D-Link AirPremier AG DWL-AG530 User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
11a/11g Dualband (2.4GHz/5GHz)
DWL-AG530
D-Link AirPremier AG
TM
Wireless 108Mbps PCIAdapter

2
Contents
PackageContents.................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Features ...............................................................................................5
Wireless Basics ....................................................................................6
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................13
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................22
Troubleshooting...................................................................................35
TechnicalSpecifications......................................................................40
ContactingTechnicalSupport ..............................................................42
WarrantyandRegistration....................................................................43
Appendix ............................................................................................45
How to Replace the Bracket
EAP Types
Definitions of Configuration Terms

3
Package Contents
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremierAGTM DWL-AG530
11a/11gDualband(2.4GHz/5GHz)
Wireless 108Mbps PCIAdapter
Manual, Warranty andDrivers on CD
PrintedQuick InstallationGuide
Low Prefile Bracket
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
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Adesktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI 2.2
slot
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* Due to DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), 802.11a SSID broadcast (Ad-Hoc mode) is always
disabled.
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4
Introduction
*Not all servers can provide Authentication
TheDWL-AG530has the newest, strongestandmost advancedsecurityfeatures
available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected
Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM) and 802.1X compatible products in a
network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA/WPA2: Wi-Fi Protected Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM which
authorizesandidentifiesusers basedon asecretkey thatchangesautomatically
atregular intervals. WPA/WPA2 usesTKIP(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol)
tochangethe temporalkey every 10,000packets(apacketis a kindofmessage
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/WPA2-
compatible802.11 products, willstillbemuch stronger thaneverbefore.Utilizing
the Pre- Shared Key mode of WPA/WPA2, theDWL-AG530 will obtain a new
security key every time it connects to the 802.11 network. You only need to
inputyour encryptioninformationoncein the configurationmenu.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 time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
At up to fifteen times the speed of previous wireless devices (up to 108Mbps in
SuperAGmode),youcanwork fasterandmore efficiently,increasingproductivity.
With the DWL-AG530, bandwidth-intensive applications like graphics or
multimedia will benefit significantly because large files are able to move 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.

5
Features
Versatility - The DWL-AG530 is fully compatible with IEEE 802.11a and
802.11b standards, making it interoperable with 802.11a and 802.11b wire-
less 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
isapowerful 32-bit PCI adapter thatinstallsquickly andeasily into desk-
top PCs, and when used with other D-Link Air Premier AGTM products
will automatically connect to the network out of the box.

Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compat-
iblewiththeIEEE802.11a, 802.11band802.11gstandards,theDWL-AG530
can connect with existing 802.11b, 802.11g- or 802.11a- compliant routers,
access points and cards. That means you can still communicate with col-
leagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even more wireless

Better Security with 802.1X and WPA/WPA2 -With the DWL-AG530 in
your desktop PC you can securely connect to a wireless network using
802.1x for wireless authentication, as well asWPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected
Access/Wi-Fi Protected Access 2TM) providing you a much higher level of
security for your data and communication than has previously been avail-
able.
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Faster WirelessNetworking with speeds up to 108Mbps in Turbo
mode - Faster data transfers mean increased productivity. With theDWL-
AG530inyourPC,youwill have the flexibility ofwirelessnetworkingspeeds
that save you time and money.
* IEEE 802.11a standard to provide wireless 54Mbps data rate, and
up to 108Mbps (only for USAand Singapore) if enable SuperA/G
mode with D-Link AirPremierAGTM and AirPlus XtremeGTM products.
* IEEE 802.11g standard to provide wireless 54Mbps data rate, and
up to 108Mbps if enable SuperA/G mode with D-Link
AirPremier AGTM and AirPlus XtremeGTM products.
* D-Link 108AG performance results are based on testing with other
D-Link 108AG enabled devices utilizing Packet Bursting,
FastFrames, Turbi Mode and Compression techniques. Data
already compressed may not benefit from the D-Link 108AG
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Wi-Fi CERTITIEDTM forWMMTM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) -TheDWL-AG530
delivers quality of service (QoS) for voice, audio, and video use over
wirelessnetworks.It will prioritizing packets with voice,audio,andvideo
data and make sure these packets are delivered ahead of less impor-
tant traffic. This is a built in feature under Window 2000 and XP.

6
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
useandcompatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithinyourhome,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.
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AG530 has thefollowingLEDs:
Asteady light indicates a connection to an
access point
Link
A blinking light indicates data is being
transmitted
Activity

7
Wireless Basics (continued)
People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility – Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
locationwithin theoperating rangeof the WLAN. Managementdecisionsbased
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 fromWLANs 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
fast andeasyandcaneliminatethe need topullcablethrough walls andceilings.
Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even
outside the home or office.
Inexpensive Solution –Wireless network devicesare ascompetitively priced
as conventional Ethernet network devices.
Scalability –WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs
ofspecific applications andinstallations. Configurations are easily changedand
rangefrom Peer-to-Peer networkssuitablefora smallnumber of usersto 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 AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG660
Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPremierTM AGDWL-7100AP
Wireless Access Points
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
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TheDWL-AG530 is also interoperable with other 802.11g and
802.11b and 802.11a standards-compliant devices.
D-Link AirPremierTM AG DI-784
Wireless Broadband Routers


8
Standards-Based Technology
TheDWL-AG530WirelessPCIAdapterutilizesthe 802.11a,802.11b and 802.11g
standard.
TheIEEE 802.11g standardisanextensionof the 802.11b standard.It increases
the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band utilizing OFDM technology.
Thismeansthat in most environments,withinthe 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
Frequency DivisionMultiplexing)technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio
signalintomultiplesmaller sub-signalsthat are thentransmittedsimultaneously
atdifferent frequencies to thereceiver. OFDM reducesthe amount of crosstalk
(interference)insignal transmissions.TheD-LinkDWL-AG530 willautomatically
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, WPA2, 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
TheD-Link AirPremier AGDWL-AG530 lets you access your network, using a
wirelessconnection,from virtually anywherewithin its operatingrange. Keepin
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:
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.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.
2
Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door
oraluminum studs may have a negativeeffectonrange.Trytoposition
wirelessdevices andcomputerswith wirelessadapterssothatthe signal
passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
3
TM

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 followingD-Link network devices (your existing network may be
comprised of other devices):
Awireless router - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DI-784
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air PremierTM AG DWL-AG660
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air PremierTM AG DWL-AG530
A ADSL modem - D-Link DSL-300T
There are basically two modes of networking:
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* Due to DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), 5GHz Ad-Hoc mode is always disable in EEC countries.

11
You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable orDSL-subscriber line
into your home or office).
ConsultwithyourCableorDSLproviderforproperinstallationof the modem.
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router. (See the
Quick InstallationGuide included with your router).
Install theD-Link AirPremierTM AGDWL-AG530WirelessPCIAdapter into
an available PCI slot on your desktop computer.
(See the Quick InstallationGuide included with the network adapter).
Install theD-LinkDWL-AG660 Wireless CardbusAdapter into a laptop
computer.
(See the Quick InstallationGuide included with the DWL-AG660).
Ifyouwish, you mayconnectacomputer that isequippedwith anEthernet
network adapter (such as a DFE-528TX) to the router also.
A RADIUS server is optional. Connect a RADIUS server to your network
touse all thefeaturesofWPA. (WithoutaRADIUS serveryoucan 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.
Getting Started (continued)
DWL-AG660
with Laptop PC
DWL-AG530
Setting up a Wireless InfrastructureNetwork
1
2
34
5
6
7
For a typical wire-
less setup at home
(as shown here),
please do the
following:
DI-784

12
Getting Started (continued)
Setting up a WirelessAd-HocNetwork
Install the DWL-AG660 into a laptop computer. (See the Quick
InstallationGuide 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 theAd-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
assigned anIPaddressof 192.168.0.3witha subnet maskof 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
DWL-AG660
Install the D-Link DWL-AG530 Wireless PCIAdapter into the desktop
computer. (See the Quick InstallationGuide included with the DWL-
AG530).
DWL-AG530

13
D-Link AirPremierAGTM DWL-AG530 uses the Configuration Utility as the
managementsoftware.Theutility providestheuser aneasy interfaceto change
any settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed the
installationof theDWL-AG530 (refer tothe Quick Installation Guide thatcame
withyour purchase)whenever youstartthe computer,theConfiguration Utility
starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar (see
illustrationbelow*.)Clicking on the utilityiconwill start the ConfigurationUtility.
Anotherwayto start the ConfigurationUtilityistoclickonStart>Programs>D-
Link AirPremierAGTM > D-Link AirPremier AGTM Utility.
Select the Wireless Networks tab.
Uncheck the box in the properties window
thatenables windows configuration.
UsingtheConfigurationUtility
If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility
or theD-Link Configuration Utility.
If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click on
this icon on your desktop to open.
To usetheD-LinkConfigurationUtilitywith XP,right-click
on the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower
right-handcorner ofyourcomputer 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 theD-Link
Configuration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-Link
ConfigurationUtility icon. *Configuration Utility icon
in the system tray
To access the WPA/WPA2 security
featuresoftheDWL-AG530youmust
installtheAegissoftware(includedon
the installation CD) before inserting the
Adapterintoyour laptopPC.

14
Link Info
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
After clicking on the Configuration Utility icon, the Link Info screen will display
the settings for theDWL-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 theDWL-AG530.
Frequency:
802.11b indicatesthattheDWL-
AG530 is communicating in the
2.4GHzband.
Encryption:
You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.
Wireless Mode:
EitherInfrastructure orAd-Hoc will bedisplayed here.(Please see the Getting
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.
* Due to DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), 5GHz Ad-Hoc mode is always disable in EEC countries.

15
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 theWLAN
usinganaccesspoint. (Thisis 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 (AmericanStandardCode for InformationInterchange)is a code for
representing English letters as numbers from 0-127.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration
Select Enabled or Disabled.
Open Authentication - TheDWL-AG530 is visible to all devices on the
network.
Shared Authentication-Allows communication only with other devices
with identical WEP settings.
WPA/WPA2* - Select toenableWPA/WPA2. Click AthenticationConfig.
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK* - Select to enable WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK. Click
Authentication Config.
*(Seethefollowing pages for more detailedconfiguration instructions.)
IEEE802.1x:
Enable 802.1x in this field. (802.1x is automatically enabled when WPA/WPA2
or WPA-PSK/WPA2-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(WirelessLocalAreaNetwork)mustuse
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 aDHCP
server.
Assign the following IPAddress:
Choose this option to assign a static IP address.
Obtain DNS Server AddressAutomatically:
Choose this option to obtain a DNS server address automatically.
Use the following DNS Server address:
If you make this selection, enter the PreferredDNS server and theAlternate
DNS server in the appropriate fields.

17
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration>WPA/WPA2
Advanced Security Settings
Authentication > WPA/WPA2 >802.1X
The Advanced Security Set-
tings screen will appear, as
shown below.
Select the EAP Type you
wantto use. Configurethe
information needed for
authenticating.
ClickOK.The WPA/WPA2
configuration is complete!
Trusted CA List.
InnerAuthentication
Protocol.
Foranexplanationof
the terms shown in
this window please see the
appendix.
SelectWPA/WPA2in
the Authenticationfield.
Click
Authentication Config
When you select WPA/
WPA2, 802.1X is Enabled.

18
Configuration > WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK
SelectWPA-PSK/WPA2-
PSK in the Authentication
field.
Click
Authentication Config
When you select WPA-PSK/
WPA2-PSK, 802.1X is Dis-
abled.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Authentication > WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK > 802.1X
EntertheWPA/WPA2
passphrase.
WPA-PSK/
WPA2-PSK
does not re-
quire a RADIUS
server in the network.
Click OK. The WPA-
PSK/WPA2-PSK
configuration is
complete!
Advanced Security Settings

19
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 increaseyour fragmentationthresholdwithin
thevalue rangeof 256to 2346. Settingthe fragmentation thresholdtoo lowmay
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: -
* Due to DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection), 5GHz Ad-Hoc mode is always disable in EEC countries.

20
Refresh:
Click on Refresh to get
the most updated list of
availablenetworks.
AvailableNetwork:
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
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 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 ap-
pear.
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