D-Link DWA-X3000 User manual

Version 1.0 | 09/08/2020
AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter with Bluetooth 5.1
DWA-X3000
User Manual

2D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview.............................................................. 3
Package Contents........................................................................... 3
System Requirements................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................... 4
Hardware Overview....................................................................... 5
Installation ......................................................................... 6
Getting Started................................................................................ 6
Remove Existing Installations ................................................ 6
Disable Other Wireless Adapters........................................... 7
Wireless Installation Considerations........................................ 9
Installation ......................................................................................10
Connecting to a Wireless Network.........................................11
Using Windows 10........................................................................11
Troubleshooting ..............................................................12
Wireless Basics .................................................................13
Networking Basics...........................................................17
Check your IP address.................................................................17
Statically Assign an IP address.................................................18
Technical Specications..................................................19
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
System Requirements
• An available PCIe X1 slot
• An available F_USB port (For optional Bluetooth functionality - not required for Wi-Fi 6)
• Windows 10 (64-bit)
• An 802.11ax or 802.11ac wireless network
• CD-ROM Drive
Product Overview
Package Contents
• DWA-X3000 || AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter with Bluetooth® 5.1
• 2 x High Performance Antennas
• Magnetised Antenna Base with 1 m (3 ft) RF Cable
• Low Prole Bracket
• Bluetooth® Header Cable
• Quick Installation Guide
• CD-ROM
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.

4D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The DWA-X3000 AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter with Bluetooth 5.1 connects your computer to a high-speed network and
provides a blazing-fast Wireless AX connection with superior reception. Once connected, you can access your network’s high-
speed Internet connection while also getting secure access to shared photos, les, music, video, printers, and storage.
The Benets of PCI Express
PCI Express provides a high-bandwidth connection with superior performance over the legacy PCI interface. You can connect
the AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCIe Adapter with Bluetooth 5.1 to any PCIe slot in your computer, whether it is a x1, x4, x8, or x16 slot.
Get Connected and Stay Connected
Powered by the latest Wireless AX technology, this adapter provides high-performance wireless connectivity. The DWA-X3000
is designed for use in bigger homes and for users that demand higher networking performance. Maximize your wireless
performance by connecting this adapter to aWireless AX router and stay connected from virtually anywhere in your home.The
DWA-X3000 is also backward compatible with 802.11ac/n/g/a/b technology, allowing you to connect to your older devices.
Bluetooth® 5.1 Connectivity
Take advantage of Bluetooth® 5.1 connectivity with faster connection initiation while being more energy ecient. Add
DWA-X3000 to your PC so you can easily connect to Bluetooth devices like game controllers, headphones, and keyboards
without any additional adapters.
Robust Security Options
The DWA-X3000 supports WPA3TM, allowing you to connect securely to a wireless network while also keeping out intruders,
so that you can browse the Internet without worries.
Easy to Set Up and Use
A quick setup wizard guides users through a simplied installation process so that you can congure the DWA-X3000 without
having to call a networking expert for help. With incredible wireless performance, reception, and security, this adapter is a
great choice for easily adding or upgrading wireless connectivity to desktop computers.

5D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
Antennas Omni-directional high-performance antennas for increased coverage.
Antenna Base Magnetized antenna base for optimal antenna placement.
RP-SMA Connectors Connect the base cable to the RP-SMA connectors.
Bracket Full height and low prole bracket included in the packaging for exible installation.
Bluetooth Port
For Bluetooth support, connect the Bluetooth Header Cable to the DWA-X3000 and the
other end to an available F_USB connector on your motherboard.
Note: The DWA-X3000 supports both Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1. The Bluetooth function
is optional and not required for Wi-Fi 6 functionality.
PCIe X1 Connector Connect to a PCIe X1 slot on a motherboard.
Antenna Base
Antennas
Bracket
PCIe X1 Connector
RP-SMA Connectors
Bluetooth Port

6D-Link DWA-X3000 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, disable it in the Device Manager
before installing your D-Link adapter. If you have previously installed another wireless adapter, uninstall it before proceeding.
Verify the following before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter:
• Disable any built-in wireless and/or Ethernet Adapters
• Verify the settings such as the wireless network name (SSID) and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect
to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve previously installed another wireless adapter, make sure that 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 that the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up. To remove any old software, click Start > Control
Panel > Uninstall Programs.

7D-Link DWA-X3000 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 other wireless adapters (as well as any
unused Ethernet adapters).
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable device.
Access File Explorer and right-click on This PC, then select Properties.
Click Device Manager. Scroll down the list and click the >sign to the left of Network
Adapters.

8D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you
would like to use the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable device.

9D-Link DWA-X3000 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 num-
ber 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 de-
vices 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 cabi-
nets, 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 2.4 GHz 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 2.4 GHz 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.

10D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Note: Please install the drivers before physically installing the adapter into your computer.
Installation
1. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive. When the autorun
screen appears, click Install Wi-Fi Driver and follow
the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Note: If the autorun screen does not automatically appear, go
to Start > Run. In the run box, type “D:\autorun.exe”where D:
represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive.
2. [Optional] For Bluetooth support, click Install Bluetooth
Driver and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the
installation.
3. Alternatively, download the drivers from our website
https://www.dlink.com/en/support
SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
1. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cord and open the
computer to access the motherboard.
2. Insert the DWA-X3000 into a PCIe X1 slot on the motherboard.
3. [Optional] For Bluetooth support, connect the Bluetooth
Header Cable to the DWA-X3000 and the other end to an
available F_USB connector on your motherboard.
4. Connect the antennas to the base. Then connect the base
cable to the two RP-SMA connectors on the DWA-X3000.
5. Close the computer case, plug the power cord back in and
power on the computer.
6. Follow the instructions in the Software Installation section to
install the device drivers.
HARDWARE INSTALLATION

11D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 3 - Connecting to a Wireless Network
Connecting to a Wireless Network
Using Windows 10
To join an existing network, locate the wireless network icon in the taskbar,
next to the time display and click on it.
Clicking on this icon will display a list of wireless networks which are within
range of your computer. Select the desired network by clicking on the SSID.
Wireless Icon
To connect to the SSID, click Connect.
To automatically connect with the router when your device next detects the
SSID, check the Connect Automatically check box.
You will then be prompted to enter the Wi-Fi password (network security
key) for the wireless network. Enter the password into the box and click Next
to connect to the network. Your computer will now automatically connect to
this wireless network when it is detected.

12D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Section 4 - Troubleshooting
This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-X3000. Read the
following descriptions if you are having problems.
Why is my DWA-X3000 not being detected or not working?
1. Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the DWA-X3000. The DWA-X3000 supports Windows
10 (64-bit) only.
2. Make sure the adapter is properly seated in the PCIe X1 slot on your motherboard.
3. Ensure the latest device drivers are installed. The latest drivers can be found and downloaded from the D-Link support
website: https://www.dlink.com/en/support
4. Install the DWA-X3000 in a dierent PCIe X1 slot on your computer (if applicable).
5. Try restarting the computer or try installing the DWA-X3000 on a dierent computer to verify if the device is functional.
How can I improve the performance of my DWA-X3000?
For optimal performance and to reduce interference, keep the antenna base clear of any obstructions.
What do I do if the DWA-X3000 bracket is not the correct size for my computer?
If the attached bracket is not the correct size for your computer, detach it from the adapters board and replace it with the
included low-prole bracket.
Troubleshooting

13D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix A - Wireless Basics
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 oce environments, and public areas such as airports, coee shops
and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate more eciently.
Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other xed infrastructure have proven to be benecial 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.
Wireless Basics

14D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix A - Wireless Basics
What is Wireless?
Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio
frequency to connect wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or oce network.
Why D-Link Wireless?
D-Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking products.
D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can aord. D-Link has all the products you need to build your network.
How does wireless work?
Wireless works similar to how cordless phone work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B. But
wireless technology has restrictions as to how you can access the network.You must be within the wireless network range area
to be able to connect your computer. There are two dierent types of wireless networks Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN),
and Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
In a wireless local area network, a device called an Access Point (AP) connects computers to the network. The access point has
a small antenna attached to it, which allows it to transmit data back and forth over radio signals. With an indoor access point
as seen in the picture, the signal can travel up to 300 feet. With an outdoor access point the signal can reach out up to 30 miles
to serve places like manufacturing plants, industrial locations, college and high school campuses, airports, golf courses, and
many other outdoor venues.
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to
30 feet away.

15D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix A - Wireless Basics
Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn’t use nearly as
much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other
devices that operate on batteries.
Who uses wireless?
Wireless technology as become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, oce, business,
D-Link has a wireless solution for it.
Home
• Gives everyone at home broadband access
• Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc
• Gets rid of the cables around the house
• Simple and easy to use
Small Oce and Home Oce
• Stay on top of everything at home as you would at oce
• Remotely access your oce network from home
• Share Internet connection and printer with multiple computers
• No need to dedicate oce space

16D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix A - Wireless Basics
Where is wireless used?
Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or oce. People like the freedom of mobility and it’s becoming
so popular that more and more public facilities now provide wireless access to attract people.The wireless connection in public
places is usually called“hotspots”.
Using a D-Link wireless desktop adapter with your laptop, you can access the hotspot to connect to Internet from remote
locations, such as airports, hotels, coee shops, libraries, restaurants, and convention centers.
Wireless network is easy to setup, but if you’re installing it for the rst time it could be quite a task not knowing where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together a few setup steps and tips to help you through the process of setting up a wireless network.
Tips
Here are a few things to keep in mind, when you install a wireless network.
Centralize your router or access point
Make sure you place the router/access point in a centralized location within your network for the best performance. Try to
place the router/access point as high as possible in the room, so the signal gets dispersed throughout your home. If you have
a two-story home, you may need a repeater to boost the signal to extend the range.
Eliminate interference
Place home appliances such as cordless telephones, microwaves, and televisions as far away as possible from the router/access
point.This would signicantly reduce any interference that the appliances might cause since they operate on same frequency.
Security
Don’t let your next-door neighbors or intruders connect to your wireless network. Secure your wireless network by turning on
the WPA or WEP security feature on the router. Refer to product manual for detail information on how to set it up.

17D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix B - Networking Basics
Networking Basics
Check your IP address
After you install your new D-Link wireless adapter and have established a wireless connection, by default, the TCP/IP settings
should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the
steps below.
• Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. You may need
administrative access to run this application.
• For all additional prompt windows inquiring of running the command prompt
application, select Ye s, OK, or Continue.
• At the prompt, type ipcong and press Enter.
• This will display the IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway of your adapter.
If the address is 0.0.0.0, check your adapter installation, security settings, and the settings
on your router. Some rewall software programs may block a DHCP request on newly
installed adapters.

18D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix B - Networking Basics
Statically Assign an IP address
If you are not using a DHCP capable gateway/router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow the steps below:
• Click on Start > Control Panel. Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center
icon, then click on Change adapter settings.
• Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link wireless
network adapter which will be connected to your network.
• Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP /IPv4) and click Properties.
• Click Use the following IP address and enter an IP address that is on the
same subnet as your network or LAN IP address on your router or network.
Example: If the router’s LAN IP address is 192.168.0.1, make your IP address
192.168.0.X where X is a number between 2 and 99. Make sure that the number
you choose is not in use on the network.
• Set Default Gateway the same as the LAN IP address of your router or gateway.
• Set Primary DNS the same as the LAN IP address of your router or gateway.
• The Secondary DNS is optional (you may enter a DNS server from your ISP).
• Click OK to save your settings.

19D-Link DWA-X3000 User Manual
Appendix C - Technical Specications
Technical Specications
Technical Specications
General
Interface • PCI Express (PCIe)
• 2 x RP-SMA Connectors
• F_USB
Antennas • Two 3.76 dBi external dipole antennas
Wireless Frequency • 2.4 GHz • 5 GHz
Wireless Standards • IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a 5 GHz
• IEEE 802.11ax/n/g/b 2.4 GHz
• BT 5.1
Security • WEP/WPA/WPA2/WPA3
Advanced Features • Bluetooth 5.1
System Requirements • Windows 10 64-bit
Physical
Dimensions
1
• 121 x 79 x 25 mm (4.76 x 3.11 x 0.98 in)
Weight
2
• 87 g (3.07 oz)
Temperature • Operating: 0 to 40 °C (32 to 103 °F) • Storage: -20 to 65 °C (-4 to 149 °F)
Humidity • Operating: 10% to 90% non-condensing • Storage: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Certifications • CE
• FCC
• IC
1 PCB only
2 Includes heatsink