D-Link AirPlus XTREME G DWL-G520 User manual

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D-Link AirPlus X treme G
Manual
Building Networks for People
DWL-G520
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802.11g Wireless PCI Adapter

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted......................................................................................9
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................12
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................23
Troubleshooting...................................................................................36
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................41
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................43
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................44

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
802.11g Wireless PCIAdapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
PrintedQuickInstallation Guide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
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System Requirements for Configuration:
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.)
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
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Adesktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
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The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520Wireless PCIAdapter is an 802.11b/802.11g
high-performance,wirelessadapter that supports high-speedwireless networking.
Unlikemostnetwork cards, the DWL-G520 providesdata transfers atup to 54 Mbps(up
to108Mbpsin Super G mode) whenused with other D-Link AirPlusXtreme G products.
The802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11bdevices.
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Introduction
TheDWL-G520 hasthenewest,strongestand mostadvancedsecurityfeatures available
today.Whenusedwithother802.11WPA(Wi-FiProtectedAccess)and802.1xcompatible
products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess whichauthorizesandidentifiesusersbasedona secret
keythatchanges automatically at regularintervals. WPAuses TKIP(Temporal
Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporal key every 10,000 packets (a
packet is a kind of message transmitted over a network.) This ensures much
greater security than the standard WEP security. (By contrast, the previous
WEP encryption implementations required the keys to be changed manually.)
802.1x: Authentication which is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the
authentication process, the Authentication Server* verifies the identity of the
client attempting to connect to the network. Unfamiliar clients would be denied
access.
For home users that will notincorporate a RADIUS serverin theirnetwork, thesecurity
fortheDWL-G520,used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible 802.11 products,will
still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre- Shared Key mode of WPA,
the DWL-G520 will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11
network. You only need to input your encryption information once in the configuration
menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure
security. With the DWL-G520, you will automatically receive a new key every time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
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32-bit PCI Performance -The DWL-G520 is a powerful 32-bit PCIAdapter that in-
stallsquicklyand easily into desktopPCs, and when usedwith other D-LinkAirPlus
Xtreme G products will automatically connect to the network out of the box.
Features
LED
LED stands for Light-EmittingDiode. TheDWL-G520 has one LED:
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A steady light indicates a
connection to an access
point.
A blinking light indicates
activityon the network.
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Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE
802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWL-G520 can connect with existing 802.11b-
or 802.11g- compliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can still
communicate with colleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even
morewirelessnetworks.
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Better Security with 802.1x and WPA -With the DWL-G520 in your desktop PC
youcansecurelyconnect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentica-
tion, as well as WPA(Wi-Fi ProtectedAccess) providing you a much higher level of
securityforyour data and communication thanhas previously been available.
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User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.
Faster Wireless Networking with Super G - Speeds up to 15 times faster (up to
108Mbps) with Super G mode. With the DWL-G520 in your PC, you will have the
flexibility of wireless networking speeds that save you time and money.

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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
Ethernetadapter cards.
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatiblehigh-speed wireless connectivity within yourhome,businessorpublicaccess
wirelessnetworks. D-Link wirelessproducts willallow youaccess tothe datayou want,
whenandwhereyouwant it.Youwillbe abletoenjoythefreedomthatwirelessnetworking
brings.
AWireless LocalAreaNetwork(WLAN)isa computernetworkthattransmitsand receives
datawithradio signals instead ofwires. WLANs areused increasingly in bothhome and
office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities.
Innovativeways to utilizeWLANtechnologyarehelping peopletoworkandcommunicate
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed
infrastructurehave proven to be beneficialfor 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
informationcan significantly improve workerefficiency.
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 aWLAN systemcan be fast and
easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless
technologyallows the networkto gowhere wirescannot go- evenoutside thehome or
office.
Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventionalEthernetnetworkdevices.
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-Peernetworkssuitable for a small numberof users to larger Infrastructure
networksto accommodate hundredsor thousandsof users,depending onthe number
ofwireless devices deployed.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
TheDWL-G520 Wireless PCI Adapterutilizes the 802.11b andthe 802.11g standards.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the
data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology.
Thismeans that in mostenvironments, within thespecified rangeof 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
digitaldataoveraradiowaveutilizing OFDM (OrthogonalFrequencyDivisionMultiplexing)
technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals
that are then transmitted simultaneously at differentfrequencies to the receiver. OFDM
reducesthe amount ofcrosstalk (interference)insignaltransmissions. The D-LinkDWL-
G520willautomaticallysensethebestpossibleconnectionspeedtoensurethegreatest
speedand range possible.
802.11g offersthe most advancednetwork securityfeaturesavailable today, including:
WPA, 802.1x, TKIP,AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
The DWL-G520 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.
TheDWL-G520is also interoperable with other 802.11g and 802.11b standards-
compliantdevices.
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
WirelessRouter
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D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650
WirelessCardbusAdapterused with laptopcomputers
TheDWL-G520 is compatiblewith thefollowing wirelessproducts:

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
TheD-LinkAirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 letsyouaccessyournetwork,usingawireless
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
wirelesssignals must pass through, may limitthe range. Typicalrangesvary 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:
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Keepyour product away(at least 3-6feet or1-2 meters)from electricaldevices
orappliances that generateRF noise.
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Keepthe numberofwallsand ceilings betweentheDWL-G520and othernetwork
devices toaminimum- each wall or ceiling canreduce your DWL-G520’s range
from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls
or ceilings is minimized.
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Beaware of the directline betweennetwork devices.Awallthatis 1.5 feet thick
(.5meters), at a 45-degreeangle appearsto be almost3 feet(1 meter) thick.At
a2-degreeangle it looks over 42feet (14 meters) thick!Position devices so that
thesignal will travelstraight througha wallor ceiling(instead ofat anangle) for
betterreception.
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Buildingmaterialscanimpedethewirelesssignal-asolidmetaldoororaluminum
studsmayhave a negative effecton range. Try toposition wireless devicesand
computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or
opendoorways and notother materials.
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Getting Started
Onthe following pages we willshow you anexample ofan Infrastructure Network and
anAd-Hoc Network.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router. The
Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the following
D-Linknetwork devices (yourexisting networkmay becomprisedof other devices):
A wireless router - D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
Acable modem - D-Link DCM-201
Thereare basically twomodes ofnetworking:
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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-G520 Wireless PCIAdapters.
Infrastructure – using an access point, or wireless router, such as
theDI-624.
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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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You will need broadbandInternet access (aCable or DSL-subscriberline into
yourhomeoroffice).
ConsultwithyourCableorDSLproviderforproperinstallationofthemodem.
ConnecttheCable or DSLmodem to your broadbandrouter.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with your router).
Install the D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 Wireless PCIAdapter into an
availablePCIslot on your desktopcomputer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).
Installa D-LinkDWL-G650 Wireless CardbusAdapterintoa laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G650).
If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet net-
workadapter(such as a DFE-530TX+)to the router also.
ARADIUSserverisoptional.ConnectaRADIUSserver to your network to use all
the features of WPA. (Without a RADIUS server you can still use the WPA Pre-
SharedKey mode.) RADIUSAuthenticationcan alsobe provided by anotherser-
viceproviderovertheInternet and remote to your network site.
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For a typical wireless
setup at home (as shown
above), please do the
following:

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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link DWL-G520 Wireless PCIAdapter into the desktop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for
installation instructions.)
Install the D-Link DWL-G650 into a laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product.)
Set the wireless configuration for the adapters toAd-Hoc mode, set the
adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to each computer
on theAd-Hoc network. (See the boxbelow).
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.
IPAddress

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Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
thatenableswindows configuration.
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520 uses the Configuration Utility as the
management software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to change any
settingsrelated to the wirelessadapter.Afteryou have completed theinstallationofthe
DWL-G520(refertotheQuickInstallationGuide thatcamewithyourpurchase)whenever
you start the computer, the Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system
trayicon is loadedin thetoolbar(see illustration below*.)Clicking ontheutility icon will
start the Configuration Utility. Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to
click on Start>Programs>D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G > D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G
Utility.
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the
D-LinkConfigurationUtility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To use theD-Link Configuration Utility with XP, right-click
on the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcorner of your computerscreen.
In the window that appears, select View
Available Wireless Networks and click
theAdvanced button. The screen at right
willappear.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtility icon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
Toaccessthe WPAsecurity features
ofthe DWL-G520youmustinstallthe
Aegissoftware(includedontheinstal-
lationCD) before installing the adapterinto
your desktop PC.
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UsingtheConfigurationUtility
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Status: Displays the MAC address of the access point that is associated with the
DWL-G520.
SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The
factory SSID setting is set to default.
Tx Rate: Tx rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to a
maximumof 54Mbps.
Channel: The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-G520.
Link Quality / Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G520
wireless connection to the access point.The Signal Strength represents the wireless
signal between the access point and the DWL-G520. The percentage coincides with
thegraphicalbar.
Data Rate: Displays the statistics of data transmitted and received.
Configuration Utility (continued)
Link Info
Rescan: Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with
that access point or router.
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Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Click Apply to save the changes.
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 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 to the WLAN using an access point. (This is the
default setting.)
Ad-Hoc -Wireless mode used when connecting directly to a computer equipped
witha wireless adapter in aPeer-to-Peer environment.
ContinuousAccess 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.
Ad-Hoc Band: selecteither 802.11b or 802.11g as the band forAd-Hoccommunication.
Channel: Thechannel selection isautomaticallydetermined by theDWL-G520.InAd-
Hoc mode, the channel must be manually set to the same channel for each wireless
adapter.
Tx Rate: Tx rates are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to 54Mbps.
(108Mbpsin Super Gmode).
Power Mode: Select from three modes:
SUPER G: when this option is selected, only devices set to Super G will be able
to communicate on the network.
Thefollowing choices areavailable whenInfrastructure is selectedin Wireless Mode:
11B: when this option is selected, only devices set to 802.11b will be able to
communicate on the network.
11G: when this option is selected, only devices set to 802.11g will be able to
communicate on the network.

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Configuration Utility (continued)
Encryption – WEP is selected here. The other choices are WPA, WPA PSK and
None.
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 theAuthentication mode of the wireless
client.
Default Key –Select one of 4 keys to be the default key.
Network Key – Enter a key in eitherASCII or Hexadecimal format.
Key Format –ASCIIor Hexadecimal.
Key length –Select the key length, either 64- or 128-bits.
Click Apply to save the changes.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) isa codefor
representingEnglish letters asnumbers from 0-127
Encryption>WEP

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Encryption – WPA is selected here. The other choices are WEP, WPA PSK, and
None.
Config – Click Config when WPA is selected.
Define Certificate –This pop-up dialog box appears when you select WPA and click
Config.
Select a Certificate – Select a Certificate from the pull-down menu.
Server/Domain Name – Each server has a domain name that
uniquely identifies it. That domain name is normally contained in the
Subject CN field of theserver certificate.Aserver domain nameends
withthe name ofa largeradministrative domain,to whichtheserver
belongs.
Login Name – enter the Login Name here.
Choose a CertificateAuthority – Select a CertificateAuthority from
thepull-downmenu.
Click OK to complete the WPAconfiguration.
Configuration Utility (continued)
Encryption > WPA

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Configuration Utility (continued)
Encryption > WPA PSK
Encryption – WPA PSK is selected here.The other choices are WEP, WPA, and
None.
Config – Click Config when WPA PSK is selected.
Define WPA PSK –Enter your WPA Passphrase.The minimum length is 8
characters.
Click OK to complete the WPA PSK configuration.

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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.
Profile
In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you have created for
the wireless network. 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
inorder to connectwith anavailablenetwork.
Add, Connect and Properties
Click on Add, Connect or Properties and the screen on the next page will appear.
Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey

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In this window you can configure all
the properties of a profile in order to
connect with a network of your
choice.
Afteryouhave entered your changes
in this window, click OK to save the
changes.
Configuration Utility (continued)
Add New Profile
Connect
When you select WPA or WPA
PSK, click Config and one of the
dialogboxesshownonthefollowing
pageswill appear.
In this window you can configure all
the properties of a profile that you
wish to add to your list of available
networks.
Afteryouhave entered your changes
in this window, click OK to save the
changes.
When you select WPA or WPA
PSK, click Config and one of the
dialogboxesshownonthefollowing
pageswill appear.

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Configuration Utility (continued)
WPA - Connect or Add New Profile
Select a Certificate – Select a Certificate from the pull-down menu.
Server/Domain Name– Each server has a domain name that uniquely identifies it.
Thatdomainnameisnormallycontainedin the Subject CN field of the server certificate.
A server domain name ends with the name of a larger administrative domain, to which
theserverbelongs.
Login Name – enter the Login Name here.
Choose a CertificateAuthority – Select a CertificateAuthority from the pull-down
menu.
Click OK to complete the WPAconfiguration.
Whenyouselect WPA and click Config on the Add New Profile orConnect properties
screen,the following dialogbox willappear: