D-Link DWA-556 User manual

2D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview .............................................................. 3
Package Contents ........................................................................... 3
System Requirements ................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................... 4
Features .............................................................................................. 5
Hardware Overview ....................................................................... 6
LEDs ................................................................................................. 6
Installation ......................................................................... 7
Getting Started ................................................................................ 7
Remove Existing Installations ................................................ 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ........................................... 8
Wireless Installation Considerations ......................................10
Adapter Installation .....................................................................11
Push Button Conguration (PBC) .......................................14
Manual Connect ........................................................................16
Conguration ...................................................................18
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ...................................18
Wireless Networks ....................................................................19
My Wireless Networks .............................................................20
Support ........................................................................................23
About ............................................................................................24
Connect to a Wireless Network .......................................25
Using Windows® 7 .........................................................................25
Using Windows Vista® ..................................................................26
Using Windows® XP ......................................................................27
Wireless Security .............................................................28
What is WPA™? ................................................................................28
Congure WPA/WPA2-Personal ...............................................29
Using the D-Link Utility ..........................................................29
Using Windows Vista® ..............................................................34
Using Windows® XP ..................................................................36
Congure WPA/WPA2-Enterprise ...........................................38
Using the D-Link Utility ..........................................................38
Troubleshooting ..............................................................39
Windows® 7 Troubleshooting ...................................................44
Wireless Basics .................................................................46
Networking Basics ...........................................................50
Check your IP address .................................................................50
Windows® XP/2000 Users .......................................................50
Windows 7/Vista® Users ..........................................................50
Statically Assign an IP address .................................................51
Windows® XP/2000 Users .......................................................51
Windows 7/Vista® Users ..........................................................52
Technical Specications ..................................................53
Contacting Technical Support ........................................54
Warranty ...........................................................................55
Registration .....................................................................62
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
System Requirements
• A desktop computer with an available 64-bit PCI Express slot
• Windows® 7, Vista®, XP (Service Pack 2) or 2000 (Service Pack 4)
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
Product Overview
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N® Desktop PCI Express Adapter
Three Antennas
Low Prole Bracket
CD with drivers and software

4D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The D-Link Xtreme N® Desktop PCI Express Adapter (DWA-556) is an 802.11n client device that delivers unrivaled wireless
performance for your desktop computer. With the DWA-556, you can add or upgrade your Desktop PC’s wireless connectivity
without having to purchase a new computer. Once connected, access your network’s high-speed Internet connection while
sharing photos, les, music, video, printers, and storage. Get a better Internet experience with a faster wireless connection so
you can enjoy digital phone calls, gaming, downloading, and video streaming.
Powered by Xtreme N® technology, the DWA-556 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*. The
DWA-556 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher networking. Maximize wireless performance by
connecting this desktop adapter to a Xtreme N® Router and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home. This adapter
supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information from being exposed.
The D-Link Xtreme N® DWA-556 is a powerful 64-bit desktop adapter that installs quickly and easily into desktop computers.
Like all D-Link wireless adapters, the DWA-556 can be used in ad-hoc mode to connect directly with other cards for peer-to-peer
le sharing or in infrastructure mode to connect with a wireless access point or router for access to the Internet in your oce or
home network.
The DWA-556 features robust security to help protect the wireless network from intruders, complying with the latest
wireless networking security protocols, including Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) support. The DWA-556 also includes
a conguration utility to discover available wireless networks and create and save detailed connectivity proles for those
networks most often accessed.
•Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors,
including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely aect
wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• Faster Wireless Networking* - Enable wireless connectivity on your Desktop PC computer with the
DWA-556. With the performance of D-Link’s Xtreme N® line of wireless products, the DWA-556 delivers an unsurpassed
wireless experience. Perform multiple network tasks at once with the speed provided by this Wireless Adapter.
• Compatible with 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the 802.11g standards, the DWA-556 can connect
with existing 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 more wireless networks.
• Better Security with WPA - With the DWA-556 in your Desktop PC, you can securely connect to a wireless
network using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for wireless authentication. WPA provides you with a much higher
level of security for your data and communication than what has previously been available.
• Total Performance - Upgrade your computer with the latest 802.11n technology.
• Total Wireless Protection - Connect to secure wireless networks using WPA and WPA2.
• Total Connection - Get reception throughout your home by connecting to an Xtreme N® Router.
•Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental
factors, including volume of network trac, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will
adversely aect wireless signal range.
Features

6D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
LEDs
1WLAN LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission.
1

7D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Getting Started
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in device
manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make
sure any software is uninstalled.
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
• Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a dierent manufacture’s adapter or a dierent model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is uninstalled
before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conict with the new software. If you plan to use multiple
adapters at dierent times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up. Windows® 7, Vista® and XP
users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Uninstall Programs.
Windows Vista/XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows 2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

8D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
To prevent any conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable any wireless adapter (as well as any
unused Ethernet adapters).
From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down the list
and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.

9D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. When disabled, a red X will be displayed.
Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like to use the
adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.

10D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within the
operating range of your wireless network. Keep in mind 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 D-Link adapter and other network devices to a minimum
- each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’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!
Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better
reception.
3. Building Materials make a dierence. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative eect on
range. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall
or open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (sh tanks),
mirrors, le cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF
noise.
5. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home security
systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4GHz phone
base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the phone in not
in use.

11D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Note: Please install the DWA-556 Desktop PCI Express Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the
D-Link CD. When the “Add New Hardware” wizard appears, click Cancel.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-556 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The step-by-step instructions that follow
are shown in Windows Vista®. The steps and screens are similar for the other Windows operating systems.
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\
autorun.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
Click on Install to begin.
Adapter Installation

12D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next to continue.
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program Files\D-Link\DWA-556,
where C: represents the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a different location
click Browse and specify the location. Click Next.
Select the Program Files folder location. Click Next to continue.

13D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The drivers will install. This may take 1-2 minutes.
The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear.
If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to page 14. The following
instructions will connect you to a wireless network using Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS).
Click Next to continue.

14D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To connect to your network using the WPS push button conguration method, click the
virtual button as shown in the screenshot.
Press the WPS button on your access point or wireless router within 2 minutes to establish
connectivity.
When this screen appears, you have successfully connected to your wireless network.
Click Finish to complete your setup.
Push Button Conguration (PBC)

15D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to complete your setup.

16D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a wireless
network and then click Next.
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID incorrectly, you will
automatically be brought to the site survey page. Click Scan to display the site survey
page. Click Next to continue.
Manual Connect

17D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want
to restart my computer now.
Please enter the encryption key and click Next.
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the
network name (SSID) and click Next.

18D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Conguration
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
This section will show you how to congure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as Windows® XP
Zero Conguration and Windows 7/Vista® WLAN Auto Conguration.
The D-Link DWA-556 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides the user an
easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection Manager icon on
the desktop will start the Conguration.
If you are using Windows® 7, Vista®, or XP, please skip to pages 25, 26 or 27 respectively.
Double-click the Wireless Connection Manager icon on your desktop.

19D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Wireless Networks
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect to a
network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
The SSID (Service Set Identier) is the name of the
wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure. You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi®
Protected Setup. Refer to the next page.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
Highlight a wireless network and click the Connect
button. If the network is secure, a pop-up window
will appear. Enter the security information to
connect (refer to the Wireless Security section for
more information).
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
MAC:
SSID:
Channel:
Signal:
Security:
Refresh Button:
Connect Button:
Activate Button:
WPS Button:

20D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
My Wireless Networks
The My Wireless Networks page will allow you to create, edit, and delete wireless network proles. Every time you connect to
a network using the Wireless Networks page, a prole will automatically be created.
New Button:
Modify:
Click New to create a new wireless network prole
(refer to page 21).
Click Modify to edit a current prole (refer to page
22).
Click Delete to remove a prole.
Click Activate to use a profile. Allow up to 30
seconds to connect to the wireless network.
The Prole Details section will display information
about the wireless network such as the network
name (SSID), network type (Infrastructure or Ad-
Hoc), and if the network is secured.
Delete:
Activate:
Prole Details: