D-Link DWA-172 User manual

DWA-172
User Manual
Version 1.01 | 04/25/2014
Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain 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 © 2014 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 February 10, 2014 • Initial release for Revision A1
1.01 April 25, 2014 • Initial release for Revision A1
Preface

3D-Link DWA-172 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) ..........................................14
Connect to a Wireless Network............................................ 17
Windows® 8...................................................................................17
Using Windows®7.......................................................................19
Using Windows Vista®................................................................20
Using Windows®XP ....................................................................21
Wireless Security..................................................................... 22
What is WPA?................................................................................22
Using Windows®7 ...............................................................23
Using Windows Vista®.......................................................26
Using the Windows®XP Utility........................................28
Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 30
Wireless Basics ........................................................................ 34
Wireless Modes............................................................................38
Networking Basics.................................................................. 39
Check your IP address...............................................................39
Windows® 8 Users...............................................................39
Windows® 7/Vista® Users..................................................39
Windows® XP Users............................................................39
Statically Assign an IP Address ..............................................40
Windows®8 Users ...............................................................40
Windows®7/Windows Vista®Users................................41
Windows®XP Users.............................................................42
Technical Specications ........................................................ 43
Table of Contents

4D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-172 Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain USB Adapter
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port
• Windows® 8, 7, Vista or XP (Service Pack 3)
• CD-ROM Drive
• A 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g or 802.11a access point or wireless router
Product Overview
Package Contents

5D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
TheWireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain USB Adapter (DWA-172) delivers powerful wireless AC technology to your desktop or
notebook computer. Simply plug the adapter into an available USB port and connect to a wireless network to access a secure,
high-speed internet connection – 2.4GHz (150Mbps) or 5GHz (up to 433Mbps). And with integrated Dual Band technology,
you’ll have reduced Wi-Fi interference to maximize throughput for faster streaming, gaming, and Skype calls.
Interference-Free Bandwidth
The Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain USB Adapter (DWA-172) delivers Dual Band technology to your home network for
intelligent, versatile, interference-free bandwidth. Check your email and surf the Internet on the 2.4GHz band; or game, make
Skype calls and stream HD movies to multiple devices using the cleaner, interference-free 5GHz band. Whatever you like to
do online, Dual Band has you covered.
Easy WPS Push Button Setup
Quickly and easily establish a fast, secure home network that will have you browsing, streaming, and watching in minutes. It’s
as easy as push and connect!
Compatible With All Your Wireless Products
While the Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter delivers cutting-edge 802.11ac speed to your home network, it’s also backward
compatible with all of your current wireless products – no updates or adapters necessary.
What is wireless AC?
802.11ac is a new networking standard that produces high-throughput wireless speed on the 5GHz band. What does this
mean for your home network? Flawless HD video streaming, faster gaming, and lag-free Skype and Facetime calls, all with less
Wi-Fi interference for smooth, lightning-fast performance. And while your home gains all the cutting-edge benefi ts of 11ac,
D-Link’s Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter is also compatible with all of your current Wireless N products.
“Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE 802.11ac specification and IEEE Standard 802.11n specification. D-Link makes no warranties as to forward compatibility with future standards or compatibility with 802.11ac
devices from other manufacturers. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead,
lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors may adversely affect wireless signal range. Up to 433Mbps wireless speeds achieved when connecting to other 802.11ac devices. Data throughput may also be
limited by the product’s interface, less than 480 Mbps for a USB 2.0 interface. The inclusion of a specific product or manufacturer does not imply its endorsement of D-Link or the D-Link product. Computer must adhere
to Microsoft’s recommended System Requirements.”

6D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11a Compliant
• Dual Band N Technology for use in 2.4GHz or 5GHz Networks
• Wireless AC Technology for Superior Wireless Performance
• Access Secure Networks using WPA™ or WPA2™
• Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) Push Button for Easy Connection to a Wireless Network
• External 3dBi omni-directional antenna

7D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-172 to
your computer.
WPS Button
Press the WPS button to automatically
connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router
or access point and establish connectivity.

8D-Link DWA-172 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 conflict 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® 8 users: Press Windows Key + Q > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
Windows®7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Windows®XP/Vista®users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

9D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is
recommended to disable the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.
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.

10D-Link DWA-172 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.

11D-Link DWA-172 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 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 (fish tanks),
mirrors, file 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.

12D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-172 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-172 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.
Adapter Installation
Click Install

13D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.
Click Install
Click Finish to complete your setup.
Click Finish

14D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
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-fi.org.
“Push Button Configuration” (PBC) is a external button on the adapter that connects you to other WPS-enabled devices. A
connection can be established by clicking the button, then pushing the physical button on the access point or wireless router
within 120 seconds. Refer to next page.

15D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Push Button
1. To connect to your network, press theWPS button on
the adapter and hold for two seconds until the utility
screen appears.
2. Press theWPS button located on your access point or
router to continue. This screen will appear once you
have successfully established connection with your
network.

16D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Press the WPS button on the adapter and holding for two seconds until the
utility screen comes up.Then, press theWPS button on the router/access point
to continue.
The adapter will try to establish connectivity to your access point or wireless
router.
When this screen appears, you have successfully established connectivity.
Click Finish to complete your setup.
WPS UI will save the wireless connection profile named “security.htm” on the
desktop

17D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Windows® 8
1. Click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-
right corner next to the time).
2. A list of available wireless networks will appear.
3. Click the wireless network (SSID) you want to connect to and then
click Connect.
Connect to a Wireless Network

18D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, confirm the encryption by reviewing the profile or check the TCP/IP
settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information.
5. Click either to enable or disable file sharing.
6. You will now be connected to your wireless network.
4. If the network is secure/encrypted, enter the Wi-Fi password
(security key) and click Next.

19D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Using Windows®7
Windows®7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual
of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a“site survey”option similar to
the Windows®7 utility as seen below.
Left-click the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner
next to the time).
If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the
center of the bubble to access the utility.
or
The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect
button.
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check your
TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual for more information.

20D-Link DWA-172 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Connect to a Wireless Network
Using Windows Vista®
Windows Vista®users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user
manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a“site survey” option
similar to the Windows Vista®utility as seen below.
Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-
right corner next to the time). Select Connect to a network.
If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the
center of the bubble to access the utility.
or
The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect
button.
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check you
TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual for more information.