D-Link WA121B1 User manual

Version 2.00 | 02/08/2017
DWA-121
User Manual
Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter

2D-Link DWA-121 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 Wireless Adapters..................................... 8
Driver Installation.......................................................................10
Wireless Installation Considerations....................................13
Connecting to a Wireless Network .................................14
Using Windows 10......................................................................14
Using Windows 8.1/ Windows 8 ............................................16
Using Windows 7 .......................................................................18
Conguring Wireless Security ........................................20
Troubleshooting..............................................................23
Wireless Basics.................................................................27
Wireless Modes............................................................................31
Networking Basics...........................................................32
Check your IP address...............................................................32
Statically Assign an IP address...............................................33
Technical Specications..................................................34
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB port
• Windows®10/ 8.1/ 8/ 7
• CD-ROM drive
• 1.3 GHz processor and at least 128 MB of RAM
• A 802.11n/g/b access point or wireless router
Product Overview
Package Contents

4D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs.
Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC, simply utilize your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port and the adapter’s 802.11n
wireless connectivity.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-121 provides a faster wireless connection than 802.11g*. The DWA-121 was
designed for use in bigger homes, and for users that require higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless performance
by connecting this USB Adapter to a Wireless N™ router, and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home. This USB
Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard easily guides you step-by-step through the installation process. The D-Link Wireless Manager is
included with this product to help you keep track of your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed, the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter conveniently provides you with high-
performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC when you are traveling. Enjoy the many benets of wireless
connectivity today!
* 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, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental conditions
will adversely aect wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• Compact size for placement anywhere
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation
• Fully 802.11g compatible
• 802.11n compliant
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required
• USB 2.0 standard
•You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access), providing you a much
higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available
• Position the DWA-121 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point

6D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
1USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-121 to your computer.
1

7D-Link DWA-121 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 you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a dierent manufacturer’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.
To remove any old software:
Windows 10 users: Click Start > All apps > Windows System > Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a Program
Windows®7/8 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features

8D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless 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).
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.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.

9D-Link DWA-121 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.

10D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Driver Installation
Before using the DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter, you must rst
install a device driver from the included D-Link CD.
Warning: Do NOT connect the DWA-121 Wireless N150 Pico USB Adapter to
your computer’s USB port before installing the driver software from the D-Link
CD.
Turn on the computer and insert the D-Link DWA-121 Driver CD in the
CD-ROM drive.
Note: 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).
The D-Link DWA-121 InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Select the
setup language from the list and click Next.