D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
2.4GHz / 5GHz Dual-Band Multimode
Wireless Cardbus Adapter
DWL-AB650
AirPro
D-Link TM

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Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics ....................................................................................6
Getting Started ....................................................................................10
Using the Configuration Utility ..............................................................13
Networking Basics ..............................................................................18
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................31
Technical Specifications ......................................................................36
Contacting Technical Support ..............................................................38
Warranty and Registration ...................................................................39

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650
2.4 GHz / 5GHz Dual-Band Multimode
Wireless Cardbus 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:
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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.)
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At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
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Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, or Windows 98SE
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A laptop or notebook computer with an available 32-bit
Cardbus slot
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Introduction
*When used with other D-Link AirPro products.
D-Link introduces the integrated multimode 802.11a/802.11b Wireless Cardbus
Adapter, as part of the high performance D-Link AirPro series of wireless
networking products.
Featuring a breakthrough all-in-one dual-band multimode design, the new
D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 is a next generation adapter that serves either
802.11a wireless networks at 54 Mbps (108 Mbps in proprietary Turbo mode*)
or 802.11b wireless networks at 11Mbps.
The D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 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.

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Features
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AB650 has the following
LEDs:
LED LED Activity
A steady light indicates a connection to a power source
A blinking light indicates network activity
Power
Activity
Dynamic data rate scaling at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 54Mbps 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 (802.11b);
and 152-bit WEP for security (with Dynamic Keying for 802.11a transmissions)
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Built-in dual diversity antenna for better wireless reception in environments
with multi-path interference
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Supports Cardbus (32-bit) Type II PC Card
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Supports AES (Advanced Encryption Security)
Fully compatible with the 802.11b standard to provide a wireless data rate of
up to 11Mbps
802.1x support
Fully compatible with the 802.11a standard to provide a wireless data rate of
up to 54Mbps (up to 108Mbps in proprietary Turbo Mode)

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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 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.
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.

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5GHz Wireless PCI Adapters used with desktop computers
(D-Link AirPro DWL-A520)
5GHz Multimode Wireless Broadband Routers computers
(D-Link AirPro DI-764, and DI-754)
5GHz Wireless Access Points
(D-Link AirProDWL-5000AP, DWL-6000AP)
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.
The DWL-AB650 is compatible with other 802.11a products, which include:
5GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(D-Link AirPro DWL-A650)
2.4GHz/5GHz Dual Band, Multi-mode Wireless PCI Adapters used
with desktop computers (D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520)
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The DWL-AB650 is also compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which
include:
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(D-Link Air DWL-650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+)
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(D-Link Air DWL-520, D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
(D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router
(D-Link AirPlus DI-614+)
Standards-Based Technology
The versatile DWL-AB650 Wireless Multimode Cardbus 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 (108 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.
Also based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-AB520 is interoperable
with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds
of up to 11Mbps.
Wireless Basics (continued)
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650 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-AB650 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 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.

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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-AB650 wireless
network Cardbus 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-AB650, when activated, 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-AB650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
There are basically two modes of networking:
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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.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, install the D-Link
AirPro DWL-AB520 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot on your
desktop computer. You may also install the DWL-520+ or the DWL-520.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter.)
Install the drivers for the D-Link DWL-AB650 wireless Cardbus adapter into a
laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AB650.)
Getting Started
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the
following:
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Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network
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Getting Started
Setting up a Wireless Ad Hoc Network
Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520 Wireless Network adapter
into the desktop computer. Other installation possibilities include the
DWL-A520 or DWL-520. See the Quick Installation Guide included with
the product for installation instructions.
Install the DWL-AB650 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-AB520

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Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration
Before you use the configuration utility for the DWL-AB650, you must install the drivers
and the configuration utility from the CD-ROM that came with the DWL-AB650. (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 Configuration Utility at
any time by clicking on the icon in your taskbar at the bottom right corner, on the
desktop.
If you wish to change the default settings or optimize the performance of the
DWL-AB650, D-Link has included a configuration utility for this purpose. However, in
Windows XP, you will instead use zero configuration utility.
After double-clicking on the icon in the taskbar (shown at right), the
following Configuration Utility window will appear:
Note: With its default settings, the DWL-AB650 will associate with D-Link
AirPro products such as the DI-764 (a wireless router), and D-Link AirPlus
products such as the DI-614+ (a wireless router), right out of the box.

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Using the Configuration Utility
Configuration (continued)
Configuration>Properties
Add- Highlight the network to which you wish to connect and click
Add to add it to Preferred WLANs
New- Click New to manually add a WLAN
Remove- Click Remove to eliminate the highlighted network from
Preferred WLANs
Refresh- Click Refresh to display the current available networks
Click OK to the save changes.
This is a computer to computer (Ad-Hoc) network; no access points
are used. - Select this option if your computer is in an Ad-Hoc network.
Default Key- Select the default key
Keys 1-4- Input up to 4 keys
Key Length- Select the key
length. 802.11b
networks use 64
or 128 bit key
lengths. 802.11a
networks use 64,
128, or 152 bit
key lengths.
Enable Data
encryption-
Select this
option if you are
using WEP
encryption
Network
Authentication
(Shared mode)-
Select this option if
you are not using
WEP encryption
Wireless
network name-
Input a wireless network name (an SSID)
Properties- Click Properties to configure the highlighted network and the
screen below will appear
Move down- Click Move down to move the network lower in the list of
Preferred WLANs
Move up- Click Move up to move the network up higher in the list of
Preferred WLANs
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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-

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Using the Configuration Utility
Status
Connection Status- Indicates the connection status: either connected or
disconnected.
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-AB650.
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-AB650 on the network
If you enable WEP encryption or Turbo Mode make sure to enable WEP
encryption and Turbo Mode on all the devices in your network.
WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy.
It is a security protocol for Wireless Local Area Networks
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Using the Configuration Utility
Option
General Setting
Advance Setting
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.
Fragmentation
Threshold-
This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. The Frag-
mentation threshold, which is specified in bytes, determines
whether packets will be fragmented. Packets exceeding the
2346 byte setting will be fragmented before transmission.
Request to Send threshold measures the value in bytes. Any
packet size exceeding 2346 will trigger the DWL-AB650 to use
RTS/CTS mechanism for transmission.
RTS Threshold-
Enable Profile
IP Settings-
To use the profile selection feature under the configuration tab,
you must first enable profile IP settings. Leave this field blank if
you wish to use the Windows IP settings and do not choose to
select an IP profile.
Select from 802.11b - 2.4GHz, 802.11a - 5GHz or Auto.
Default is Auto.
Radio Frequency-
Auto Launch
when Windows
starts up-
Automatically enables the adapter when Windows starts up. By
defaut this option is selected.
Disable Radio- Select this box to disable the DWL-AB650
Click on the
About tab
to find out
the firmware
version

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Using the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP
In this section you will learn how to establish a network at home or work,
using Microsoft Windows XP.
Note: Please refer to websites such as http://www.homenethelp.com
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.

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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

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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