D-Link Air DWL-520 User manual

Manual
D-Link Air
DWL-520
2.4GHz
Building Networks for People
TM
Wireless PCI Adapter
versionD2

2
Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted......................................................................................8
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................11
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................18
Troubleshooting...................................................................................31
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................36
ContactingTechnicalSupport ..............................................................38
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................39

3
Package Contents
This manual applies specifically to the DWL-520 revision E1. Please
referto earlierversionsof thismanualif youhavea previousversion
ofthe DWL-520.
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirDWL-520
2.4 GHz Wireless PCIAdapter
ManualandDrivers on CD
QuickInstallation Guide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
!
!
!
System Requirements:
WindowsXP/2000/Me/98SE
!
Acomputer or laptop with an available 32-bit PCI slot
!
At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
!
An 802.11b AccessPoint (e.g., DWL-900AP+) for Infrastructure
mode,oran 802.11b wirelessadapter forAd-Hocmode
(e.g.,DWL-650.)
!

4
Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-520 Wireless PCIAdapter is an 802.11b wireless adapter
that supports high-speed wireless networking when used with a desktop com-
puter.
The DWL-520 is compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-Link
Air andAirPlus family of products including the DWL-650 and DWL-650+ Wire-
less Cardbus Adapters, the DI-614+ Wireless Router, DWL-900AP+ Wireless
Access Point and the DWL-122 Wireless USB Adapter.
The DWL-520 is an ideal way to connect your desktop 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 enjoy the freedom
that wireless networking delivers.
The DWL-520 comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windowsoperatingsystemsandcanbeintegratedintoalargernetwork,running
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE in either Ad
Hoc mode (without anAccess Point or Router) or Infrastructure mode (with an
Access 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.

5
Power:Solid green light indicates connection to the network
Activity:Blinking green light indicates activity on the network
LEDS
Features & Benefits
!Providesa simple andinexpensive way to connect yourdesktop computer to
a wireless network at home, at the office, or in public places
!Fullycompliant withthe 802.11b standardandinteroperable withall existing
802.11b-compliantdevices
!Operatesinthe 2.4GHzfrequency range
!Maximumreliability, throughput and connectivity withautomatic datarate
switching
Providesa measureofsecurity forthe informationtransmitted overawireless
network with high data encryption at 64 or 128-bit WEP.
!
Supportsinfrastructure networks viaan accesspointand peer-to-peercommu-
nicationin ad-hocmode
!
!High Performance 32-bit PCI - The high capacity PCI interface utilized by the
DWL-520ensures optimalperformance in transmittinga wirelesssignal within
the desktop computer. By utilizing a standard PCI 2.2 interface, the DWL-520
ensuresa widerangeof compatibilitywithmotherboards usedby PCmanufac-
turers
!Quick and Easy Installation- The DWL-520 installs quickly and easily into a
standard PCI 2.2 slot in a desktop computer. By following the simple steps
outlined in the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available wire-
less network in a matter of seconds
!Provideshigh-speed wireless connectionup to11Mbps
!User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
LED stands for
Light-Emitting
Diode.

6
Wireless Basics
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithinyour home, businessorpublicaccess
wirelessnetworks. D-Link wirelessproducts willallow you accessto thedata you want,
whenandwhereyouwantit.Youwillbeabletoenjoythefreedomthatwirelessnetworking
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
bothhomeand officeenvironments,and publicareassuch asairports,coffee shopsand
universities.Innovative ways toutilize WLANtechnologyare helpingpeopleto workand
communicatemore efficiently. Increased mobility and theabsence of cablingand other
fixedinfrastructure haveproven tobe beneficialfor manyusers.
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
Ethernetadapter cards.
Peopleuse WLAN technology formany 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
informationcan significantlyimprove workerefficiency.
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
frompeer-to-peer networks suitablefor a smallnumber of usersto larger infrastructure
networkstoaccommodate hundreds orthousandsof users, dependingonthe number of
wirelessdevices deployed.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventionalEthernetnetwork devices.

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The DWL-520 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which include:
D-Link Air DWL-650,D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+
2.4GHzWireless CardbusAdapterused 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 WirelessAccess Point
D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+
Enhanced2.4GHz WirelessBroadband Routers
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-520 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-520 lets you access your network, using a wireless connection,
fromvirtuallyanywherewithinitsoperatingrange.Keepinmind,however,thatthenumber,
thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must
passthrough,maylimittherange.Typicalrangesvarydependingonthetypesofmaterials
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)
!
!
!
!
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devicesor appliances thatgenerate RF noise.
4
Keepthe number ofwalls and ceilingsbetween the DWL-520and
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.
1
Beaware ofthedirect linebetween networkdevices.Awallthat is1.5feet thick
(.5meters), ata45-degree angleappearsto bealmost 3feet(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 betterreception.
2
BuildingMaterialscanimpedethewirelesssignal-asolidmetaldoororaluminum
studsmayhave anegativeeffecton range.Tryto positionwirelessdevicesand
computerswith wirelessadapters so thatthe signalpasses through drywallor
opendoorways and not other materials.
3

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Thereare basically twomodes of networking:
Infrastructure – using anAccess Point or Router, such as
theDI-614+
Ad-Hoc –directly connecting toanother computer, for peer-to-
peercommunication, using wirelessnetwork adapterson
each computer, such as two or more DWL-520 wireless
networkadapters.
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network
andan Ad-Hoc Network.
AnInfrastructure network contains anAccess Point or Router.The Infrastructure
Network exampleshown on thefollowing page containsthe following D-Link network
devices(your existing networkmay be comprisedof other devices):
Getting Started
A wirelessRouter - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-LinkAir DWL-650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-LinkAir DWL-520
ACable modem- D-Link DCM-200
!
!
!
!
!
!
With its default settings, the DWL-520, 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 or DSL-subscriber line into
your home or office)
Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem
Connectthe Cableor DSLmodem toyour broadbandrouter (seethe Quick
Installation Guide includedwithyourrouter.)
Installthe D-Link AirDWL-520 wirelessPCI adapterinto an available PCI slot
onyour desktopcomputer.
(Seethe Quick Installation Guide includedwiththe DWL-520.)
Installthe D-Link AirDWL-650 wirelessCardbus adapterinto alaptop computer.
(Seethe Quick Installation Guide includedwith theDWL-650.)
Getting Started (continued)
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
4
21
3
6
5
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet
networkadapter (suchas a DFE-530TX+)to therouter also.

10
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the DWL-520 into the desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation
instructions.)
Install the DWL-650 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptop computer. (See
the Quick Installation Guide includedwith theproduct.)
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters toAd-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 IPAddresses 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
thatenables windowsconfiguration.
D-Link Air DWL-520 uses the Configuration Utility as the management software.
The utility provides the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the
wirelessadapter.Afteryou havecompleted theinstallationof the DWL-520(refer tothe
QuickInstallation Guidethatcamewithyourpurchase)wheneveryoustartthecomputer,
the Configuration Utility startsautomatically and thesystem trayicon isloaded inthe
toolbar (seeillustration below*.) Clicking onthe utility iconwill startthe Configuration
Utility.Another waytostarttheConfiguration Utility isto clickonStart>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-LinkConfiguration Utility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
Tousethe D-LinkConfigurationUtility withXP,right-click
on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcorner ofyour computerscreen.
In the window that appears, select View
Available Wireless Networks and click
theAdvanced button. The screen at right
willappear.
Afteryou have donethis, you canthen use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtility 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
settingsfor theDWL-520:
SSID:
TheServiceSetIdentifieristhename
assigned to the wireless network.
Thefactory SSID settingisdefault.
Tx Rate:
The default setting is Auto;Tx Rate settings are automatically determined foran
optimal speed up to a maximum of 11Mbps.
Status:
Displays the MAC Address of the
AccessPointorRoutertowhichthe
DWL-520is associated
Channel:
The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically determined by the
DWL-520.
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Frequency:
802.11bindicatesthattheDWL-520
is communicating in the 2.4GHz
band.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
EitherInfrastructure 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
Pointor Router
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-520 wireless connection to the access point.
The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the
DWL-520.The percentage coincides with thegraphical 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
followingoptions:
Infrastructure - connecting to the WLAN
using anAccess Point.(This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc – wireless modeused when
connecting directly to a computer equipped
witha wireless adapterin apeer-to-peer
environment.
Chooseone ofthe followingmodes:
Click Apply to save changes.
Whenyou clickIP Settings inthe Configurationwindow, thepop-up screenabove will
appear.Configure theIPSettingsin thiswindow.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for InformationInterchange) isa code for
representingEnglish letters as numbersfrom 0-127
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Select Enabled or Disabled.
IP Settings
Open Authentication – the DWL-520 is
visibleto all deviceson the network
Shared Authentication – allows
communicationonly with other devices with
identical WEP settings
Auto – will automatically adjust to theAuthentication mode of the wireless
Access Point or Router
Key Length:
Select the key length and eitherASCII (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 LocalArea Network) must use the same
SSID. The default setting is default.

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Ad-Hoc Channel:
All devices in theAd Hoc
network must be set to the
samechannel
Click Apply if you have made any changes
Data Packet Parameter:
Selectthe parametershere
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 IPAddress
informationeach time you
connect to a network. If you
select Enable you will
maintain the same IP
Addressinformation 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
errorrate, you mayslightly increase your Fragmentation Thresholdwithin 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 minormodification should be made.
RTS Threshold:
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Advanced

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Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get the
mostupdated listofavailable
networks.
Available Network:
Thetopsection of thewindowdisplays the Available Networks. Scrollupanddown the
list and highlight the network to which you wish to connect. Click on the Connect but-
ton.
Profile:
Inthe lowerhalf of thescreen, youcan managethe profilesthatyou havecreated forthe
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
configuretheProperties of theprofile inorder toconnect withan availablenetwork.
Connect:
Highlight a network profile; click Connect to connect to that network.
Rescan:
Click Rescan to rescan and connect to the strongest signal.
Configure:
Highlightan existingnetwork
and click Configure; the
configurationwindowonthe
nextpagewill appear.
Advanced:
Highlight a network; click
Advanced and the screen on
thenext pagewillappear.
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:
Highlightanetwork profile;clickProperties and the screenonthe nextpagewillappear.
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,inthiswindow,allthe
properties of a profile that you
wish to add to the network.
In this window you can select
thetypeofnetworkconnection.
Click OK to save the
changes.
IfyouclickedonConfiguration
or Properties you can config-
ure,inthis window,all theprop-
erties of a profile that already
exists in the network.
Click OK to save the
changes.
Advanced
Configuration, Add or Properties

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TheABOUT screen givesyou theMACAddress,Utility Version andthe DriverVersion
oftheDWL-520.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
About

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Using the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP
In this section you will learn how to establish a network at home or work, using
Microsoft Windows XP.
Note: Please refer to websites such as http://www.homenethelp.com
andhttp://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 forinformation aboutnetworking
computers using Windows 2000, ME or 98SE.
Go to Start>Control Panel>Network Connections
Select Set up a home or small office network
Networking Basics
When this screen appears, click Next.

19
Please follow all the instructions in this window:
Networking Basics (continued)
Click Next
In the following window, select the best description of your computer. If your
computer connects to the internet through a gateway/router, select the second option
as shown.
Click Next

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Enter a Computer description and a Computer name (optional.)
Networking Basics (continued)
Click Next
Enter a Workgroup name. All computers on your network should have the same
Workgroup name.
Click Next