D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 User manual

D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650
5/2.4 GHz Wireless Multimode Cardbus Adapter
User’s Guide
Rev. 102402
Building Networks for People

2
Contents
Package Contents....................................................3
Introduction..............................................................4
Wireless Basics........................................................7
Getting Started .......................................................11
Installation..............................................................19
Using the Select Country Utility..............................35
Using the Configuration Utility for Windows 2000, 98,
or ME......................................................................37
Using the Configuration Utility for Windows XP......43
Networking Basics..................................................53
Troubleshooting......................................................84
Technical Specifications .........................................89
Limited Warranty and Registration .........................92

DWL-AB650 Wireless Multimode Cardbus Adapter
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Package Contents
Contents of Package:
•D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 5/2.4 GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
•Manual and Drivers on CD
•Quick Installation Guide (printed)
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
•A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus slot
•Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE
•At least 32 MB of memoryand a 300 MHz processor or higher
•An 802.11a Access Point (e.g., DWL-5000AP for Infrastructure
Mode) or another computer with either an 802.11a or 802.11b
wireless adapter installed (for Ad-hoc Mode)

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Introduction
The D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an advanced
IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b compatible, high performance, wireless adapter
that supports data transfer speeds of up to 54 Mbps in 802.11a mode and up
to 11 Mbps in 802.11b mode. Transfer modes of up to 108 Mbps can be
achieved in D-Link’s proprietary Turbo mode (this feature is currently only
available in USA).
It is an ideal way to connect your laptop computer to a Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN). 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 and printers, and take full
advantage of a “connected” environment for work or play! Please take a look
at our Getting Started section in this manual. You will see several options
for setting up a network using your new DWL-AB650.
The DWL-AB650 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, Windows 98SE, in
either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with
an Access Point).
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.

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Product Features
•Compatible with IEEE 802.11a high data-rate standard to provide wireless
communication at rates up to 54 Mbps, and up to 108 Mbps in a proprietary
turbo mode
•Compatible with IEEE 802.11b standard to provide wireless Ethernet data
rates of up to11Mbps data rate
•Operation at dual2.4 ~ 2.5GHz and 5.15 ~ 5.825GHz frequency bands
•Dynamic date rate scaling at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 and up to 108 Mbps
(in a proprietary turbo mode) for IEEE 802.11a
•Dynamic date rate scaling at 1, 2, 5.5, and 11Mbps for IEEE 802.11b
•Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate
switching
•Supports wireless data encryption with 64/128/152-bit WEP for security
•Supports infrastructure networks via Access Point and ad-hoc network via
peer-to-peer communication
•Built-in dual diversity antenna for reduction of interference in a multi-path
environment
•Supports AES enhanced security
•Supports DFS/TPC for European operation
•Supports VLAN tagging
•User-friendly configuration utilities
•Driver support for Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP
•SupportsCardBus (32-bit) Type II PC Card
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus
Adapter has two LEDs: POWER and ACTIVITY.

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Network Mode LED Activity
Network Activity Both LEDs flash in
unison
Searching for a
Network Connection Both LEDs flash alternately
Associated with the
Network, but No
Activity
Both LEDs flicker
dimly
Power Save Mode
(Power-up or Reset) POWER LED– slow rate blink
Adapter is disabled Only the POWER
LED flashes
ACTIVITY
POWER

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Wireless Basics
D-Link AirPro wireless products are based on industry standards to provide
easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your
home or business. Strictly adhering to the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b
standards, the D-Link AirPro wireless family of products will allow you to
access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you
be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or
office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A Wireless LAN (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. 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 has proven to be beneficial for many users.
Wireless users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems,
support the same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there
is no noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop
computer and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other
than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless-cell. Under
many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link
to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an
Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access
Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link. Your new DWL-AB650
Cardbus adapter can connect to either an 802.11a or an 802.11b AP, as well
as other computers that have an 802.11a or 802.11b WLAN adapter
installed.
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. Ad-hoc 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, both physically and logically,
can benefit from WLANs’ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in

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locations where installation of wiring may be impractical. Furthermore, IEEE
standardization facilitates interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform
to the 802.11a or 802.11b sets of standards.
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.
Installation Flexibility -Wireless technology allows the network to go where
wires cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership -While the initial investment required for
wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware,
overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower.
Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring
frequent moves, adds, and changes.
Scalability -Wireless LAN systems 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 full infrastructure networks of
thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area.
D-Link AirPro Wireless LAN products include:
♦802.11a 5GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop
computers (such as the DWL-AB650)
♦802.11a 5GHz Wireless PCI cards (such as the DWL-A520) or
Cardbus Cards used with desktop or notebook computers
♦802.11b 2.4 GHz Wireless PCI cards or PC Cards (such as the
DWL-650) used with desktop or notebook computers.
♦802.11a 5GHz Wireless Access Points (such as the DWL-
5000AP)
Standards -Based Technology
The IEEE 802.11a standard designates that devices operate at an optimal
data rate of 54 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 transmitting high-speed
digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency

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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. D-Link AirPro products will
automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the
greatest speed and range possible with the technology.
Installation Considerations
Designed to traverse distances up to 900 feet (~300 meters), D-Link AirPro
DWL-AB650 lets you access your network from your laptop computer
virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and
thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must
pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of
materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to
maximizing the transmission range is to follow these basic principles:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the Access Point and
your receiving device to a minimum -Each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link AirPro Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it may
be beneficial to have more than one access point with overlapping
coverage.
2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with
wireless adapters -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 as if it were over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Try to make
sure that the Access Points and Adapters are positioned so that the
signal will travel in as straight a line through a wall or ceiling as possible
for better reception.
3. Building Materials make a difference -A solid metal door or aluminum
studs can have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access Points
and computers with wireless adapters 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 DWL-AB650 Carbus
Adapter.

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5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
For the average residence, 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
computers with wireless adapters that will be connected. Additional Access
Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the
signal does not appear as strongly as desired.

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Getting Started
To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building.
We will discuss the following types of networks in this section:
1. A Home Internet Network
with A Residential Gateway/Router
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
3. An Ad Hoc Network
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing
Please select, from the four types of networks described above, the type of
network that is appropriate for your needs. Please follow the instructions in
the corresponding section that follows.
1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router
(Network administrators with Dynamic IPs can also follow these instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using a DHCP-capable Residential
Gateway/Router –or −if you want to connect to an Ethernet network that
uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses, then follow the instructions on the next
page. When it is complete, your network may look similar to this:

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(Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an Ethernet
(CAT5) cable to an 802.11a Access Point such as the DWL-5000AP or an
802.11b Access Point or another computer with an 802.11a or 802.11b
WLAN adapter installed).
This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for
each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable Residential
Gateway/Router for your network.
To complete the installation, please follow these steps:
1. Connect the Router/Gateway (for example, the D-Link DI-704P) to
a Broadband connection, (e.g., a Cable modem such as the D-Link
DCM-200 cable modem or a DSL modem such as the D-Link DSL-
300.)
2. Connect the 802.11a Access Point (DWL-5000AP) to the router.
3. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into a laptop computer on your wireless network.
4. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
DHCP stands for
Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol.
It is a protocol for
assigning dynamic IP
addresses
“automatically.” With a
DHCP-capable
gateway, there is no
need to manually
assign an IP address.

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this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
5. By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP
Address. If you are having difficulty connecting, check to make sure
that the IP Address of the wireless adapter is within the IP address
range of your network. Please refer to the Networking Basics
section in this manual entitled: Checking The IP Address.
6. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
(Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have
purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or-you want to connect to
an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow the
instructions on the next page. When you have completed your network, it
should look similar to this:

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Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP (Internet
Service Provider) provides you a static IP address for each computer and
the Access Point on your network. Please refer to the manual that came
with your Access Point to determine its configuration.
Please follow these steps to complete the installation:
1. Connect the Wireless Access Point (the D-Link AirPro DWL-
5000AP is shown in the example) to a Broadband connection.
2. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into the laptop computer(s) on your wireless network.
3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.

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4. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters. Please refer to
the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning
an IP Address.
Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range,
and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on 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.
If you are using a PPPoE client (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet)
please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further instructions
regarding connecting to the Internet.
5. To learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.
3. An Ad Hoc Network
If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share
files and printers, but no Internet connection, please complete the following
instructions. When your Ad Hoc network is complete it may look similar to
this:
(Requirements: Wireless network adapters -for example, the D-Link AirPro DWL-
AB650.)
To complete this installation, please follow these steps:
1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into your desktop computers. (You may install the D-Link AirPro

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DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapters into your desktops -please refer
to the Quick Installation Guide for further instructions.)
2. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters. Please refer to
the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning
an IP Address.
Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address range,
and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all computers on your 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.
3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
4. Check the Wireless Configuration for each wireless adapter.
Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual
entitled: Checking the Wireless Configuration.
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing
5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.
If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using one computer or laptop as an
Internet Server, then follow the instructions below. When you have
completed your network, it should look similar to this:

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To share an Internet connection with Internet Sharing software you will need
to purchase Internet Sharing software or use the Internet Connection
Sharing (ICS) utility provided with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows
ME or Windows 98SE.
Please follow your software documentation to properly configure the Internet
sharing software after you install your wireless networking adapters. To
install your wireless network adapter follow the instructions on the next page.
If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on the same computer into
which you are installing this wireless network adapter, then follow these
steps:
DFE-530TX

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1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
(please refer to the Quick Install Guide.)
2. Check the Device Manager to confirm that your adapter is installed
correctly. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in this
manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the
Wireless Adapter.
3. Install your Internet Sharing Software
4. If required by the ICS software, set the static IP Address for the
wireless adapter. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
this manual entitled: Assigning an IP Address.
Note: The IP Address for all the computers on the network must be in the same IP
Address range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the
computers on 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.
5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers.
If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on a computer other than
the one in which you are installing the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless
Cardbus Adapter, then follow these steps:
1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into the computer (please refer to the Quick Install Guide.)
2. Check the IP Address for the wireless adapter. Please make
certain that all the computers on your network are in the same IP
Address range. Please refer to the Networking Basics section in
this manual entitled: Checking your IP Address.
Note: By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP Address,
automatically.
3. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.

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Installation
This section shows you how to install the AirPro Utility if you are using the
operating systems Windows 2000, 98, ME, or NT. Follow the instructions
given below on how to install the hardware (DWL-AB650 Cardbus Adapter)
and then the software (AirPro driver and utility).For those using Windows XP,
the installation procedure will be the same until the utility installation.
Windows XP has a built in utility for wireless devices. The AirPro
configuration utility does not need to be installed for users using the XP
operating system.
System Requirements:
•A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus PC Card slot
•At least a 300 MHz processor and 32 MB of memory
•Cardbus Controller properly installed and working
•An 802.11a Access Point (for Infrastructure Mode) or another
802.11a wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc mode.)
1. Installing the DWL-AB650
•
Turn on the computer
•Insert the D-Link AirPro
DWL-AB650 Wireless
Cardbus Adapter into an
available 32-
bit Cardbus
PC Card slot.

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2. Installing the Driver
Installing the software involves two steps. The first is to install the Driver and
the second is to install the Configuration Utility.
•When the DWL-AB650 has been inserted into a 32-bit Cardbus
slot, the Found New Hardware Wizard screen appears.
•Continue with the installation and the screen below should appear.
Click on Yes to proceed with the installation.