D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 User manual

AirPro DWL-AB520
D-LINK
2.4GHz / 5GHz Multimode
Manual
Building Networks for People
Wireless PCI Adapter

2
Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction ..........................................................................................4
Wireless Basics ....................................................................................6
Getting Started ...................................................................................10
Using the Configuration Utility ............................................................13
Networking Basics ..............................................................................18
Troubleshooting..................................................................................31
Technical Specifications .....................................................................34
Contacting Technical Support.............................................................36
Warranty and Registration ..................................................................37

3
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520
2.4 GHz / 5GHz Multimode Wireless PCI Adapter
Manual and Warranty on CD
Quick Installation Guide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:



Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE

A computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot

At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor

An 802.11a/802.11b Multimode Access Point (e.g., DWL-
6000AP or DI-764), or an 802.11a Access Point (e.g., DWL-
5000AP for Infrastructure Mode), or an 802.11b Access
Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+), or an 802.11a wireless adapter
(e.g., DWL-A650 for laptops or DWL-A520 for Ad-Hoc
mode), or an 802.11b wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-650+.)


4
Introduction
*When used with other D-Link AirPro products.
D-Link introduces the integrated multimode 802.11a/802.11b wireless PCI
Adapter, as part of the high performance D-Link AirPro series of wireless
networking products.
Featuring a breakthrough all-in-one multimode design, the new D-Link AirPro
DWL-AB520 Multimode Wireless PCI Adapter is a next generation PCI Adapter
that simultaneously serves both 802.11a wireless networks at 54 Mbps (72
Mbps in proprietary Turbo mode*) and 802.11b wireless networks at 11Mbps.
The D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 delivers the fastest IEEE standards-based
wireless technology in the industry and is interoperable with other 802.11a and
802.11b wireless devices.
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide (included in
your package) not only will you have the ability to share information and
resources, but you will also be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking
delivers, at speeds capable of handling large data files or video streams.

5
Fully compatible with the 802.11a standard to provide an optimal wireless
54Mbps data rate (provides a 72Mbps data rate in proprietary Turbo Mode).
Features


Fully compatible with the 802.11b standard to provide an optimal wireless
data rate of 11Mbps.
Dynamic data rate scaling at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 for 802.11a
Dynamic data rate scaling at 1, 2, 5.5, and 11Mbps for 802.11b
Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate
switching
Supports wireless data encryption with 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP and 152-bit
WEP with Dynamic Keying for more secure networking.




Provides an extended omni-directional antenna with 2 ~ 4dBi



Supports PCI Local Bus 2.2 standard
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities

6
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AB520 has the following
LEDs as shown below:
LED LED Activity
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-
to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home,
business or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE
standard, the D-Link wireless family of products will allow you to securely
access the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able to
enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that
transmits and receives data with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless
LANs are used increasingly in both home and office environments, and
public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways
Wireless Basics
A steady light indicates a connection to a power source
A blinking light indicates network activity
Power
Activity
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other
fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.
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.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices
to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an
Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Router is a
device used to provide this link.
to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate

7
Wireless Basics (continued)
People use wireless LAN 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 information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs –WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are
easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change,
both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation.
WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can
be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and
ceilings.
Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go
where wires cannot.
Scalability – Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a
variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications or existing
infrastructures. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-
peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger infrastructure
networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the
number of wireless devices deployed.

8
The DWL-AB520 is compatible with other D-Link AirPro 802.11a products,
which include:
♦5GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(DWL-A650)
♦5GHz Multimode Wireless Broadband Routers computers (DI-764,
and DI-754)
♦5GHz Wireless Access Points (DWL-5000AP, DWL-6000AP)
The DWL-AB520 is also compatible with D-Link Air and AirPlus 802.11b
wireless products, which include:
♦2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(DWL-650, DWL-650+)
♦2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(DWL-520, DWL-520+)
♦Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point (DWL-900AP+)
♦Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router (DI-614+)
Standards-Based Technology
The versatile DWL-AB520 Wireless Multimode PCI Adapter integrates both
802.11a and 802.11b standards into a single unit.
The IEEE 802.11a standard designates that devices may operate at an optimal
data rate of 54 Mbps (72 Mbps in proprietary Turbo mode.) This means that in
most environments, within the specified range of 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 digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency
Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal
into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at
different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk
(interference) in signal transmissions. D-Link AirPro 802.11a products will
automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest
speed and range possible.
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-AB520 is also interoperable
with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds
of up to 11Mbps.
Wireless Basics (continued)

9
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 lets you access your network, using a wireless
connection, from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the number,
thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals
must pass through, may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the
types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or
business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic
guidelines:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-AB520 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link AirPro Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
Position your receiving devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is
minimized.
2. Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is
1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost 3
feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 feet (14 meters)
thick! Try to make sure that devices are positioned so that the signal will
travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception.
3. Building Materials make a difference - a solid metal door or aluminum
studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless
devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes
through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate RF noise.

10
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point, such as the DWL-900AP+,
DWL-5000AP or DWL-6000AP.
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-AB520 wireless network PCI adapters.
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 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):
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-AB520 will connect with
other D-Link AirPro products, right out of the box.
A wireless Router - D-Link AirPro DI-764
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPro DWL-A650 or AirPlus DWL-650+
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200

11
Please remember that D-Link AirPro 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
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router (see the Quick
Installation Guide included with your router.)
Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 wireless PCI adapter into an available
PCI slot on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included
with the DWL-AB520.)
If you are connecting a laptop computer to your network, install the drivers for
the wireless cardbus adapter (e.g., D-Link AirPro DWL-A650, DWL-650+ or
the DWL-650) into a laptop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide
included with the DWL-A650, DWL-650+, or DWL-650.)
Getting Started
1
2
3
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
5
Please refer to the following
sections of this manual for
additional information about
setting up a network:
Networking Basics - learn
how to check and assign
your IP Address; share
printers and files.
Using the Configuration
Menu - learn the settings for
the DWL-AB520, using the
web-based interface.
Troubleshooting - learn
how to check for common
installation issues and other
tips for troubleshooting.
Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
DI-764
4

12
Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 Wireless Network adapter
into the desktop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide included
with the product for installation instructions.
Install a wireless network adapter into the laptop computer. In the
example above the DWL-A650, DWL-650+ or DWL-650 may be
installed into a laptop computer. See the Quick Installation Guide
included with the product.
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
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.
IP Address
DWL-A650
DWL-650+
DWL-650
DWL-AB520

13
Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration
Before you use the configuration utility for the DWL-AB520, you must install the drivers
and the configuration utility by inserting the CD-ROM that came with the DWL-AB520.
(Please see the Quick Installation Guide that came with the product.) After you have
completed this installation and restarted your computer, you can access the Configura-
tion Utility at any time by clicking on the icon in your taskbar at the bottom right corner
of your PC’s screen.
If you want to alter the default settings or optimize the performance of the DWL-AB520,
D-Link has included a configuration utility to do so.
Note: With its default settings, the DWL-AB520 will associate with D-Link Air/
AirPro products such as the DI-764 (a wireless router), and the DWL-A650 (a
wireless adapter for laptops), right out of the box.
After double-clicking on the icon in the taskbar (shown at right), the
following Configuration Utility window will appear:

14
Using the Configuration Utility
Refresh-
Configuration (continued)
Configuration>Properties
Add-
New-
Remove-
Move down-
Properties-
click Refresh to display the current networks available
highlight the network to which you wish to connect and click
Add
click New to connect to the Preferred WLAN
click Remove to eliminate the highlighted network
click Move down to move the network lower in the list
click Properties to configure the highlighted network and the
screen below will appear
Move up- click Move up to move the network up higher in the list

15
Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration>Advanced
Close- click Close to save the changes.
Infrastructure
and ad-hoc
network-
choose this option to connect to both Infrastructure and Ad-
Hoc networks
Click on Advanced in the Configuration window to select the type of WLAN (Wire-
less Local Area Network) to which you wish to connect. Select from the following
options in the Advanced pop-up window:
WLAN type to connect
Infrastructure
network only-
choose this option to connect to Infrastructure networks only
(networks with an Access Point like the DI-764)
Ad-hoc
network only-
choose this option to connect directly to another ethernet adapter
equipped computer
choose this option to connect to any available network.
(This option could result in a security risk.)
Automatically
connect to
non-preferred
networks-

16
Using the Configuration Utility
Status
Connection Status- indicates the connection status: either connected or discon-
nected.
Network Name- displays the network name that you have input
Network Type- indicates either Infrastructure, Ad-Hoc or Infrastructure and
Ad-Hoc
The Status screen displays the current properties of the DWL-AB520.
Speed- indicates data rate speed
Signal Strength- displays the signal strength
Radio Status- ON or OFF
Turbo Mode- Enable or Disable. Disable is the default setting
Click OK or Apply- click Apply to save the changes
WEP Status- either Enable or Disable
MAC Address- Media Access Control address is a unique hardware address
that identifies the DWL-AB520 on the network
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is a
security protocol for Wireless Local Area Networks
If you enable WEP encryption or Turbo Mode make sure to enable WEP
encryption and Turbo Mode on all the devices in your network.

17
Using the Configuration Utility
Option
General Setting
Advance Setting
Click on the
About tab
to find out
the firmware
version
Auto Launch
when Windows
starts up-
automatically enables the adapter when Windows starts up. By
defaut this option is selected.
click Apply to save the changes; click OK to close the utility
Click OK or Apply-
Encryption Type-
Enable Turbo
Mode-
disable is the default setting. Make sure all devices in your net-
work have identical settings for Turbo mode
Power Save Mode-
select from Auto, WEP or AES
select from Fast Save, Max. Save or Disable. Default is Fast
Save.
select from 802.11b - 2.4GHz, 802.11a - 5GHz or Auto.
Default is Auto.
Radio Frequency-

18
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
and http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 for information about
networking 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
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

20
Enter a Computer description and a Computer name (optional.)
Networking Basics
Click Next
Enter a Workgroup name. All computers on your network should have the
same Workgroup name.
Click Next