D-Link DWA-121 User manual

2D-Link DWA-121 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
Adapter Installation......................................................................................11
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)...........................................................17
Conguration .......................................................................... 20
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ...................................................20
Wireless Networks................................................................................21
My Wireless Networks.........................................................................25
Add Prole .......................................................................................26
Modify Prole..................................................................................27
Support....................................................................................................28
About........................................................................................................29
Connect to a Wireless Network............................................ 30
Using Windows®7..........................................................................................30
Connect to a Wireless Network............................................ 31
Using Windows Vista®...................................................................................31
Using Windows®XP.......................................................................................32
Wireless Security..................................................................... 33
What is WPA?...................................................................................................33
Congure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase...........................................................34
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager......................34
Using Windows®7.................................................................................36
Using Windows Vista®..........................................................................39
Using the Windows®XP Utility.........................................................41
Congure WPA/WPA2 (RADIUS)...............................................................43
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager......................43
Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 44
Windows®7 Troubleshooting....................................................................48
Wireless Basics ........................................................................ 50
Wireless Modes ..............................................................................................54
Networking Basics.................................................................. 55
Check your IP address..................................................................................55
Windows®XP/2000 Users...................................................................55
Windows 7/Vista®Users......................................................................55
Statically Assign an IP address..................................................................56
Windows®XP/2000 Users...................................................................56
Windows 7/Vista®Users......................................................................57
Technical Specications ........................................................ 58
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter
System Requirements
• AcomputerorlaptopwithanavailableUSB2.0port
• Windows®7,Vista®, XP (Service Pack 2)
•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 Software on CD
Quick Installation Guide

4D-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ordismantlingyourdesktopcomputercase,theDWA-121canenable802.11nwirelessconnectivitybysimplyutilizing
your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-121 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*. The DWA-121 is
designedforuseinbiggerhomesandforthosethatdemandhigherbandwidthnetworking.Maximizewirelessperformancebyconnectingthis
USB Adapter to aWireless 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 from being exposed.
D-Link’sQuickSetupWizardguidesyoustep-by-stepthroughtheinstallationprocess.You’llbeabletocongurethisUSBAdapterwithouthaving
any diculties. The D-Link Wireless Manager is included with this product to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks.
Compactinsize,robustinspeedtheDWA-121WirelessN150Pico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 and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and
environmental factors, including volume of network traf0c, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate.
Environmental conditions will adversely aect wireless signal range.

5D-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.

6D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-121 to your computer.
1

7D-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 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 dierent manufacture’s adapter or a dierent 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 dierent times, make sure the
utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up. Windows®7, Vista®and XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
Windows Vista/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-121 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 Manage.
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-121 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-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 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 dierence. 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 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-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Warning: Do NOT install 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 in 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 Drivers.
Adapter Installation

12D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Please select your language from the list and click Next to continue.

13D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Select the new folder or an existing folder that you would like the installation
WizardtoaddprogramiconstoandthenclickNext.

14D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Pleasewaitwhiletheinstallationwizardconguresyournewsoftwareinstallation.
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a
wireless network and then click Next.

15D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a
wireless network and then click Next.
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID incorrectly, you
will be directed to the site survey page. Click Scan to display the site survey page
or click Next to continue.

16D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select
Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on
the network name (SSID) and click Next.

17D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) System is designed for easy setup of security-enabled
Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to have the access point or wireless router
nearby during setup.
For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at www.wi-.org.
To begin the WPS setup, select the option the Use theWiFi Protected Setup (WPS)
wizard for simplied Wireless connection and click Next.

18D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Press the WPS button located on the right side of the Router/ Access point until it
is lit and click on the virtual Connect Now button.
Please wait while the Router/ Access point establishes connection.

19D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
When this screen appears, you have successfully established connectivity. Click
Finish to complete your setup.
Press the WPS button located on the right side of the Router/Access point until
it is lit and click on the virtual Connect Now button.

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 using the D-Link Utility as well as the Windows®XP Zero Conguration
Utility and Vista WLAN Autoconguration.
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
The D-Link DWA-121 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides the user an easy interface to
change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection Manager icon on the desktop will start the Conguration.
If you are using Windows®7, Vista®, or XP, please skip to pages 30, 31 or 32 respectively.
Double-click the Wireless Connection Manager icon on your
desktop.