D-Link PCMCIA WIRELESS ASAPTER DWL-650 User manual

D-Link Air DWL-650
2.4 GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
Manual
Version P
Building Networks for People
®

2
Contents
1. Package Contents.............................................3
2. Introduction........................................................4
3. Wireless Basics.................................................7
4. Getting Started ..................................................9
5. Using the Configuration Utility.........................12
6. Troubleshooting...............................................19
7. Networking Basics...........................................23
8. Technical Specifications ..................................37
9. Contacting Technical Support.........................39
10. Warranty and Registration..............................40

3
1. Package Contents
Contents of Package:
• D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
• Manual, QIG, and Drivers on CD
• Printed Quick Installation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
• A laptop computer with an available 32-bit Cardbus PC Card slot
• Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE
• Cardbus Controller, properly installed and working
• At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
• An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-1000AP for Infrastructure
Mode) or another 802.11b wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-520 for Ad-
Hoc mode.)

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2. Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an enhanced
802.11b* high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed
wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
The DWL-650 is compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-
Link Air family of products including the DWL-520 Wireless PCI Adapter, the
DI-714 Wireless Router/Access Point and the DWL-120 Wireless USB
Adapter.
It is an ideal way to connect one laptop computer to a Wireless Local Area
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 take full
advantage of a “connected” environment for work or play!
The DWL-650 includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me,
Windows 98SE) and can be integrated into a larger network, running, in
either Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with
an Access Point.) Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this
manual to see examples of typical network setups using the DWL-650 in
both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc modes.
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.
*Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11b 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
Product Features
• Provides high-speed wireless connection up to 11Mbps
• Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data
rate switching
• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at
64/128/256-bit encryption
• Supports infrastructure networks via an Access Point and peer-to-
peer communication in ad-hoc mode
• Built-in dual diversity antenna for reduced interference in a multi-path
environment
• 32-bit Cardbus Performance
• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-650 has two LEDs:
1. Power - Green LED lights on steady to indicate a proper connection
to a power source.
2. Link - Green LED flashes to indicate activity on the network
and lights on steady to indicate that a link to the network is
established.

6
Power Link

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3. Wireless Basics
D-Link Air 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 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 cellular computer network that
transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless
LANs 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 for many users.
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.
People use wireless LAN 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.
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.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively
priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.

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Wireless Basics
The DWL-650 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products which include:
D-Link Air DWL-650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter used with laptop computers
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 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Routers
Standards - Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-650 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-650 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:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-650
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.) 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.

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Wireless Basics
3. Building Materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid
metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on
range. Try to position wireless devices and computers with
wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or
open doorways and not other materials.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from
electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
4. Getting Started
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point, such as the DWL-6000AP
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-650 cardbus 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. The Infrastructure
Network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link
network devices:
A wireless Broadband Router - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
A laptop computer with a wireless network adapter - D-Link Air DWL-650
A desktop computer with an Ethernet adapter – (D-Link DFE-530TX+)
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It is a protocol
for assigning IP addresses “automatically.” With a DHCP-capable
gatewa
y
/router, there is no need to manuall
y
assign an IP address.
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-650 will
automatically connect with other D-Link Air or AirPlus products.

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Getting Started
Setting Up an Infrastructure Network
Please remember that D-Link Air wireless devices are pre-configured to connect
together, right out of the box, with the default settings.
You will need a broadband Internet access (Cable/DSL)
subscription.
Consult with your Cable/DSL provider for proper installation of the
modem.
Connect the modem to a wireless Broadband router (such as the
D-Link DI-614+.) See the Quick Installation Guide included with the
router.
If an Ethernet port is available on the router, connect a computer
that is equipped with an Ethernet Network adapter (such as the
DFE-530TX+
)
to the router.
Install the drivers for the wireless network adapter (such as the
D-Link Air DWL-650)into the laptop computer. See the Quick
Installation Guide included with the DWL-650.

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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
IP Address
Install a network adapter into one computer. In the example above,
the D-Link Air DWL-120 USB Wireless Network adapter is
installed. You can also install the DWL-520 Wireless PCI Adapte
r
in the desktop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide include
d
with the product for installation instructions.
Install the DWL-650 into a laptop computer. See the Quic
k
Installation Guide included with the product.
If you need to assign 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 mas
k
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 o
f
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.
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. (See Box below)

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5. Using the Configuration Utility
D-Link Air DWL-650 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-650 (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 Air>D-Link Air 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
V
iew
Available Wireless Networks and click
the Advanced button. The screen at righ
t
will appear.
Uncheck the box in the properties
window that enables windows
configuration.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar,
then click on this icon on your desktop to
open.
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.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
*Config Utility icon
in system tray

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Configuration Utility
Link Info
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will
display the following:
Status: Displays the MAC Address of the Access Point that is associated
with the DWL-650.
SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID setting is set to default.
TxRate: The factory setting is set to 11 Mbps; however, TxRate settings are
automatically determined by the DWL-650 depending on the distance from
the access point.
Channel: Displays the channel information. By default, the channel is set to
6 and selection is automatically determined by the DWL-650.
Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-650
wireless connection to the access point. The Signal Strength represents the
wireless signal between the access point and the DWL-650. The percentage
coincides with the graphical bar.
Data Rate: Displays the statistics of data transmitted and received.
This screen shot will be the same for all Windows operating systems
D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

14
Configuration Utility
Configuration
To communicate on the network all devices must have the
same settings for the following properties:
SSID - (Service Set Identifier) is a name that identifies a wireless network. Access
Points and wireless clients attempting to connect to a specific WLAN (Wireless Local
Area Network) must use the same SSID. The default setting is default.
Wireless Mode - Click on the pull-down menu; select from the following options:
Infrastructure - connecting the WLAN using an Access Point such as the
DWL-6000AP. (The default setting.)
Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used when connecting directly to a computer
equipped with a wireless adapter such as the D-Link Air DWL-520 Wireless
PCI adapter in a peer-to-peer environment.
Channel – The default channel setting is channel 6. However, the DWL-650 will
automatically select the channel to match the channel setting for the selected
Access Point. In Ad Hoc mode, the channel must be manually set to the same
channel for each wireless adapter.
TX Rate - Select the transmission rate on the network. 11Mbps is the default setting.
Preamble - Select Long or Short Preamble. The Preamble defines the length of
the CRC block (Cyclic Redundancy Check is a common technique for detecting data
transmission errors) for communication between the Access Point and the roaming
wireless Network adapters. Long Preamble is the default setting. Note: High
network traffic areas should use the shorter preamble type.
Power Mode – Select from three modes:
Continuous Access Mode-this default setting consumes the most power
Maximum Power Save-this setting consumes the least power
Power Save- this setting consumes a moderate amount of power
If any changes are made to the configuration of the wireless adapter, click Apply to
save the changes.
default
This Configuration
screen displays the
default settings for
the DWL-650.
D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

15
Configuration Utility
Encryption
Please note that all devices must share the same Encryption
settings to communicate on the network.
Data Encryption – enable Encryption by clicking on the box. The DWL-650
has Encryption disabled as the default setting.
Authorization mode – choose one of the following modes:
Open Authentication – communicates the key across the network
Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other
devices with identical WEP settings
Auto – will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of the
wireless client
Network Key – enter a key in either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal
format
Key Format - ASCII or Hexadecimal
Key type - select the key length, either 64, 128 or 256 bits
Key Index – you can create up to 4 different security keys
Click Apply to save the changes.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
A
SCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for
representing English letters as numbers from 0-127
D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

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Configuration Utility
Site Survey
Available Networks
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.
Profiles
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.
Properties
Click on Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.
D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter

17
Configuration Utility
Properties
In this window you can configure all the properties of a profile in order to
connect with a network of your choice.
After you have entered your changes in this window, click OK to save the
changes.
Current Setting
Current Setting/Default Setting
default

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Configuration Utility
About
The ABOUT screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility
Versions of the DWL-650.
D-Link Air Configuration Utility
D-Link Air DWL-650 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapter
DWL-650

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6. Troubleshooting
This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the
installation and operation of the DWL-650 Wireless Adapter. Read the
following descriptions if you are having problems. (The examples below are
illustrated in Windows XP. If you have another operating system, these solutions
will still apply although the appearance on your computer screen may differ.)
1. Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter
• Go to Start
• Right-click on
My Computer
• Click Properties
• Select the Hardware Tab
• Click Device Manager

20
Troubleshooting
• Double-click on Network
Adapters
• Right-click on D-Link Air
DWL-650 Wireless
Adapter
• Select Properties to check
that the drivers are
installed properly.
• Look under Device
Status
to check that the
device is working
properly.
• Click OK
D-Link Air DWL-650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
D-Link Air DWL-650 Wireless Adapter
D-Link Air DWL-650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter