D-Link DWL-G520M User manual

2
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...............................................................................................2
Package Contents ..............................................................................................3
Introduction .......................................................................................................4
Features and Benefits .........................................................................................5
Wireless Basics ..................................................................................................6
Installation Considerations .................................................................................8
Getting Started ................................................................................................... 9
Using the Configuration Utility .........................................................................12
Link Info .....................................................................................................13
Configuration .............................................................................................14
Encryption ..................................................................................................15
Site Survey .................................................................................................17
Networking Basics ...........................................................................................21
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................34
Technical Specifications ...................................................................................37
Glossary ...........................................................................................................39
Contacting Technical Support ........................................................................40
Warranty ..........................................................................................................41
Registration .....................................................................................................45

3
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
 At least 64MB of memory and a 500MHz processor
 An 802.11g or 802.11b access point (for Infrastructure mode), or another 802.11g
or 802.11b wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc, Peer-to-Peer networking mode.)
Package Contents
Package Contents
 D-Link DWL-G520M 108G MIMO
Wireless Desktop Adapter
 Manual on CD
 Printed Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
Minimum System Requirements
 A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
 Windows XP/2000

4
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Connect to wireless networks at farther distances than before with D-Link AirPlus
Xtreme G™ line of products infused with Double XR (2XR) Technology. By combining
D-Link’s new 2XR technology with D-Link 108G technology, this new Wireless Desktop
Adapter offers dramatic performance improvements over standard 802.11g.
Based on the latest in Smart Antenna technology, 2XR technology provides the
DWL-G520M Wireless 108G MIMO Desktop Adapter with the performance boost
which delivers Xccelerated Rates at Xtended Range. When paired with D-Link’s
2XR-powered Wireless 108G MIMO Router for an end-to-end solution, obtain up to
8x faster speeds at 8x farther coverage. Have more flexibility in the placement of your
desktop and still maintain a strong wireless connection.
Even if only your client adapter is 2XR-enabled, you can still experience the
performance benefits of faster rates at father distances with virtually any standard
802.11g wireless router. In addition, the DWL-G520M remains backward compatible
to 802.11b. As an end-to-end 2XR solution, or even as a single-ended solution,
D-Link’s 2XR technology is capable of providing exceptional wireless performance
while dramatically reducing the number of dead spots throughout your home or
office.
With an included configuration utility and the Installation Wizard, setup for your
DWL-G520M is a straightforward process. The utility keeps track of your most
frequently accessed networks and their specific settings, so joining networks is an
automatic process. The DWL-G520M also supports the latest security features such
as WPA-PSK making your adapter compatible with secure wireless networks.
Introduction
Introduction
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. 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.

5
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Features and Benefits
Features and Benefits
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. 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.
Enable 802.11g Wireless
Connectivity on Your
Desktop PC
Enhanced Wireless
Performance with Double
XR (2XR) Technology
Complete Support for WPA
Quickly Join and Rejoin
Networks with the D-Link
Utility
Backward Compatible to
Both Standard 802.11g
and 802.11b Networks
Enable wireless connectivity on your desktop computer with the
DWL-G520M. With the performance of D-Link’s new line of Smart
Antenna MIMO wireless products, the DWL-G520M delivers an
unsurpassed wireless experience by boosting both speed and
signal coverage. Be able to place your desktop at farther distance
from your router or access point. Perform multiple network tasks at
once with the speed provided by this Wireless Desktop Adapter.
Based on Smart Antenna MIMO Technology, D-Link’s new Double
XR (2XR) Technology significantly improves network performance.
Designed to deliver Xccelerated Rates at an Xtended Range, use
this Desktop Adapter with D-Link’s Wireless 108G MIMO Router
for the total performance benefits of up to 8x faster speeds and 8x
better coverage*.
Support for the latest wireless security technologies ensures that
your wireless connection is safe and secure via WPA-PSK. The
DWL-G520M makes the process of establishing a connection to a
protected network a straightforward process.
The D-Link Utility can quickly discover available wireless networks,
and simplify the process of joining a network. The D-Link Utility
will also keep track of your most frequently used networks to
make rejoining a network quicker without reentering the network
information.
You don’t have to replace any existing network hardware in order to
work with the DWL-G520M. Fully backward compatible to 802.11g
and 802.11b, you can communicate with your existing wireless
devices and still experience performance enhancements with just
this 2XR-powered desktop adapter.

6
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Wireless Basics
Wireless Basics
Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless
adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as
Ethernet adapter cards.
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, business or public
access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you
want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless
networking brings.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a 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 WLAN technology are helping people to work
and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and
other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial to many users.
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 significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate.
Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation.
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.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventional Ethernet network devices.
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-Peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger Infrastructure
networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number
of wireless devices deployed.

7
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-G520M Wireless PCI Adapter utilizes the 802.11g standard.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases
the data rate up to 54Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology.
This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, you
will be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format
over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting
high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into
multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different
frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference)
in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-G520M will automatically sense the best
possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today, including:
WPA, 802.1x, TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key (PSK) mode.
The DWL-G520M is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if
you have an existing 802.11b network, the devices in that network will be compatible
with 802.11g devices at speeds up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range. Also based on the
IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-G520M is interoperable with existing compatible
2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of up to 11Mbps.
Wireless Basics

8
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Installation Considerations
The DWL-G520M lets you access your network using a wireless connection from
virtually anywhere within its operating range. 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:
Installation Considerations



 Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from
electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G520M
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.
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.
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.
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.


9
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
A wireless router - D-Link 108G MIMO DI-634M
Desktop computers with a D-Link 108G MIMO DWL-G520M
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-202
Getting Started
Getting Started
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an access point or router, such as the DI-624M.
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for Peer-to-Peer communication,
using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or more DWL-G520M
Wireless Network adapters.
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network
and an Ad-Hoc Network.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or router. The Infrastructure
network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link network
devices (your existing network may be comprised of other devices):




10
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Infrastructure Network
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
For a typical wireless setup at home, please do the following:
You will need broadband Internet access (a cable or DSL-subscriber line
into your home or office).
Consult with your cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.
Connect the cable or DSL modem to your broadband router.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with your router.)
Install the D-Link DWL-G520M 108G MIMO Wireless Desktop Adapter into
an available PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G520M.)
1
2
3
4
5Install another D-Link DWL-G520M 108G MIMO Wireless Desktop Adapter
into an available PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G520M.)

11
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Ad Hoc Network
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc Network
1
2
3
DWL-G520M
108G MIMO Wireless
Desktop Adapter
12
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, set the
adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to each computer
on the Ad-Hoc network.
Install the D-Link DWL-G520M 108G MIMO Wireless Desktop adapter into
the desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the
product.)
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 IP address 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 IP address, one
or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
IP Address
Install the D-Link DWL-G650M 108G MIMO Wireless Notebook adapter into
the laptop computer or another DWL-G520 in a desktop computer. (See the
Quick Installation Guide included with the product.)
DWL-G650M
108G MIMO Wireless
Notebook Adapter

12
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration 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.
To use the D-Link Configuration Utility with 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.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
that enables windows configuration.
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.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
*Configuration Utility
icon in the system tray
D-Link DWL-G520M 108G MIMO Wireless Desktop adapter 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-G520M (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 utility icon will start the Configuration Utility. Another way to start the
Configuration Utility is to click on Start > Programs > D-Link Technology > D-Link
Wireless Utility.

13
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
Status:
SSID:
Displays the MAC address of the access point or router to which the
DWL-G520M is associated.
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID setting is default.
Tx Rate: The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically
determined for a maximum wireless signal rate of up to 54Mbps
(108Mbps* in Turbo mode).
Channel: The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically
determined by the DWL-G520M.
Link Info
Rescan: Rescans for the strongest signal with the current SSID and associates
with that access point or router.
Link Quality: Displays the Link Quality of the DWL-G520M’s wireless connection
to the access point or router.
Signal Strength: Displays the signal strength and the link quality of the DWL-G520M’s
wireless connection to the access point or router
Data Rate: Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and
received.
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. 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.

14
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
SSID (1-3):
Wireless Mode:
Channel:
Ad-Hoc Band:
Power Mode:
Support Band:
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID setting is default. You can enter up to 3
wireless networks to connect to.
Select Infrastructure if you want to connect to an access point or
wireless router. Ad-Hoc mode is used for peer-to-peer networking.
The channel selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-G520M. When in Ad-Hoc mode, you may select a channel
manually. The default channel is 6.
Configuration
Continuous Access Mode is the default setting. For best results leave
this setting at the default.
Select the wireless mode of your wireless network.
11G - Connect to an 802.11g only network.
11B - Connect to an 802.11b only network.
Check both to connect to an 802.11b/g mixed network.
Select 11G or 11B (see Support Band below).

15
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
Encryption
Encryption:
Auth. Mode:
Config:
Select the Encryption mode here. The choices are: WEP,
WPA-PSK or None. When WPA-PSK is selected, click Config and
the pop-up windows, shown on the following pages, will appear on
your screen.
Choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication – the DWL-G520M is visible to all devices
on the network.
Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other
devices with identical WEP settings.
Auto – the DWL-G520M will automatically select the best
Authentication mode for your network.
When you select WPA-PSK in the Auth. Mode pulldown menu, click
Config. The popup windows shown on the following pages will
appear.

16
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
Encryption-WPA-PSK
When you select WPA-PSK in the Encryption window, the screen below will appear.
Suitable for the home user, WPA-PSK (WPA Pre-Shared Key) is a superior form of
security that does not require a RADIUS server in the network.
By using TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), the security keys change at set
intervals, creating a network that is more secure than one that utilizes WEP encryption
alone.
Define WPA PSK:
OK:
Enter the WPA Passphrase. The key is an alpha-numeric password
between 8 and 63 characters long. The password can include symbols
(!?*&_) and spaces. All the devices on the network must share this
same passphrase in order to communicate on the network.
Click OK to save the passphrase.
*Hint: The longer the key, the more secure your network will be.

17
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
Site Survey
Available Network:
Refresh:
Connect:
Profile:
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 button.
In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you
have created. 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.
Click on Refresh to get the most updated list of available networks.
Highlight a network profile and click Connect to connect to that
network.
Click Add and the screen on the next page will appear.
Add:
Highlight a network profile; click Remove to remove a network from
the profile list.
Remove:
Properties: Click to configure properties on the popup screen on the next page.

18
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
Site Survey - Profile Configuration
When you click Add, Properties or Connect in the Site Survey screen, this popup
screen appears for configuration purposes.
SSID:
Wireless Mode:
Channel:
The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID setting is default. You may enter up to
3 SSIDs.
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.)
The channel selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-G520M.
Enter a name for the network profile here.
Profile Name:
Continuous Access Mode is the default setting. For best results leave
this setting at the default.
Power Saving:
Select Open, Shared or Auto.
Auth Mode:
Support Band: Select the wireless mode of your wireless network.
11G - Connect to an 802.11g only network.
11B - Connect to an 802.11b only network.
Check both to connect to an 802.11b/g mixed network.

19
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Site Survey - Profile Configuration
Using the Configuration Utility
Security:
Config:
Default Key:
Network Key:
Key Length:
Key Format:
OK:
Select the Encryption mode here. The choices are: WEP or WPA-PSK.
When WPA-PSK is selected, click Config and the pop-up windows,
shown on the previous pages, will appear on your screen.
Once you select WEP or WPA-PSK, click Config. The popup windows
shown on the previous pages will appear.
Of the four WEP keys entered, select one key as the default key.
Enter the WEP key here.
Select the Key length here, either 64 or 128-bits.
Select Hexadecimal or ASCII format.
Click OK to save the settings.

20
DWL-G520M User’s Manual
D-Link Systems, Inc.
Using the Configuration Utility
About
About: The About screen displays the MAC address, Utility version and the
Driver version of the DWL-G520M.