D-Link DWA-121 User manual

DWA-121
User Manual
Version 1.20 | 28/04/2015
Wireless N 150 Micro USB Adapter

D-Link reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in the content hereof without obligation to notify any
person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Manual Revisions
Trademarks
D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States or
other countries. All other company or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Copyright © 2015 by D-Link Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission from
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Revision Date Description
1.0 October 5, 2010 • Initial release for Revision A1
1.1 July 11, 2013 • Added with Windows 8 support
Preface

3D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Table of Contents
Preface................................................................................................2
Manual Revisions............................................................................................. 2
Trademarks........................................................................................................ 2
Product Overview..............................................................................4
Package Contents ........................................................................................... 4
System Requirements.................................................................................... 4
Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5
Features .............................................................................................................. 6
Hardware Overview........................................................................................ 7
Installation .........................................................................................8
Getting Started ................................................................................................ 8
Remove Existing Installations............................................................ 8
Disable Other Wireless Adapters...................................................... 9
Wireless Installation Considerations ......................................................11
Adapter Installation......................................................................................12
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)...........................................................18
Conguration...................................................................................20
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ...................................................20
Wireless Networks List........................................................................21
Personal Identication Number (PIN)...........................................22
Push Button Conguration (PBC)...................................................24
My Wireless Networks.........................................................................25
Add Prole .......................................................................................26
Modify Prole..................................................................................27
Support....................................................................................................28
About........................................................................................................29
Connect to a Wireless Network.......................................................30
Windows® 8 .....................................................................................................30
Windows® 7 .....................................................................................................32
Windows Vista® ..............................................................................................34
Windows® XP ..................................................................................................36
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................38
Wireless Basics .................................................................................41
Wireless Modes ..............................................................................................45
Networking Basics...........................................................................46
Check your IP address..................................................................................46
Windows® 8 Users ................................................................................46
Windows® 7/Vista® Users...................................................................46
Windows® XP Users .............................................................................46
Statically Assign an IP Address.................................................................47
Windows® 8 Users.................................................................................47
Windows® 7/ Vista® Users...................................................................48
Windows® XP Users .............................................................................49
Technical Specications..................................................................50
Table of Contents

4D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Micro USB Adapter
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows®8, 7,Vista®, XP (Service Pack 3), or Linux
• CD-ROM Drive
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• A 802.11n or 802.11g access point or wireless router
Product Overview
Package Contents
Manual and Driver Software on CD
Quick Installation Guide

5D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs. Instead of stringing
Ethernet cables to your PC, simply utilize your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port and the adapter’s 802.11n wireless connectivity.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-121 provides a faster wireless connection than 802.11g*. The DWA-121 was designed for use
in bigger homes, and for users that require higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a
Wireless N™router, and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home. This USB Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent
outside intrusion and protect your personal information.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard easily guides you step-by-step through the installation process. The D-Link Wireless Manager is included with this
product to help you keep track of your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed, the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter conveniently provides you with high-performance wireless
connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC when you are traveling. Enjoy the many benets of wireless connectivity today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors,
including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental conditions will adversely
aect wireless signal range.

6D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• Compact size for placement anywhere
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation
• Fully 802.11g compatible
• 802.11n compliant
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required
• USB 2.0 standard*
• You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), providing you a much higher level of
security for your data and communication than has previously been available
• Position the DWA-121 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point
• User-friendly conguration and diagnostic utilities
* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely aect throughput.

7D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-121 to your computer.
1

8D-Link DWA-121 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 the Device Manager before
installing your DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter. Also, if you previously installed another wireless adapter, please make sure any related
software is uninstalled.
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Previous installations of wireless adapters have been removed (If not, see instructions below.)
• Any built-in wireless adapters have been disabled (If not, see instructions on the next page.)
• 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 dierent manufacture’s adapter or a dierent model D-Link adapter, make sure that 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 dierent times, make sure the
utilities are not set to automatically load when your computer boots up.
To remove old software:
Windows® 8 users: Press Windows Key + Q > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs
Windows® 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs
Windows Vista® users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs
Windows® XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs

9D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops include a built-in wireless adapter.To prevent conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended that you disable
the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
Windows® 8 - Press the Windows key and Xtogether and then click Device Manager
Windows® 7/Vista® - Go to Start > Device Manager
Windows® XP - Go to Start >My Computer >Properties > Hardware > Device Manager
From within 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.

10D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
You will see a warning that says, Disabling the device will cause it to stop
functioning. Click Yes to disable the adapter.
When the adapter is disabled, you will see a red X over the icon that represents the
device. However, this does not mean you have removed it. Disabling the adapter
will not remove the drivers either. If in the future you would like to use the adapter,
simply right-click it and select Enable.

11D-Link DWA-121 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 the number and thickness of walls and ceilings, as well as the location of 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 by 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings
is minimized.
2. Strive for a direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle will appear to be
almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a two-degree angle it appears to be over 42 feet (14 meters) thick! Position your devices so that
the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling, instead of at an angle, for the best reception.
3. Be aware of the type of building materials separating your devices. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative
eect 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 three to six feet) 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 when the phone in not in use.

12D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Warning: Do NOT plug the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver
software from the D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-121 Driver CD into the CD-ROM drive.
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\autorun.exe” (where D:
represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
When the autorun screen appears, click Install to start the DWA-121 InstallShield Wizard.
Adapter Installation

13D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
You will see the Installation Wizard welcome window. Click Next to continue.
Select your language from the list and click Next to continue.

14D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Insert the DWA-121 into an available USB port on your computer and click Next.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Select an existing folder, or create a new Program Folder, which will be used
to hold program icons. Click Next.

15D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wait while the Installation Wizard congures your new software installation.
This process may take one to two minutes. Then the Wireless Connection Wizard
screen will appear, presenting you with two options.
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually type your
Network Name (SSID) and Password and then click Next.
See “Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS)” on page 18 for the more secure option, Use
the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) wizard for simplied Wireless connection.

16D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
If you know your Network Name, enter it in the text box below Wireless Network
Name (SSID). Make sure you enter it correctly. Click Next to continue, and skip
to the instructions on the next page.
If you entered your Network Name incorrectly, you will be directed to the Site
Survey page. Click Scan to scan for the name of your wireless network on the
Site Survey page.
Scan the list of wireless networks. Click on your Wireless Network Name and
click Next.

17D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to complete the installation. If you are prompted to reboot your
computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.

18D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)
The Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) Wizard provides easy setup of security-enabled
Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended that you have the access point or wireless
router nearby during setup.
To begin the WPS setup, select the option the Use the WiFi Protected Setup
(WPS) wizard for simplied Wireless connection and click Next.
Press the WPS button on your router, and within 120 seconds, click on Connect
Now, which is the virtual button on the screen.
Note: Refer to your router’s user manual for more information about WPS.

19D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wait while the router establishes connection.
When the screen appears that says Connected, you have successfully established
connectivity. Click Finish to complete your setup.

20D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Conguration
This section will show you how to congure your new D-Link wireless adapter.
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
The D-Link DWA-121 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. This is a user interface that makes it easy to change any
settings related to your wireless adapter.
Double-click the Wireless Connection Manager icon on your desktop to begin conguration.