D-Link DWA-123 User manual

2D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview ......................................................................3
Package Contents ......................................................................... 3
System Requirements ................................................................. 3
Introduction ................................................................................... 4
Features ............................................................................................ 5
Hardware Overview ..................................................................... 6
Installation ..................................................................................7
Getting Started .............................................................................. 7
Remove Existing Installations .......................................... 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ..................................... 8
Wireless Installation Considerations ....................................10
Adapter Installation ...................................................................11
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) ..........................................14
Connect to a Wireless Network ............................................ 17
Using Windows® 7 .......................................................................17
Using Windows Vista® ................................................................18
Using Windows® XP ....................................................................19
Wireless Security ..................................................................... 20
What is WPA? ................................................................................20
Using Windows® 7 ...............................................................21
Using Windows Vista® .......................................................24
Using the Windows® XP Utility ........................................26
Troubleshooting ..................................................................... 28
Wireless Basics ........................................................................ 32
Wireless Modes ............................................................................36
Networking Basics .................................................................. 37
Check your IP address ...............................................................37
Windows® XP Users .............................................................37
Windows® 7/Windows Vista® Users ................................37
Statically Assign an IP address ...............................................38
Windows® XP Users .............................................................38
Windows® 7/Windows Vista® Users ................................39
Technical Specications ........................................................ 40
Table of Contents

3D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
• D-Link DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD
• Quick Installation Guide
System Requirements
• A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port
• Windows® 7, Vista®, XP (Service Pack 3)
• CD-ROM Drive
• 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
• An 802.11n or 802.11g access point or wireless router
Product Overview
Package Contents

4D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs. Instead of
stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-123 can enable 802.11n wireless
connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port.
Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-123 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than
802.11g*. The DWA-123 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher networking. Maximize wireless
performance by connecting this USB Adapter to a Wireless N router and stay connected from virtually anywhere in the home.
This USB Adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your personal information
from being exposed.
D-Link’s Quick Setup Wizard guides you step-by-step through the installation process. You’ll be able to congure this USB
Adapter without having to call the teenager from down the street to help you. The D-Link Wireless Manager is included with
this product to keep track of all your most frequently accessed networks.
Compact in size, robust in speed the DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter is great for travel and a convenient solution for
providing high performance wireless connectivity to your desktop or notebook PC. Enjoy the many benets of wireless
connectivity today!
* 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 conditions will adversely aect wireless signal range.

5D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Features
• Compact size for placement anywhere.
• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.
• Fully 802.11g compatible.
• 802.11n compliant.
• Powered by the USB port; no external power source required.
• USB 2.0 standard*.
• You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much
higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.
• Position the DWA-123 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible.
• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point
• Easy conguration using WPS PBC utility
* Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely aect throughput.

6D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
USB Port
Used to connect the DWA-123 to
your computer.
WPS Button
Press the WPS button to
automatically connect to a WPS-
enabled wireless router or access
point and establish connectivity.

7D-Link DWA-123 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® XP users may
use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows® 7 users: Click Start > Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Windows® XP/Vista® users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.

8D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is
recommended to disable the wireless adapter (as well as any unused Ethernet adapters).
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select Disable.
D-Link DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter
D-Link DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter
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.

9D-Link DWA-123 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.
D-Link DWA-123 Wireless N 150 USB Adapter

10D-Link DWA-123 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-123 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-123 USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the
D-Link CD.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-123 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive.
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).
When the autorun screen appears, click Install.
Adapter Installation
Click Install

12D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program Files\D-Link\DWA-
123, where C: represents the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a dierent
location, click Browse and specify the location.
Click Next
Click Next
Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer.
Click Next

13D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to complete your setup.
Click Finish

14D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) System is designed for easy setup of security-enabled Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to have
the access point or wireless router nearby during setup.
For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at www.wi-.org.
“Push Button Conguration” (PBC) is a external button on the adapter that connects you to other WPS-enabled devices. A
connection can be established by clicking the button, then pushing the physical button on the access point or wireless router
within 120 seconds. Refer to next page.

15D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Push Button
1. To connect to your network, press the WPS button on
the adapter and hold for two seconds until the utility
screen appears.
2. Press the WPS button located on your access point or
router to continue. This screen will appear once you
have successfully established connection with your
network.

16D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Press the WPS button on the adapter and holding for two seconds until the
utility screen comes up. Then, press the WPS button on the router/access point
to continue.
The adapter will try to establish connectivity to your access point or wireless
router.
When this screen appears, you have successfully established connectivity.
Click Finish to complete your setup.
WPS UI will save the wireless connection prole named “security.htm” on the
desktop

17D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Connect to a Wireless Network
Using Windows® 7
Windows® 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual
of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to
the Windows® 7 utility as seen below.
Left-click the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner
next to the time).
If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the
center of the bubble to access the utility.
or
The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect
button.
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check your
TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual for more information.

18D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Connect to a Wireless Network
Using Windows Vista®
Windows Vista® users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user
manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option
similar to the Windows Vista® utility as seen below.
Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-
right corner next to the time). Select Connect to a network.
If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the
center of the bubble to access the utility.
or
The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect
button.
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check you
TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual for more information.

19D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 3 - Conguration
Connect to a Wireless Network
Using Windows® XP
Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility (Zero Conguration Utility). The following instructions are for Service
Pack 2 users. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help with
connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to the Windows® XP utility as seen below.
Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray
(lower-right corner next to the time). Select View Available Wireless
Networks.
If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the
center of the bubble to access the utility.
or
The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect
button.
If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check your
TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual for more information.

20D-Link DWA-123 User Manual
Section 4 - Wireless Security
Wireless Security
This section will show you the dierent levels of security you can use to protect your data from intruders. The
DWA-123 oers the following types of security:
• WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) • WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key)
What is WPA?
WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent
Privacy).
The 2 major improvements over WEP:
• Improved data encryption through the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a
hashing algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, ensures that the keys haven’t been tampered
with. WPA2 is based on 802.11i and uses Advanced Encryption Standard instead of TKIP.
• User authentication, which is generally missing in WEP, through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP).
WEP regulates access to a wireless network based on a computer’s hardware-specic MAC address, which is
relatively simple to be snied out and stolen. EAP is built on a more secure public-key encryption system to
ensure that only authorized network users can access the network.
WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK uses a passphrase or key to authenticate your wireless connection. The key is an alpha-numeric password
between 8 and 63 characters long. The password can include symbols (!?*&_) and spaces. This key must be the exact same key
entered on your wireless router or access point.