D-Link AirPro DWL-5000AP User manual

D-Link AirPro DWL-5000AP
5 GHz Wireless Access Point
Manual
Rev. 031502
Building Networks for People

2
Contents
Package Contents....................................................3
Introduction...............................................................4
Wireless Basics........................................................6
Getting Started........................................................10
Using the Configuration Utility................................15
Troubleshooting......................................................25
Networking Basics..................................................32
Technical Specifications..........................................62
Contacting Technical Support.................................64
Limited Warranty.....................................................65

Package Contents
Contents of Package:
• D-Link AirPro DWL-5000AP 5GHz Wireless Access Point
• Power Cable
• Power Supply – 5V DC, 2.5A
• Manual on CD
• Printed Quick Installation Guide
• Console Cable
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with
the DWL-5000AP will cause damage and void the warranty for this product.
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
• Computer with a Windows or Macintosh or Linux based operating
system with an installed Ethernet adapter.
• Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator, version 4.0 or above, with
JavaScript enabled.

4
Introduction
The D-Link AirPro DWL-5000AP Wireless Access Point is an IEEE 802.11a
compatible, high performance, wireless access point that supports data
transfer speeds of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode.
It is an ideal way to extend the reach and number of computers connected to
your wireless network. After completing the steps outlined in the Quick
Installation Guide (included in your package) 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 or play! Please take a
look at our Getting Started section in this manual. You will see several
options for setting up a network using the DWL-5000AP.
The DWL-5000AP is compatible with most popular operating systems,
including Macintosh, Linux and Windows, and can be integrated into a large
network. This Manual is designed to help you connect the Access Point and
the D-Link AirPro 802.11a Wireless Adapters into a network in Infrastructure
mode. The IEEE 802.11a standards compliance means that the DWL-
5000AP gives you the flexibility to connect to any 802.11a network.
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 get acquainted with wireless technology.
Connections
Console Port
Connect the Console Cable
to this port and to the Com
Port on the computer for one
method of Configuring the
DWL-5000AP. You can also
Configure theDWL-5000AP
wirelessly, or through an
Ethernet connection.
MDIX Ethernet Port
• Cross-over cable
is required when
connecting to a
router or switch
• Straight-through
cable to connect
to a computer
Reset button
Power inlet

Product Features
• Adheres to 802.11a standard in providing high data wireless transfer rates of up to
54 Mbps.* Capable of providing data rates of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode.
• Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring
• Eight non-overlapping Channels available to users
• Operation in the 5.2GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII)
frequency band
• Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – a new technique for
transmitting high-speed data over a radio wave.
• Dynamic data rate scaling from 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 and 72Mbps depending
upon reception quality.
• Maximum reliability, throughput and connectivity with automatic data rate switching.
• Supports Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) data encryption at 64/128/152-bit
encryption with dynamic key exchange for security.
• Two external antennas
*Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11a specifications. Actual data
throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of
network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead lower actual data
throughput rate.
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-5000AP Wireless Access
Point has 4 LEDs as shown below:
LED LED Activity
Power Steady light indicates a connection
to a power source
10M Flashes steadily to indicate
connection; intermittent flashes
indicate activity at 10Mbps
100M Flashes steadily to indicate
connection; intermittent flashes
indicate activity at 100Mbps
11a Flashes steadily to indicate a
wireless connection

6
Wireless Basics
D-Link AirPro 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 802.11a, the D-Link AirPro
wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when
and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced
to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the
freedom that wireless networking delivers.
A wireless LAN (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. 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 users can use the same network applications they use on an
Ethernet LAN. Wireless 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 and a wireless computer equipped with a wireless adapter other
than the added benefit of the ability to roam within the wireless-cell. 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 Access
Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link.
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. 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 802.11a 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.

Wireless Basics (continued)
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 allow roaming over a broad area.
D-Link AirPro Wireless LAN products include:
 802.11a 5GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop
computers (DWL-A650)
 802.11a 5GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(DWL-A520)
 802.11a 5GHz Wireless Access Points (DWL-5000AP)
Standards - Based Technology
The IEEE 802.11a standard designates that devices operate at an optimal
data rate of 54 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 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 products will
automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the
greatest speed and range possible with the technology.

8
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Designed to go up to 900 feet (~300 meters), D-Link AirPro DWL-5000AP
lets you access your network with your laptop computer 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 AirPro Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
For some businesses or for a large residential home deployment, it may
be beneficial to have more than one access point with overlapping
coverage.
2. Be aware of the direct line between Access Points and computers with
wireless adapters - 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 the
Access Points and Adapters 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 Access Points,
and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through
drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
4. Make sure that the antenna is positioned for best reception by using the
software signal strength tools included with your product.
5. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical
devices or appliances that generate extreme RF noise.

Wireless Basics (continued)
For the average residence, range should not be a problem. If you
experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to
access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between
the computers with wireless adapters that will be connected. Additional
Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where
the signal does not appear as strong as desired.
Using radio frequency (RF) technology, WLANs (Wireless Local Area
Networks) transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for
wired connections. Thus, WLANs combine data connectivity with user
mobility, and, through simplified configuration, enable movable LANs.

10
Getting Started
To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building.
We will discuss the following types of networks in this section:
1. A Home Internet Network
with A Residential Gateway/Router
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
Please select, from the two types of networks described above, the type of
network that is appropriate for your needs. Please follow the instructions in
the corresponding section that follows.
1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router
(Network administrators with Dynamic IPs can also follow these instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using a DHCP-capable Residential
Gateway/Router – or - if you want to connect to an Ethernet network that
uses Dynamic (DHCP) IP addresses, then follow the instructions on the next
page. When it is complete, your network may look similar to this:
DHCP stands for
Dynamic Host
Configuration
Protocol. It is a
p
rotocol for
assigning dynamic
IP addresses
“automatically.”
With a DHCP-
capable gateway,
there is no need to
manually assign
an IP address.

1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router
(continued)
(Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an Ethernet
(CAT5) cable to an 802.11a Access Point such as the DWL-5000AP.)
This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for
each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable Residential
Gateway/Router for your network.
To complete the installation, please follow these steps:
1. Connect the Router/Gateway (for example, the D-Link DI-704P) to
a Broadband connection, (e.g., a Cable modem such as the D-Link
DCM-200 cable modem or a DSL modem such as the D-Link DSL-
300.)
2. Connect the 802.11a Access Point (DWL-5000AP) to the router.
3. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into a laptop computer on your wireless network. (You can also
install the DWL-A520 AirPro Wireless PCI Adapter into your
desktop computer. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide included
with each product.)
4. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Troubleshooting section in
this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
5. By default, the wireless adapter is set to obtain a Dynamic IP
Address. If you are having difficulty connecting, check to make sure
that the IP Address of the wireless adapter is within the IP address
range of your network. Please refer to the Networking Basics
section in this manual entitled: Checking The IP Address.
6. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.

12
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses
(Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.)
If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share
files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have
purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or- you want to connect to
an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow the
instructions on the next page. When you have completed your network, it
should look similar to this:
Please note that this type of installation requires that your ISP (Internet
Service Provider) provides you a static IP address for each computer and
the Access Point on your network. Please refer to the manual that came
with your Access Point to determine its configuration.

2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses (continued)
Please follow these steps to complete the installation:
1. Connect the Wireless Access Point (the D-Link AirPro DWL-
5000AP) to a Broadband connection (i.e., a Cable modem such as
the D-Link DCM-200 cable modem.)
2. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter
into the laptop computer(s) on your wireless network. (You can also
install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into your
desktop computers. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide
included with each product.)
3. Check the Device Manager to confirm that the wireless adapter is
installed correctly. Please refer to the Troubleshooting section in
this manual entitled: Checking the Installation of the Drivers for
the Wireless Adapter.
4. Set the Static IP Address of the wireless adapters. Please refer to
the Networking Basics section in this manual entitled: Assigning
an IP Address.
Note: The IP Address for all computers must be in the same IP Address
range, and the Subnet Mask must be the same for all the computers on 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 should be assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet
Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc. Each computer must have a unique IP Address.
If two devices share an identical AP Address, a conflict occurs, and one
device may not be visible on the network.
If you are using a PPPoE client (Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet)
please contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for further instructions
regarding connecting to the Internet.
5. Learn to share printers and files. Please refer to the Networking
Basics section in this manual entitled: Adding and Sharing Printers
in Windows XP.

14

Using the Configuration Utility
The Configuration Utility program for the DWL-5000AP is web-based. You
will need a JavaScript-enabled web-browser such as the Internet Explorer
4.0 or higher, or the Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher. The computer that
you are using for initial configuration must have an IP Address within
the same range as the IP Address of the DWL-5000AP. (Please refer to
the Quick Installation Guide for more information.) If you are using a D-Link
router in your network, such as the DI-704P, with the factory default settings,
you will not need to assign a static IP Address. However, if you are not
using a D-Link router in your network, you will need to assign a Static IP
Address, within the IP Address Range of the DWL-5000AP. (Please see
Networking Basics in this manual for information on Assigning a Static IP
Address.)
To use the Configuration Utility, open the web-browser and type in the IP
Address of the DWL-5000AP. The DWL-5000AP IP Address is shown below:
The screen below will appear.
• Open the web browser
• Type in the IP Address of
the Access Point
• Type Admin in the User
Name field (Upper case
A, lower case dmin)
• Leave the Password
blank
• Click OK
• Click
Configuration

16
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
General Configuration
In this window you can make changes to the default settings, if you wish.
D-Link 802.11a AirPro products network together, out of the box, with the
default settings. No configuration is needed. All computers on the network
must be within the same IP Address range, and have the same settings for
the Radio Channel, Turbo Mode and SSID in order to communicate.
• To make changes, enter the changes in the appropriate fields and
click Update.
• To create Advanced settings, click Advanced.
• If you need help, click Help in any Configuration window.
• To accept these Default Settings, make no changes in this window.
To view another Configuration window, click Shared Keys, near the
top of the window.

Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Shared Keys
For added security on your network, you can use this window to configure
encryption keys.Encryption is optional. If you do use encryption, then all
the computers on the network, and the DWL-5000AP, must use the same
encryption key in order to communicate.
• From the pull-down Key Length menu, select the Key Length.
• Enter the Encryption Key. The Encryption Key must be in a
hexadecimal format. For 64-bit encryption, you must type exactly 10
hexadecimal digits in the Encryption key field; for 128-bit encryption,
you must type exactly 26 hexadecimal digits, and for 152-bit
encryption, you must type exactly 32 hexadecimal digits.
Note: Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F.
• Click Update

18
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Per Station Privacy
ACL (Access Control List) gives you the option of allowing or disallowing
association with the Access Point for certain computers on your network.
ACL is optional. MAC Addresses are used to create this list. If you choose
to use this function, please do the following:
• Click on the pull-down menu to the right of ACL, select Enable or
Disable
• Click Add to add a new ACL
• Input the MAC Address of the new member of the ACL

• ACL Type: For an extra level of security on the network, enter Default
Shared Key, or a specific Unique Key (either 64, 128 or 152 bits.) If
you select Allow in this field, you must keep the Unique Key field blank.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Per Station Privacy
• If you select Default Shared Key in the ACL Type field, you will then
enter the WEP encryption key that is shared on your network into the
Unique Key field.
• If you select a specific Unique Key (such as 64, 128 or 152 bits) in the
ACL Type field, a Unique Key, in the format you selected (64,128,152
bits,) will be generated in the Unique Key field.
• Click Add to List

20
Using the Configuration Utility (continued)
Configuration Script
If you are using multiple Access Points on your network, after you have
completed the configuration of one DWL-5000AP, you can use the
Configuration Script to configure all the other DWL-5000APs. To use this
function, please do the following:
• Enter the Host Name of the computer in which the Script Name resides
• Enter the User Name and Password of the host computer
• Enter the Script Path using the format in the example above
• Enter the Script Name (the file name of the Configuration Script)
• Click Execute if you make any changes in this window
C:\foldername\filename