D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP User manual

D-Link Air DWL-900AP
Wireless Access Point
Manual
Please see the Quick Install Guide, included separately, for installation instructions.
Building Networks for People

2
Contents
Contents of Package................................................................................3
Introduction .......................................................................................................4
LED Display......................................................................................................5
Connections .....................................................................................................6
Wireless Basics.............................................................................................7
Network Topology.....................................................................................12
Operation Modes with the DWL-900AP................................14
Network Functions of the Access Point ................................16
USB Configuration Utility....................................................................19
SNMP Management Utility................................................................27
Networking Basics....................................................................................40
Technical Specifications .....................................................................54
D-Link locations ..........................................................................................57
Limited Warranty........................................................................................58
Registration.....................................................................................................61

Contents of Package
• DWL-900AP Wireless Access Point
• Installation CD
• Quick Install Guide
• AC Adapter
• USB cable
• Power Supply/Cord
• User’s Manual
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System requirements:
Computer with USB port
Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, ME, 98, 98SE

4
Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-900AP 802.11b Wireless Access Point is an ideal way
to extend the reach and number of computers connected to your wireless
network or as part of a wired LAN (Local Area Network) with a wireless
segment.
A Wireless Access Point may be used to serve different functions, including:
• Bridge - The Wireless Access Point can be used to provide
access to the shared network facilities of an Ethernet LAN.
• Wireless LAN Extension - The effective communication range of
wireless workstations can be increased.
• Improve Signal Quality - Providing a central relay station can
provide a communication path for WLAN components that
otherwise might be prevented from “seeing” other WLAN
members.
• Wireless LAN Security - The Wireless Access Point can be
configured to use encryption for improved security on a WLAN.
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Install Guide (included
separately) you will have the ability to share information and resources, such
as files and printers, and take full advantage of a “connected” environment
for work and play!
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and familiarize yourself with wireless technology. But you should
also give yourself some time to become familiar with your new wireless
network.

LED Display
Front Panel
LED Display
On Blink Off
Power Unit is plugged in and
working normally.
Unit is booting up and
running self diagnostic
test
Unit is not plugged in
and it is off
LAN
Ethernet cable is
plugged in and there
is a valid network
connection.
The Ethernet port is
active
Ethernet cable not
plugged in or the
connection is not valid
WLAN N/A Detecting Wireless
LAN network activities
No Wireless LAN
network available in
the vicinity

6
Connections
Rear Panel
Connections
Power
5V=1A
Plug in the AC/DC adapter here. Please make sure to plug in adapter to the Wireless
Access Point before plugging the other end of the power adapter to an electrical
wall outlet or power strip.
Console
The USB console port is used to make the USB connection from the device to a
computer with the USB cable for first time configuration and configuration using the
Wireless AP USB Utility.
Ethernet The Ethernet port is used to connect the Wireless Access Point to the Ethernet LAN or a
single computer using an Ethernet cable (RJ-45).
Note: To use the USB port on the Wireless Access Point, the computer that performs
the configuration must have a USB interface with Windows XP, 2000, 98, or ME
installed. USB is not supported under Windows NT or Windows 95.
Caution: Use only the power adapter included with the
device!

Wireless Basics
D-Link Air wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy
to use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or
business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11b, the D-Link Air wireless family of
products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you
want it. No longer will you be tethered to a workstation or forced to run new
wiring. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking
delivers.
A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a cellular computer network that facilitates
communication with radio signals instead of wires. Wireless LANs are used
increasingly in both home and corporate environments. 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 has proven to be beneficial for many users.
WLAN users can use the same network applications they use on an Ethernet
LAN. WLAN adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems, support the
same protocols as Ethernet adapter cards. For most users, there is no
noticeable functional difference between a wired Ethernet desktop computer
or mobile WLAN workstation other than the added benefit of the ability to
roam within the WLAN-cell. Under many circumstances, it may be desirable
for mobile network devices to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order
use servers, printers or an Internet connection supplied through the wired
LAN. The Wireless Access Point is a device used to provide this link.
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes.

8
Wireless Basics (continued)
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
location within the operating range of the WLAN. Ad-hoc management
decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker
efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs - WLANs 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. Furthermore, IEEE
standardization mandates interoperability of all WLAN devices that conform
to the 802.11b set of standards.
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.
Installation Flexibility - Wireless technology allows the network to go where
wires cannot go.
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for
wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware,
overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower.
Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring
frequent moves, adds, and changes.
Scalability - Wireless LAN systems can be configured in a variety of
topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations.
Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-peer networks
suitable for a small number of users to full infrastructure networks of
thousands of users that allows roaming over a broad area.

Wireless Basics (continued)
Our full range of D-Link Air Wireless LAN products include:
 Wireless PC cards used with laptop computers
 Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
 Wireless Access Points
 Wireless Home Gateways
Standards - Based Technology
The IEEE 802.11b standard designates that devices operate at an optimal
data rate of 11 Megabits per second. This means 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 using multiple
frequencies in the 2.4GHz range utilizing Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
(DSSS) technology. D-Link Air products will automatically sense the best
possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible
with the technology.
Features and Standards
Wireless LAN technology is based on the internationally recognized IEEE
802.11 set of standards for wireless LANs. The Wireless Access Point is fully
compliant with the IEEE 802.11b standard and can inter-operate with other
compliant equipment.
The DWL-900AP Wireless Access Point also complies with the following
regulatory standards:
• FCC part 15 Class A with no external shielding
• FCC part 15 Class B, ETS 300-339 compliance, including CE mark
• The regulatory requirements for Japan, Europe and many other areas
of the world

10
Wireless Basics (continued)
The Wireless Access Point features include:
• Data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbps in optimal conditions
• An effective range of up to 900 feet (300 meters) outdoors or 300 feet
(100 meters) indoors
• 10BaseT Ethernet port interface for bridging Wireless LAN to an
Ethernet LAN
• Seamless roaming for notebook computers, wireless PCs, and other
computers equipped with Wireless LAN
• Built-in diagnostics including a power-up self-check
• Dual antenna assembly with optional diversity
• Firmware can be upgraded easily in the field
• Data encryption (WEP 64 and WEP 128)
• SNMP support
• DHCP support (client)
• Optional Short RF preamble
• USB Configuration
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 300 feet (100 meters) indoors and up to 900 feet (300
meters) outdoors, D-Link Air DWL-900AP lets you access your network from
virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and
thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must
pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of
materials and background RF noise in your home or business. The key to
maximizing range is to follow these basic principles:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the access point and
your receiving device to a minimum - Each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link Air Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet. For some