D-Link DWA-120 User manual

2D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview ........................................................ 3
Package Contents ................................................... 3
System Requirements ............................................. 3
Introduction .............................................................. 4
Features .................................................................. 5
Hardware Overview ................................................. 6
Installation....................................................................7
Getting Started ........................................................ 7
Remove Existing Installations............................ 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters....................... 8
Wireless Installation Considerations...................... 10
Software Installation .............................................. 11
Conguration............................................................. 18
D-Link Conguration Utility .................................... 18
Wireless Networks ........................................... 19
D-Link Wi-Fi Protected Setup ..........................20
My Wireless Networks ..................................... 21
Add Prole.................................................. 22
Modify Prole............................................... 23
Support ............................................................ 24
About ............................................................... 25
Connect to a Wireless Network ............................. 26
Using Windows®Vista™................................... 26
Using Windows®XP™....................................... 28
Disabling The Windows®XP Utility .................. 29
Wireless Security....................................................... 31
What is WEP? .......................................................31
What is WPA? .......................................................32
Congure WEP...................................................... 33
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager 33
Using the Windows®Vista .............................. 35
Using the Windows®XP Utility......................... 37
Congure WPA/WPA2-Personal ........................... 39
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager39
Using the Windows®Vista ............................... 41
Using the Windows®XP Utility ......................... 43
Congure WPA/WPA2 -Enterprise ........................ 45
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager45
Congure 802.1x ................................................... 46
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager46
Troubleshooting ........................................................ 47
Wireless Basics ......................................................... 51
Networking Basics .................................................... 56
Check your IP address .......................................... 56
Statically Assign an IP address ............................. 57
Technical Specications............................................58
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter
• Manual, Software, and Warranty on CD
• Cradle
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows® 98SE, ME, 2000, XP or Vista
• At least 64MB of memory and a 500MHz processor
• Properly installed and working USB Controller
Product Overview
Package Contents

4D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs.
Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-120 can enable
802.11g wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Featuring the latest in wireless technology, the DWA-120 delivers unparalleled performance and industry-wide
compatibility. With a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 108Mbps*, quickly transfer large les or view streaming
video with the DWA-120.
The DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter includes an intuitive conguration utility that allows you to discover and
connect to other wireless networks in nearby areas. In addition, the utility can also create detailed connectivity proles
of networks you frequently access. You can also enable support for WPA and 802.1x for enhanced data encryption
and user authentication.
Like all other D-Link wireless adapters, the DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter can be used in peer-to-peer mode
(ad-hoc) to connect directly to other 802.11b/g wirelessly enabled computers or in client mode (infrastructure) to
communicate with other users through an access point or router.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter is great for travel and a convenient
solution for providing high performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC. Enjoy the many benets
of wireless connectivity today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and
environmental factors, including volume of network trafc, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput
rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Provides maximum wireless signal rate of up to 108Mbps*
• Compact size for placement anywhere.
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
• Fully 802.11b/802.11g compatible.
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required.
• USB 2.0 standard**.
• Better Security with 802.1x and WPA - In addition to 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption, you can also
securely connect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi
Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than
has previously been available.
• Optimal wireless reception using its cradle (included). Position the DWA-120 almost anywhere in your
workspace to achieve the best reception possible.
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point and Peer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc
mode.
• User-friendly conguration and diagnostic utilities.
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and
environmental factors, including volume of network trafc, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput
rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range.
** Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput.
Features

6D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-120
to your computer.
ACT
A blinking light indicates
transmission of data.

7D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Getting Started
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in
device manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter,
please make sure any software is uninstalled.
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
• Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a different manufacture’s adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is
uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conict with the new software. If you plan
to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
Windows®XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows® Vista users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs & Features.
Windows® XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows® 2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

8D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter,
it is recommended to disable the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down
the list and click the +sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select
Disable.

9D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. When disabled, a red X will be
displayed.
Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like
to use the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.

10D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within
the operating range of your wireless network. 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 number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link adapter and other network devices to a
minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position
your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead
of at an angle) 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 access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through
drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water
(sh tanks), mirrors, le cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that
generate RF noise.
5. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and
home security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make
sure your 2.4GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits
a signal even if the phone in not in use.

11D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-120 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The step-by-step instructions that
follow are shown in Windows®XP. The steps and screens are similar for the other Windows®operating systems.
Note: Do NOT install the DWA-120 Wireless 108G USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software
from the D-Link CD!
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your
computer, type “D:\Drivers\setup.exe”. If it does start, proceed to
the next screen.
Click Install Drivers.
Software Installation

12D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next to continue.
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program
Files\Rangebooster G DWA-120, where C: represents the
drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a different location
click Browse and specify the location. Click Next.
Select the Program Files folder location. Click Next to
continue.

13D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.
Optional: If desired or necessary, attach the cradle between the
DWA-120 and your computer.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Click Next to continue.
Enter the network name (SSID). If you enter the SSID incorrectly, you
will automatically be brought to the site survey page.
Click Next to continue or click Scan to display the site survey page.
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey).
Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next.

14D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
If the wireless network you are trying to connect to is encrypted, enter
the WEP key or WPA-PSK passphrase. Click Next to continue.
Click Finish to exit the wizard.

15D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
If you want to connect to your network with WPS,
select the option. And then click “Next”.
Click “Press” to connect to your wireless network.
Click the push button on your access point.
Note: please press the button on the access point within 120
seconds and it is recommended that the access point is nearby.

16D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Connection Established
And Click “Next”.
Click “Finish” to complete installation.

17D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
If you encounter failure of WPS, below page will show.
Click “Retry” to re-connect to your wireless network with WPS.
Click “Next” to select the way you want to get
connected to your wireless network.
Click ”Exit ” to complete the installation.
Click “Finish” to complete.

18D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Conguration
This section will show you how to congure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as the
Windows® XP Zero Conguration Utility and Vista WLAN Auto Conguration and Vista WLAN Autocong.
D-Link Conguration Utility
The D-Link DWA-120 uses the Conguration 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
DWA-120 and whenever you start the computer, the Conguration Utility starts automatically and the system tray icon
is loaded in the toolbar. Clicking on the utility icon will start the Conguration Utility.
If you are using Windows®Vista please skip to page 26 or Windows®XP skip to page 28.

19D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Wireless Networks
The SSID (Service Set Identier) is the name
of the wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless
device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless
connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure. You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Make sure your access point is WPS enabled.
Click “WPS” button and connect to your
wireless network with Wi-Fi Protected Setup.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
Highlight a wireless network and click the
Connect button. If the network is secure, a
pop-up window will appear. Enter the security
information to connect (refer to the Wireless
Security section for more information).
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
MAC:
SSID:
Channel:
Signal:
Security:
Refresh Button:
Connect Button:
Activate Button:
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect
to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
WPS Button:

20D-Link DWA-120 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
D-Link Wi-Fi Protected Setup
PBC:
PIN:
“Push Button Conguration” is a virtual button
on the utility that can be pressed to get
connected to your wireless network. Please
make sure the access point is nearby and its
physical button is placed on your access point.
“Personal Identication Number” is
an unique number that is generated
randomly by device. PIN should be
entered on the utility of your access point
and be accepted to get connected.