D-Link DWL-610 User manual

Manual
D-Link Air
DWL-610
2.4GHz
Building Networks for People
TM
Wireless Cardbus Adapter
version1.02

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Package Contents................................................................................ 3
Introduction........................................................................................... 4
Wireless Basics ................................................................................... 6
GettingStarted..................................................................................... 8
Usingthe Configuration Utility............................................................. 11
NetworkingBasics .............................................................................25
Troubleshooting.................................................................................. 38
TechnicalSpecifications..................................................................... 43
Warranty and Registration .................................................................. 45
Contacting Technical Support............................................................. 50

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Package Contents
This manual applies specifically to the DWL-610 revision M1. Please
refer to earlier versions of this manual if you have a previous version
of theDWL-610.
Contents of Package:
D-Link Air DWL-610
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
ManualandDriversonCD
Quick InstallationGuide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
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System Requirements:
WindowsXP/2000/Me/98SE
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Acomputer or laptop with an available PC card slot
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+) for Infrastructure
mode,or an 802.11b wireless adapter forAd-Hoc mode
(e.g.,DWL-510.)
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Introduction
TheD-Link Air DWL-610 Wireless CardbusAdapter is an 802.11b wireless adapter that
supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
TheDWL-610iscompatiblewithexisting802.11bdevicessuchastheD-LinkAirand
AirPlus family of products including theDWL-510 andDWL-520+ Wireless PCIAdapters,
the DI-614+ Wireless Router, DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point and the DWL-122
Wireless USBAdapter.
TheDWL-610 is an ideal way to connect your laptop computer to a Wireless LocalArea
Network (WLAN).After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide
(included in the package) you will have the ability to share information and resources,
such as files and printers, and enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
The DWL-610 comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows
operating systems and can be integrated into a larger network, running Windows XP,
Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE in either Ad Hoc mode (without an
Access Point or Router) or Infrastructure mode (with anAccess Point or Router).
The IEEE 802.11b Ethernet standard allows you to connect computers and 802.11b
compatible devices at speeds up to 11Mbps, dependent upon the distance between
wireless adapters, the configuration of your working environment, or the capabilities or
limitations of your computer systems.

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Link: Solid green light indicates connection to the network
ACT: Blinking amber light indicates activity on the network
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
Features & Benefits
nProvides a simple and inexpensive wayto connect your laptop computer to a
wireless network at home, at the office, or in public places
Provides a measure of securityfor the information transmitted over a wireless
network with high data encryption at 64 or 128-bit WEP.
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Supports infrastructure networks via an access point and peer-to-peer commu-
nication in ad-hoc mode
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nUser-friendlyconfiguration and diagnostic utilities
nMaximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate
switching
nOperates in the 2.4GHzfrequency range
nFully compliant with the 802.11b standard and interoperable with all existing
802.11b-compliantdevices
nQuick and Easy Installation- TheDWL-610 installs quickly and easily into a
cardbus slot in a laptop computer. By following the simple steps outlined in
the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available wireless network
in a matter of seconds
nHigh Performance 32-bit Cardbus - The high capacityCardbus interface
utilized by theDWL-610 ensures optimal performance in transmitting a
wireless signal within the laptop computer.
nProvides high-speed wireless connection up to 11Mbps

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Wireless Basics
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatible high-speed wirelessconnectivitywithin your home, businessor public access
wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want,
whenand whereyouwantit.You willbeable toenjoythe freedom thatwireless networking
brings.
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that transmits
and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in
both home and office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and
universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLANtechnologyare helping people to work and
communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other
fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for manyusers.
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless
adaptercardsusedonlaptopanddesktopsystemssupportthesameprotocolsasEthernet
adapter cards.
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time
information can significantlyimprove worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and
relocate.NetworksthatfrequentlychangecanbenefitfromWLANseaseofimplementation.
WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fast
and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless
technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or
office.
Scalability WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range from
peer-to-peernetworkssuitableforasmallnumberofuserstolargerinfrastructurenetworks
to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number of wireless
devices deployed.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventionalEthernet network devices.

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The DWL-610 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which include:
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
2.4GHz Wireless CardbusAdapter used with laptop computers
D-Link Air DWL-510, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+
Enhanced 2.4GHzWireless Broadband Routers
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-610 is also interoperable with existing
compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of up to 11Mbps.
Installation Considerations
The D-Link Air DWL-610 lets you access your network, using a wireless connection,
from virtuallyanywherewithinits operatingrange.Keepin mind,however,thatthenumber,
thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must
passthrough,maylimittherange.Typicalrangesvarydependingonthetypes ofmaterials
and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. The key to
maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:
Wireless Basics (continued)
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Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
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Keep the number of walls and ceilings between theDWL-610 and other
network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link
Air Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)Posit i o n your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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Be aware of the direct line between network devices.Awall that is 1.5 feet thick
(.5meters), at a 45-degree angle appears tobe 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.
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BuildingMaterialscanimpedethewirelesssignal-asolidmetaldoororaluminum
studs mayhave a negative effect on range. Trytoposition wireless devices and
computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or
open doorways and not other materials.
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There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure using an Access Point or Router, such as
theDI-614+
Ad-Hoc directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-
peer communication, using wireless network adapters on
each computer, such as two or moreDWL-610 wireless
network adapters.
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network
and an Ad-HocNetwork.
An Infrastructure network contains anAccess Point or Router. The Infrastructure
Network example shown on the following page contains the followingD-Link network
devices (your existing network may be comprised of other devices):
Getting Started
A wireless Router - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
Alaptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-610
Adesktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-510
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
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With its default settings, the DWL-610, when activated, will connect
with other D-Link Air products, right out of the box.

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Please remember that D-Link Air wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable orDSL-subscriber line into
your home or office)
Consult with your Cable orDSLprovider for proper installation of the modem
Connect the Cable orDSLmodem to your broadband router (see the Quick
Installation Guide included with your router.)
Install theD-Link AirDWL-510 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot on
your desktop computer.
(See the Quick InstallationGuide included with theDWL-510.)
Install theD-Link Air DWL-610 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with theDWL-610.)
Getting Started (continued)
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet
network adapter (such as aDFE-530TX+) to the router also.

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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the Wireless PCI adapter(e.g.,DWL-510) into the desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation
instructions.)
Install theDWL-610 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer. (See
the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.)
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, set the
adapters to the same channel, and assign an IPAddress to each computer
on theAd-Hoc network. (See Box below)
IPAddress
Desktop
When assigning IP Addresses to the computers on the network, please remember
that the IP Address for each computer must be in the same IP Address range
as all the computers in the network, and the subnet mask must be exactly the
same for all the computers in the network.
For example: If the first computer is assigned an IPAddress of 192.168.0.2 with a
Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned an IP
Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IPAddress,
one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.

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Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
D-Link AirDWL-610 uses the Configuration 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 DWL-610 (refer to the Quick
Installation Guide that came with your purchase) whenever you start the computer, the
Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the
toolbar (see illustration below*.) Clicking on the utilityicon will start the Configuration
Utility.Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to click on Start>Programs>
D-Link Air>D-Link Air Utility.
Using the Configuration Utility
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the
D-Link Configuration Utility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To use theD-Link Configuration Utilitywith XP, right-click
on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-hand corner of your computer screen.
In the window that appears, select View
Available Wireless Networks and click
the Advanced button. The screen at right
will appear.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
Configuration Utility icon. *Config Utility icon in
system tray
test1
test2

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Link Info
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display the
settings for theDWL-610:
SSID:
TheServiceSetIdentifieristhename
assigned to the wireless network.
The factory SSIDsetting is default.
Tx Rate:
The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an
optimal speed up to a maximum of 11Mbps.
Status:
Displays the MAC Address of the
Access Point or Router to whichthe
DWL-610 is associated
Channel:
The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-610.
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Frequency:
802.11bindicatesthattheDWL-610
is communicating in the 2.4GHz
band.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the Getting
Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with thatAccess
Point or Router
Displays the Link Quality for theDWL-610 wireless connection to the access point.
The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the
DWL-610. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar

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Wireless Mode:
Authentication:
Keys 1-4:
Select the default key
Data Encryption:
IP Settings:
Click on the pull-down menu; select from the
following options:
Infrastructure - connecting to the WLAN
using an Access Point.(This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used when
connecting directly to a computer equipped
with a wireless adapter in a peer-to-peer
environment.
Choose one of the following modes:
Click Apply to save changes.
When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window, the pop-up screen above will
appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for
representing English letters as numbers from 0-127
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Select Enabled or Disabled.
IP Settings
Open Authentication – the DWL-650 is
visible to all devices on the network
Shared Authentication – allows
communication only with other devices with
identical WEP settings
WPA – Wi-Fi protected access.
WPA-PSK – Wi-Fi protected access Pre-Shared Key.
Key Length:
Select the key length and either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format.
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a
wireless network. Access Points and wireless
devices attempting to connect to a specific WLAN
(Wireless Local Area Network) must use the same
SSID. The default setting is default.
IEEE802.1X:.
Enables or disables the use of 802.1X authentication

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Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in the Ad Hoc
network must be set to the
same channel
Click Apply if you have made any changes
Data Packet Parameter:
Select the parameters here
Profile IP Settings:
You can Enable or Disable
the IP Settings portion of
your profile here. If you
select Disable you will need
to configure the IP Address
information each time you
connect to a network. If you
select Enable you will
maintain the same IP
Address information each
time you connect to a
network.
Select Enable or Disable
Launch Utility on Startup:
Power Mode:
Disable -this default setting consumes the most power
Enable - this setting consumes the least power
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If you experience a high packet
error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation Threshold within the value
range of 256 to 2432. Setting the Fragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor
performance.
This value should remain at its default setting of 2432. If inconsistent data flow is a
problem, only a minor modification should be made.
RTS Threshold:
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Advanced

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Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get the
most updated list of available
networks.
Available Network:
The top section of the window displays the Available Networks. Scroll up and down the
list and highlight the network to which you wish to connect. Click on the Connect but-
ton.
Profile:
In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you have created for the
wireless network at home, at the office and in public places. Scroll up and down and
highlight the profile that you wish to configure. You can Add or Remove a profile, or
configure the Properties of the profile in order to connect with an available network.
Connect:
Highlight a network profile; click Connect to connect to that network.
Rescan:
Click Rescan to rescan and connect to the strongest signal.
Configure:
Highlight an existing network
and click Configure; the
configuration window on the
next page will appear.
Advanced:
Highlight a network; click
Advanced and the screen on
the next page will appear.
Add:
Click Add and the screen on the next page will appear.
Remove:
Highlight a network profile; click Remove to remove a network from the profile list.
Properties:
Highlight a network profile; click Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Add
If you clicked on Add, you can
configure, in this window, all the
properties of a profile that you
wish to add to the network.
In this window you can select
the type of network connection.
Click OK to save the
changes.
If you clicked on Configuration
or Properties you can config-
ure, in this window, all the prop-
erties of a profile that already
exists in the network.
Click OK to save the
changes.
Advanced
If you choose to use the IEEE
802.1X feature, please see the
detailed instructions on the fol-
lowing pages.
If you select WPA in the
Authentication field, please
see detailed instructions for
configuring WPA on the
following pages.

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey > Configuration > 802.1X
To use 802.1x and to configure its settings, please do the following:
IEEE 802.1X -
Select Enabled.
Click Authentication Config
Select the EAP Type you
want to use. Configure the
information needed for
authenticating.
Click OK.
Trusted CA List.
Inner Authentication Protocol.
For an explanation of
the terms shown in this
window please see the
following pages.
Advanced Security Settings
WPA

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > EAP Types
EAP Type Inner Authentication
Protocol
Information needed
for Authenticating
EAP-TLS
EAP-
MSCHAPv2
Certificate
User Name
User Name
Password
Domain Name
LEAP User Name
Password
PAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
CHAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
MSCHAP
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
Domain Name
EAP-TTLS
MSCHAPv2
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
Domain Name

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > EAP Types (continued)
EAP Type Inner Authentication
Protocol
Information needed
for Authenticating
EAP-
Generic Token Card
EAP-MD5
EAP-
Generic Token Card
User Name
Password
EAP-MSCHAPv2
EAP-MD5
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
EAP-TTLS
TTLS Identity
User Name
Password
Domain Name
PEAP
User Name
Password
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > Definitions of Terms
Validate Server Certificate:
Check Validate Server Certificate to verify the identity of the authentication server
based on its certificate when using EAP-TTLS, PEAP, and EAP-TLS. (This is
checked by default.)
Certain protocols, such as EAP-TTLS, PEAP, and EAP-TLS, allow you to verify the
identity of the authentication server as the server verifies your identity. This is called
mutual authentication.
You can select trusted authentication server certificates using the Add button at the
Trusted CA List (at the bottom of the Advanced Security Settings page).
EAP-MSCHAPv2 User Name
Password
Domain Name

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Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Domain Name:
Each server has a domain name that uniquely identifies it. That domain name is normally
contained in the Subject CN field of the server certificate. A server domain name ends
with the name of a larger administrative domain, to which the server belongs.
TTLS Identity:
EAP-TTLS has a unique feature that other protocols do not offer. Because it sets up an
encrypted tunnel for your credentials, it is also able to pass your login name through
that tunnel. That means that not only are your credentials secure from eavesdropping,
but your identity is protected as well. Thus, with EAP-TTLS you have two identities: an
inner one and an outer one. The inner identity is your actual user name. Your outer
identity can be completely anonymous. Set your outer identity in the TTLS Identity
field.
Trusted CA List:
The Trusted CA List allows you to configure which authentication servers you trust for
the purpose of logging you into the network.
Click Add at the Trusted CA List at the bottom of the Advanced Security Settings page.
Select the Trusted CA that you want to add and click OK.
802.1x > Advanced Security Settings > Definitions of Terms (continued)