D-Link XTREME N DUAL BAND USB ADAPTER DWA-160 User manual

2D-Link DWA-160 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
Wireless Installation Considerations...................... 10
Adapter Installation................................................11
Configuration............................................................. 17
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ................... 17
Wireless Networks ...........................................18
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)......................... 19
My Wireless Networks .....................................23
Add Profile...................................................24
Modify Profile............................................... 25
Support ............................................................ 26
About ...............................................................27
Connect to a Wireless Network ................................28
Using Windows Vista®...........................................28
Using Windows®XP............................................... 30
Wireless Security.......................................................31
What is WPA™? ...................................................... 31
Configure WPA™/WPA2™-Personal ........................ 32
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager........................................................... 32
Using Windows Vista®......................................34
Using the Windows®XP Utility .........................36
Configure WPA™/WPA2™-Enterprise...................... 38
Using the D-Link Wireless Connection
Manager........................................................... 38
Configure 802.1x (RADIUS) ..................................39
Using the D-Link Utility ....................................39
Troubleshooting.........................................................40
Wireless Basics ......................................................... 44
Wireless Modes ..................................................... 48
Networking Basics .................................................... 49
Check your IP address ..........................................49
Windows®XP/2000 Users................................ 49
Windows Vista™Users .....................................49
Statically Assign an IP address .............................50
Windows®XP/2000 Users................................ 50
Windows Vista®Users......................................51
Technical Specifications........................................... 52
Contacting Technical Support..................................53
Warranty .....................................................................54
Registration................................................................60
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-160 Xtreme N™Dual Band USB Adapter
• Cradle
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows Vista®or XP (Service Pack 2)
• CD-ROM Drive
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• A draft 802.11n or 802.11g or 802.11a access point or wireless router
Product Overview
Package Contents

4D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-160 Xtreme N™Dual Band USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook
PCs. Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-160 can
enable Draft 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by Xtreme N™Dual Band technology, the DWA-160 provides a faster wireless connection and superior
reception than 802.11a or 802.11g*. The DWA-160 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand
higher networking, and its 5GHz Mediaband helps avoid interference by providing a clearer wireless band for signals
than existing 802.11g products. Maximize wireless performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a Xtreme N™Dual
Band Media router or an Xtreme N™Gaming 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 from
being exposed.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process. You’ll be able to configure this
USB Adapter without having to call the teenager from down the street to help you. The D-Link Wireless Manager is
included with this product to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-160 adapter is great for travel and a convenient solution for providing high
performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC. Enjoy the many benefits of wireless connectivity
today!
* Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11a, 802.11g and Draft 802.11n specifications. Actual data throughput will vary.
Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lowers
actual data throughput rate. Environmental conditions will adversely affect wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• Compact size for placement anywhere.
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
• Fully 802.11g and 802.11a compatible.
• Draft 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.
You may also use 802.1x for wireless authentication.
• Position the DWA-160 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible.
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point
• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.
* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput.

6D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-160
to your computer.
WPS Button
Press theWPS button to automatically
connect to a WPS-enabled wireless
router or access point and establish
connectivity. Refer to pg 19.

7D-Link DWA-160 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(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a different manufacture’s adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is
uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conflict with the new software. If you plan
to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
Windows®XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows®XP/Vista™users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows®2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

8D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts 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-160 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-160 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 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.
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-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-160 Xtreme N™Dual Band USB Adapter into your computer before installing
the driver software from the D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-160 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:\DWA160.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
When the autorun screen appears, click Install Drivers.
Adapter Installation

12D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program
Files\D-Link\DWA-160, where C: represents the drive letter of
your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse
and specify the location.
Select the Program Files folder location.
Click Next
Click Next
Click Next

13D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear.
If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to
page 15.The following instructions will connect you to a wireless
network using Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS).
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.
If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel.
Click Next
Click Next

14D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To connect to your network using the WPS push button
configuration method, click the virtual button as shown in the
screenshot.
Note: You may also connect to your network by pressing the
WPS button on the adaper and holding for two seconds until the
wizard screen comes up. Then, press the WPS button on the
router/access point to continue.
Press the WPS button on your access point or wireless router
within 2 minutes to establish connectivity.
When this screen appears, you have successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Next to complete your setup.
Click Next
Push Button Configuration (PBC)

15D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually
connect to a wireless network and then click Next.
Click Next
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site
survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next.
Click Next
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID
incorrectly, you will automatically be brought to the site survey
page. Click Scan to display the site survey page.
Click Next

16D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your
computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Click Finish
When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Next to complete your setup.
Click Next

17D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Configuration
This section will show you how to configure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as Windows®
XP Zero Configuration and Vista™WLAN Auto Configuration.
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
The D-Link DWA-160 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides
the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on the desktop will start the Configuration.
If you are using Windows Vista®please skip to page 27 or Windows®XP skip to page 29.
Double-click the WirelessConnection
Manager icon on your desktop.

18D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Wireless Networks
The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name
of the wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless
device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless
connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure.You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi®
Protected Setup. Refer to the next page.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
Highlight a wireless network and click the
Connect button. If the network is secure, a
pop-up window will appear. Enter the security
information to connect (refer to the Wireless
Security section for more information).
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
MAC:
SSID:
Channel:
Signal:
Security:
Refresh Button:
Connect Button:
Activate Button:
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect
to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
WPS Button:

19D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Wi-Fi®Protected Setup (WPS)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) System is designed for easy setup
of security-enabled Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to have
the access point or wireless router nearby during setup.
For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at
www.wi-fi.org.
“Push Button Configuration” (PBC) is a virtual button in
the utility that connects you to other WPS-enabled devices. A
connection can be established by clicking on the virtual button,
then pushing the physical button on the access point or wireless
router within 120 seconds. Refer to page 20.
“Personal Identification Number” (PIN) is a unique number
generated randomly by the wireless adapter’s utility. Entering
this number in the utility of the WPS-enabled wireless router or
access point connects you with the intended wireless network.
Refer to page 21 for more information.

20D-Link DWA-160 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Push Button
1. To connect to your network, press the WPS button
on the adapter and hold for two seconds until the
wizard screen appears.
2. Press the WPS button located on your access
point or router to continue.This screen will appear
once you have successfully established connection
with your network.