much greater security than the standard WEP
security. (By contrast, the older WEP encryption required the keys to be changed
manually.)
802.1x: Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the
authentication process, the Authentication 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 DWL-G680, used in conjunction with other WPA/WPA2-compatible 802.11
products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre Shared Key
mode of WPA/WPA2, the DWL-G680 will obtain a new security key every time it connects
to the 802.11 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 DWL-G680, you will automatically receive a new key every
time you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
* Not all servers can provide Authentication.
The D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an 802.11g high-
performance, wireless adapter that supports high-powered wireless networking at home,
at work or in public places.
Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G680 provides data transfers at up to 108 Mbps.
The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products.

5
Features & Benefits
Fully compliant with the 802.11b standard and interoperable with all
existing 802.11b compliant and 802.11g compliant devices
Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate
switching
32-bit Cardbus Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity - The powerful 32-bit
Cardbus interface utilized by the DWL-G680 ensures optional performance in
transmitting a wireless signal within the loptop computer. Pluy and play when
used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G products will automatically connect to
network out of the box.
Quick and Easy Installation- The DWL-G680 installs quickly and easily into a
standard Cardbus slot in a laptop computer. By following the simple steps out-
lined in the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available wireless
network in a matter of seconds
Stronger Security than ever before with WPA/WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected
Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM authorizes and identifies users based on
a secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals, 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 he or she connects to
the network, vastly improving the safety of communications on the net-
work

Extra Protection - 802.1x Authentication in conjunction with the RADIUS
server verifies the identity of wireless clients wishing to gain access to the
WLAN

Provides a measure of security for the information transmitted over a
wireless network with high data encryption at 64-, 128-, and 152-bit WEP

Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point and Peer-to-Peer
communication in Ad-Hoc mode

User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Five times faster - achieve data transfer speeds up to 108 Mbps; up to 5x
faster than conventional 802.11b networks, when used with other 802.11g
devices

Provides a simple and inexpensive way to connect your desktop com-
puter to a wireless network at home, at the office, or in public places

6
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 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a 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 WLAN 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 ways 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.

7
Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter 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 high-speed
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 D-Link DWL-
G680 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest
speed and range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today, including:
WPA/WPA2 , 802.1x, TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key mode. These security features
are explained in more detail in the Introduction and the Features section of this manual.
The DWL-G680 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.
The DWL-G680 is compatible with 802.11g and 802.11b wireless products, which include:
D-Link Air DWL-650,D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+,
D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G550
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter used with laptop computers
D-Link Air DWL-520, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2100AP
2.4GHz Wireless Access Points
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+
2.4GHz Wireless Routers




TM

8
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G680 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:
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-G680 and other network
devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-G680
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. 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
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.
3
Wireless Basics (continued)

9
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-G680, when activated, will connect
with other D-Link AirPremier®products, right out of the box.
Activity:
A blinking light indicates data is being transmitted
Link:
A steady light indicates a connection to an access point
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-G680 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):


A wireless Router - D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G680, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
DWL-G650, or D-Link AirPlus DWL-G630
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201



®

10
Please remember that D-Link AirPremier® wireless devices are
pre-configured to connect together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
Getting Started (continued)
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
4
21
3
6
5
7
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.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your networks, you can install the
D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G550 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a computer. (See
the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G550.)
Install the D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G680 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop
computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G680.)
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.
A RADIUS Server is optional. Connect a RADIUS Server to your network to use
all the features of WPA/WPA2. (Without a RADIUS Server you can still use the
WPA/WPA2 Pre-Shared Key mode.) RADIUS Authentication can also be
provided by another service provider over the Internet and remote to your network
site.
DWL-G550
DWL-G680

11
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the DWL-G550 into the desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Install the DWL-G680 Wireless PC Card Adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with 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).
IP Address
Desktop
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.
D-Link AirPremier®
DWL-G680
D-Link AirPremier®
DWL-G550

12
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
D-Link AirPremier®DWL-G680 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. After you have completed the installation of the DWL-G680 (refer to
the Quick Installation Guide that came with your purchase) whenever you start the
computer, 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 AirPremier >D-Link AirPremier Client Utility.
Using the Configuration Utility
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 use the D-Link Configuration Utility with XP, right-click
on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-hand corner of your computer screen.
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
Configuration Utility icon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray

13
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-G680:
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is 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 the MAC Address of the
Access Point or Router to which the
DWL-G680 is associated
Channel:
The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-G680.
Signal Strength:
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Frequency:
802.11g indicates that the DWL-
G680 is communicating in the
2.4GHz band.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the Getting
Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
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-G680 wireless connection to the Access Point.
The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the Access Point and the
DWL-G680. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar.

14
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Wireless Mode:
Authentication:
Data Encryption:
Click on the pull-down menu; select from the following options:
Choose one of the following modes:
Select Enabled or Disabled.
Open Authentication - the DWL-G680 is visible to all devices on the network
Shared Authentication - allows communication only with other devices with
identical WEP settings
WPA/WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM which
authorizes and identifies users based on a secret key that changes automatically
at a regular interval. (A RADIUS Server is required for this mode.)
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK - WPA/WPA2 Pre-Shared Key mode ensures that the DWL-
G680 will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11 network.
(A RADIUS Server is not required for this mode.)
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a wireless network. Access Points and
wireless devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)
must use the same SSID. The default setting is default.
Infrastructure - connecting to the WLAN using an Access Point. (This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc - wireless mode used when connecting directly to a computer equipped
with a wireless adapter in a peer-to-peer environment.
After you have configured
the network through the
Site Survey section of
the D-Link AirPremier
Utility, you can make
minor adjustments and
check on settings in this
Configuration screen.
Configuration
For a complete
explanation of the
configuration of a
network, please refer
to the Site Survey
section in this
chapter.

15
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
When you click IP Settings in the
Configuration window, this pop-up
screen will appear. Configure the IP
Settings in this window.
IP Settings
Click Apply to save changes.
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key
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
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII or hexadecimal format.
IEEE 802.1x:
Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the Authentication
process the Authentication Server* verifies the identity of the client attempting to con-
nect to the network. Unfamiliar clients are denied access.

16
Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in the Ad-Hoc network must be set to the same channel
Click Apply if you have made any changes
Data Packet Parameter:
Set the Fragmentation Threshold and the RTS Threshold. Please see below.
You can Enable or Disable
the IP Settings portion of your
profile here. If you select
Disable you will need to
configure the IP Address
information each time you
connect to a network. If you
select Enable you will
maintain the same IP Address
information each time you
connect to a network.
Power Mode:
Disable -this default setting
consumes the most power
Enable - this setting
consumes the least power.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If inconsistent data flow is a
problem, only a minor modification should be made.
RTS Threshold:
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If you experience a high packet
error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value
range of 256 to 2432. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.
Select Enable or Disable
Launch Utility on Startup:
Profile IP Settings:
Starting Ad-Hoc Network:
Select the Ad-Hoc Network
Frequency:
Select the Frequency
Advanced

17
Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get the
most updated list of available
networks.
Available Network:
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 but-
ton.
Profile:
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.
Connect:
Highlight a network profile; click Connect to connect to that network.
Rescan:
Click Rescan to rescan and connect to the strongest signal.
Configure:
Highlight an existing network
and click Configure; the
configuration window on the
next page will appear.
Advanced:
Highlight a network; click
Advanced and the screen on
the next page will appear.
Add:
Click Add and the screen on the next page will appear.
Remove:
Highlight a network profile; click Remove to remove a network from the profile list.
Properties:
Highlight a network profile; click Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey

18
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Add
If you clicked on Add, you can
configure, in this window, all the
properties of a profile that you
wish to add to the network.
In this window you can select
the type of network connection.
Click OK to save the
changes.
If you clicked on Configuration
or Properties you can config-
ure, in this window, all the prop-
erties of a profile that already
exists in the network.
Click OK to save the
changes.
Advanced
Configuration, Add or Properties
If you choose to use the IEEE
802.1x feature, please see the
detailed instructions on the fol-
lowing pages.
If you select WPA/WPA2 in
the Authentication field, please
see detailed instructions for
configuring WPA/WPA on the
following pages.

19
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Configuration > 802.1x
To use 802.1x and to configure its settings, please do the following:
IEEE 802.1x -
Select Enabled.
Click Authentication Config.
Select the EAP Type you
want to use. Configure the
information needed for
authenticating.
Click OK
Trusted CA List.
Inner Authentication Protocol.
For an explanation of
the terms shown in this
window please see the
following pages.
Advanced Security Settings

20
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > EAP Types
EAP Type Inner Authentication
Protocol
Information needed
for Authenticating
EAP-TLS
EAP-
MSCHAPv2
Certificate
User Name
User Name
Password
Domain Name
LEAP User Name
Password
PAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
CHAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
MSCHAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
Domain Name
EAP-TTLS
MSCHAPv2
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
Domain Name