D-Link DWA-525 User manual

2D-Link DWA-525 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 Adapters ...................................................... 8
Wireless Installation Considerations ....................................10
Adapter Installation ...................................................................11
Connect to a Wireless Network .......................................14
Windows® 8 ...................................................................................14
Windows® 7 ...................................................................................16
Windows Vista® ............................................................................18
Windows® XP ................................................................................20
Troubleshooting ..............................................................22
Wireless Basics .................................................................25
Wireless Modes ............................................................................29
Networking Basics ...........................................................30
Check your IP address ...............................................................30
Windows® XP Users ............................................................30
Windows® 7/Vista® Users..................................................30
Windows® 8 Users ...............................................................30
Statically Assign an IP Address ..............................................31
Windows® XP Users ............................................................31
Windows® 7/ Vista® Users .................................................32
Windows® 8 Users ...............................................................33
Technical Specications ..................................................34
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
D-Link DWA-525 Wireless N 150 PCI Express Desktop Adapter
System Requirements
• Windows® 8, 7, Vista®, or XP (32/64-bit)
• An 802.11n, 802.11g, wireless network
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• A desktop computer with an available PCI Express slot
Product Overview
Package Contents

4D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-525 Wireless N 150 PCI Express Desktop Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop PCs. Instead of stringing
Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-525 can enable 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing
your desktop.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-525 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*. The DWA-525 is
designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless performance by connecting this PCIe
Adapter to a Wireless N™ router and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home. This PCIe Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption
to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.This PCIe Adapter supports WPA™ and WPA2™ encryption
to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.
* 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, lowers actual data throughput rate. Environmental conditions will adversely aect wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• Faster Wireless Networking* - Enable wireless connectivity on your Desktop PC computer with the DWA-525. With the performance
of D-Link’s Wireless N 150 line of wireless products, the DWA-525 delivers a more reliable wireless connection. Perform multiple
network tasks at once with the speed provided by this Wireless Adapter.
• Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWA-525 can
connect with existing 802.11b or 802.11g compliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can still communicate with
colleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even more wireless networks.
• Better Security with WPA/WPA2 and WPS - With the DWA-525 in your Desktop PC you can securely connect to a wireless network
using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for wireless authentication, as well as WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) providing you a much
higher level and an easier way of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.

6D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission.
1

7D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
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.
Note: Do NOT install the PCI adapter into your computer before installing the drivers.
Getting Started
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters.
• Disable any built-in wireless and Ethernet 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® 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 > Uninstall Programs.
Windows Vista® users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows® XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

8D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other 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).
Windows XP - Go to Start > My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager.
Windows Vista/7 - Go to Start > Device Manager.
Windows 8 - Press the Windows key and X together and then click Device Manager.
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-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
When the adapter is disabled, a down arrow or a grayed icon 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-525 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 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-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Note: Do NOT install the DWA-525 Desktop Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and insert the D-Link DWA-525 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

12D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Once the Welcome screen appears, click Next to continue.
Click Install to continue.

13D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Your DWA-525 adapter is now installed.

14D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
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.
4. If the network is secure/encrypted, enter the Wi-Fi password (security key)
and click Next.
Connect to a Wireless Network

15D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, conrm the encryption by reviewing the prole 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 le sharing.
6. You will now be connected to your wireless network.

16D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
Windows® 7
2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
1. Click on the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner).

17D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
3. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to 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.
4. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click
Connect. You can also connect by pushing the WPS button on the router.
It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection
fails, please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase
must be exactly the same as on the wireless router.

18D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
Windows Vista®
2. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and
click Connect.
1. Open the Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon
in your system tray (lower right corner of screen). Select Connect to a
network.

19D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
3. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect.
It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails,
please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase must be
exactly the same as on the wireless router.

20D-Link DWA-525 User Manual
Section 3 - Connect to a Wireless Network
Windows® XP
2. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and
click Connect.
1. Open the Windows XP Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless
computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner of screen). Select
View Available Wireless Networks.