D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530 User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
11a/11g Dualband (2.4GHz/5GHz)
DWL-AG530
D-Link AirPremierTM AG
Wireless 108Mbps PCI Adapter
V.A2

2
Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Features ...............................................................................................5
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................13
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................22
Troubleshooting...................................................................................35
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................40
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................42
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................43
Appendix ............................................................................................46
EAP Types
Definitions of Configuration Terms

3
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremier DWL-AG530
11a/11g Dualband (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Wireless 108Mbps PCIAdapter
Manual, Warranty and Drivers on CD
PrintedQuickInstallationGuide
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements for Configuration:
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An 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g access point (for Infrastruc-
ture mode) or another 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless
adapter (forAd-Hoc; Peer-to-Peer networking mode).
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At least 128MB of memory and a 500MHz processor
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Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE
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Adesktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI 2.2
slot
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4
Introduction
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
The DWL-AG530 has the newest, strongest and most advanced security
features available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA (Wi-Fi Protected
Access) and 802.1X compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server,
the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based
on a secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA
uses 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 not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the
security for the DWL-AG530, 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-AG530 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-
AG530,you will automatically receive a new key every timeyou connect,vastly
increasing the safety of your communication.
At up to fifteen times the speed of previous wireless devices (up to 108Mbps in
SuperAGmode),youcanworkfasterandmoreefficiently,increasingproductivity.
With the DWL-AG530, bandwidth-intensive applications like graphics or
multimediawill benefit significantly because large files are able tomove across
the network quickly.
Inclusion of all three standards (802.11g; 802.11a; 802.11b) means that the
DWL-AG530 is versatile enough to allow connection to almost any 802.11
network or device, and the removable antenna allows for easy installation of
the DWL-AG530 into the PCI slot.

5
Features
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. TheDWL-AG530 has the followingLEDs:
Removable antenna allows for easy installation.
Versatility - The DWL-AG530 is fully compatible with IEEE 802.11a
and802.11bstandards,makingitinteroperablewith802.11aand802.11b
wireless routers and access points in your office, home or at public
wireless hotspots.
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32-bit PCI Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity -TheDWL-AG530
is a powerful 32-bit PCI adapter that installs quickly and easily into
desktop PCs, and when used with other D-Link Air PremierAG prod-
ucts will automatically connect to the network out of the box.
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Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully com-
patiblewiththeIEEE802.11a,802.11band802.11gstandards,theDWL-
AG530 can connect with existing 802.11b, 802.11g- or 802.11a- com-
pliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can still com-
municatewithcolleaguesand friends while youhavetheability to link to
even more wireless networks.
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Better Security with 802.1X and WPA -With the DWL-AG530 in your
desktopPCyoucansecurelyconnecttoawirelessnetworkusing802.1x
for wireless authentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access)
providingyou a much higher levelof securityfor your data and commu-
nication than has previously been available.
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TM
Asteady light indicatesa connection toan
access point
Link
A blinking light indicates data is being
transmitted
Activity
Faster Wireless Networking with speeds up to 108Mbps in Turbo
mode - Faster data transfers mean increased productivity. With the
DWL-AG530 in your PC, you will have the flexibility of wireless net-
working speeds that save you time and money.
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6
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
useandcompatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithin your home,business
or public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow you
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 computer network that transmits
and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs 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 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 Ethernet adapter cards.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility – Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
locationwithin the operatingrange of the WLAN. Managementdecisions 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
fastandeasyandcaneliminatetheneedtopullcablethroughwallsandceilings.
Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even
outside the home or office.
Inexpensive Solution –Wireless network devices are as competitively priced
as conventional Ethernet network devices.
Scalability –WLANs can be configured in a varietyof waysto meet the needs
ofspecificapplications and installations.Configurations are easilychanged and
rangefrom Peer-to-Peer networkssuitable for asmall number ofusers to larger
Infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users,
depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.
The DWL-AG530 is compatible with the following wireless products:
D-Link AirPremier DWL-AG660
Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPremier DWL-7100AP
Wireless Access Points
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TM
TM
The DWL-AG530 is also interoperable with other 802.11g and
802.11b standards-compliant devices.
D-Link AirPremier DI-784
Wireless Broadband Routers
TM
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Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-AG530 Wireless PCI Adapter utilizes the 802.11a, 802.11b and
802.11g standard.
TheIEEE802.11g standardisanextensionofthe802.11b standard.Itincreases
thedatarateup to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band utilizing OFDM technology.
Thismeans that inmost environments, within the specifiedrange of thisdevice,
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
transmittinghigh-speeddigitaldataoveraradiowaveutilizingOFDM (Orthogonal
FrequencyDivisionMultiplexing) technology.OFDM works by splittingthe radio
signalintomultiple smaller sub-signalsthat are thentransmittedsimultaneously
atdifferentfrequenciestothe receiver.OFDM reducesthe amount ofcrosstalk
(interference)insignaltransmissions.TheD-LinkDWL-AG530willautomatically
sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and
range possible.
Wireless Basics (continued)
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today,
including: WPA, 802.1x, TKIP,AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
The DWL-AG530 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.

9
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
4
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-AG530 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your DWL-AG530’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your
devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
1
Be aware of the direct line between network devices.Awall 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.
2
Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door
oraluminum studs may havea negative effectonrange.Try to position
wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the
signalpasses throughdrywalloropendoorwaysandnotothermaterials.
3
The D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG530 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:

10
Getting Started
Infrastructure – using an access point or wireless router
such as the DWL-7100AP.
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-AG530 Wireless
PCIAdapters.
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 or a wireless router.
The Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains
the following D-Link network devices (your existing network may be
comprised of other devices):
A wireless router - D-Link AirPremier DI-784
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air Premier DWL-AG660
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air Premier AG DWL-AG530
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
There are basically two modes of networking:
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You will need broadband Internetaccess (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line
into your home or office).
ConsultwithyourCableorDSLproviderforproperinstallationofthemodem.
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router. (See the
Quick Installation Guide included with your router).
InstalltheD-LinkAirPremier AGDWL-AG530Wireless PCIAdapterinto
an available PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).
Install the D-Link DWL-AG660 Wireless CardbusAdapter into a laptop
computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG660).
Ifyouwish,youmayconnectacomputer that is equipped with anEthernet
network adapter (such as a DFE-530TX+) to the router also.
A RADIUS server is optional. Connect a RADIUS server to your network
to use all the features of WPA. (Without a RADIUS server you can still
use the WPA Pre-Shared Key mode.) RADIUS Authentication can also
be provided by another service provider over the Internet and remote to
your network site.
TM
Getting Started (continued)
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AG660660
660660
660
withLaptopPC
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AGDWL-AG
DWL-AG530530
530530
530
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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22
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33
33
344
44
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55
55
5
66
66
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77
77
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For a typical wire-
less setup at home
(as shown here),
please do the
following:
DI-784

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Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a WirelessAd-Hoc Network
Install the DWL-AG660 into a laptop computer. (See the Quick
Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG660).
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).
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
assignedanIPaddressof192.168.0.3withasubnetmaskof255.255.255.0,
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
DWL-AG660
DWL-AG530
Install the D-Link DWL-AG530 Wireless PCIAdapter into the
desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with
the DWL-AG530).

13
D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530 uses the Configuration Utility as the
managementsoftware.The utility providestheuser an easy interfaceto change
any settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed the
installationofthe DWL-AG530 (refer tothe Quick Installation Guide that came
withyourpurchase)whenever you startthecomputer, the Configuration Utility
starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar (see
illustrationbelow*.)Clickingontheutilityiconwill starttheConfigurationUtility.
AnotherwaytostarttheConfiguration Utility istoclick on Start>Programs>D-
Link AirPremier > D-Link AirPremier Utility.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
thatenables windowsconfiguration.
UsingtheConfigurationUtility
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility
or the D-Link Configuration Utility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To usetheD-LinkConfigurationUtility withXP, right-click
on the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcornerof yourcomputer screen.
In the window that appears, select
View Available Wireless Networks
and click the Advanced button. The
screen at right will appear.
After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtilityicon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
TM
TM TM
To access theWPAsecurityfeatures
of the DWL-AG530 you must install
the Aegis software (included on the
installationCD)beforeinsertingtheAdapter
into your laptop PC.

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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 settings for the DWL-AG530:
SSID:
The Service Set Identifier is the
name assigned to the wireless
network. The factory SSID set-
ting is default.
Tx Rate:
Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to a
maximum of 54Mbps (108Mbps in Turbo mode).
Status:
Displays the MAC address of
the access point or router to
which the DWL-AG530 is asso-
ciated.
Channel:
The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-AG530. (Only
channels 52 and above are available for selection.)
Frequency:
802.11g indicates that the
DWL-AG530 is communicating
in the 2.4GHz band.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the Get-
ting Started section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)
Signal Strength/Link Quality:
Packet Count:
Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.
Rescan Button:
Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that
access point or router.
Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-AG530 wireless connection to the ac-
cess point. The signal strength represents the wireless signal between the
access point and the DWL-AG530. The percentage coincides with the graphi-
cal bar.
Connection Info:
The connection status is displayed here.

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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
following options:
Infrastructure -Connectingto the WLAN
usinganaccesspoint.(This is the default
setting).
Ad-Hoc – Wireless mode used when
connecting directly to a computer equipped with a wireless adapter in a
Peer-to-Peer environment.
Choose one of the following modes:
Click Apply to save changes.
When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window, the pop-up screen
shown on the next page will appear. Configure the IP settings in that window.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the lettersA-F.
ASCII (American Standard Code for InformationInterchange) is acode for
representing English letters as numbers from 0-127.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Select Enabled or Disabled.
Open Authentication - The DWL-AG530 is visible to all devices on the
network.
Shared Authentication-Allows communication only with other devices
with identical WEP settings.
WPA* - Select to enable WPA. Click Athentication Config.
WPA-PSK* - Select to enable WPA-PSK. Click Authentication Config.
*(See the following pages for more detailed configuration instructions.)
IEEE802.1x:
Enable802.1xinthis field. (802.1xisautomatically enabled when WPA orWPA-
PSK is selected.)
SSID:
Service Set Identifier is a name that identifies a
wireless network. Access points and wireless
devices attempting to connect to a specific
WLAN(WirelessLocalArea Network) must use
the same SSID. The default setting is default.
Key Length:
Select the key length and eitherASCII or hexadecimal format.

16
Configuration > IP Settings
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Obtain an IPAddress Automatically:
Choose this option to obtain an IP address automatically through a DHCP
server.
Assign the following IPAddress:
Choose this option to assign a static IP address.
Obtain DNS Server Address Automatically:
Choose this option to obtain a DNS server address automatically.
Use the following DNS Server address:
If you make this selection, enter the Preferred DNS server and theAlternate
DNS server in the appropriate fields.

17
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration>WPA
Advanced Security Settings
Authentication > WPA >802.1X
The Advanced Security Set-
tings screen will appear, as
shown below.
Select the EAP Type you
wanttouse. Configure the
information needed for
authenticating.
Click OK. The WPA
configuration is complete!
Trusted CA List.
InnerAuthentication
Protocol.
Foranexplanationof
the terms shown in
this window please see the
appendix.
SelectWPAin the
Authenticationfield.
Click
Authentication Config
WPA
When you select WPA,
802.1X is Enabled.Enabled

18
Configuration > WPA-PSK
Disabled
Select WPA-PSK in the
Authentication field.
Click
Authentication Config
When you select WPA-
PSK, 802.1X is Disabled.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Authentication > WPA-PSK > 802.1X
EntertheWPA
passphrase.
WPA-PSK
does not
requirea
RADIUS server in
thenetwork.
Click OK. The WPA-
PSK configuration is
complete!
Advanced Security Settings
WPA-PSK

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Frequency:
Select the network fre-
quency from these options:
Auto;b 2.4GHz;b/g
2.4GHz;or a 5GHz.
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 IP address information each
time you connect to a network. If you select Enable you will maintain the
same IP address information each time you connect to a network.
Starting Ad-Hoc Network:
If you are configuring an
Ad-Hoc network, select
2.4GHz or 5GHz.
Select Auto or 1-11.
Ad-Hoc Channel:
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Data Packet Parameter:
Set the Fragmentation Threshold and the RTS Threshold. Please see below.
Fragmentation Threshold:
This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you experience a high
packeterror rate, you may slightly increase yourfragmentation thresholdwithin
the value range of 256 to 2346. Setting the fragmentation threshold too low
may result in poor performance.
This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If inconsistent data flow
is a problem, only a minor modification should be made.
RTS Threshold:
Advanced
Power Mode:
Disable - Saves no power.
Fast Save - Moderate power-saving.
Max Save - Saves the most power.
Select Enable or Disable.
Launch Utility on Startup:
Enable or Disable.
SuperA/G: Ad-HocAd-Hoc
Ad-HocAd-Hoc
Ad-Hoc
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Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get
the most updated list of
availablenetworks.
Available Network:
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 cre-
ated for the wireless network at home, at the office and in public places. Scroll
upand 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.
Connect:
Highlight a network profile; click Connect to connect to that network.
Rescan:
Click Rescan to rescan and connect to the strongest signal.
Configure:
Highlightanexisting
network and click Config-
ure; the configuration
window on the next page
willappear.
Advanced:
Highlight a network; click
Advanced and the screen
on the next page will
appear.
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:
Highlight a network profile; click Properties and the screen on the next page
willappear.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Site Survey