D-Link AirXpert DWL-7000AP User manual

DWL-7000AP
Tri-Mode Dualband 2.4/5GHz
Manual
Building Networks for People
D-Link AirXpert™
Wireless Access Point

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Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................ 4
Introduction ........................................................................................... 5
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... 7
Getting Started ....................................................................................11
Using the Configuration Menu ............................................................ 13
Networking Basics .............................................................................. 22
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 52
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 58
Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 60
Warranty and Registration .................................................................. 62

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Contents of Package:
D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-7000AP
2.4GHz/5GHz Tri-mode Dualband Wireless Access Point
Power Adapter – 5V DC, 2.5A
Manual on CD
Quick Installation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with
the DWL-7000AP will cause damage and void the warranty for this product.
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements For Configuration:
Package Contents
At least 128 MB of memory and a 500 MHz processor
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Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating
system with an installed Ethernet adapter
Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 6.0 or above,
with JavaScript enabled
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The DWL-7000AP offers transfer rates up to 54Mbps* in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz
bands, large data packets travel from the router to a remote desktop or roaming
laptop PC at up to five times the speed of previous wireless devices. Everyone can
work faster and more efficiently or watch a streaming video smoothly. The additional
(802.11a) 5GHz band also offers a way to quickly transfer data without the interference
produced by other devices operating in the 2.4GHz frequency. Network administrators
can partition the usage of the dualband DWL-7000AP by segmenting the users on the
wireless network by frequency band. Users who require special networking privileges
— access to sensitive information, specific departments or videoconferencing — may
use just the 802.11a channels; while other employees may just use the 802.11b and
802.11g channels. This type of user segmentation optimizes the AP s performance and
delivers the best network experience to each set of users.
The DWL-7000AP is ideal for network administrators who require additional management,
firewall, and other network security features. All of the AP s settings are easily accessible
in the operating system independent, Web-based software user interface that also
features a step-by-step Setup Wizard to get your router up and running in just a matter
of minutes. The DWL-7000AP incorporates the 802.1x standard for wireless user
authentication and WPA* (Wi-Fi Protected Access) which dynamically encrypts data
as it’s being sent.
Introduction
D-Link, the industry pioneer in wireless networking, introduces another breakthrough in
wireless connectivity — the D-Link AirXpert™ DWL-7000AP Wireless Access Point. This
tri-mode, dualband Access Point provides the most expanded user bandwidth available
in an AP. Wireless clients can connect to this AP using any one of its 11 non-overlapping
channels to transfer data at speeds never before achievable in a wireless device. The
DWL-7000AP operates seamlessly and simultaneously in both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz
frequency spectrums supporting the 802.11b and the newer, faster 802.11a and 802.11g
wireless standards. For offices, schools or public hotspots that already use 802.11b
devices, the DWL-7000AP is a great way to expand an existing network and enable even
more users to communicate with one another, access data and the Internet. Now, you
can have an AP that will compliment your existing network and protect the investment
you made when you provided the convenience of wireless networking.
*“Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11a and 802.11g 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.”

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Straight-Through cable is required when
connecting to a router or switch
Cross-Over cable is required when connecting directly to an
ethernet adapter on a computer
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* WPA features available as a firmware upgrade download in Q3 2003
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Features & Benefits
Up to 54 Mbps* with 11 Non-overlapping channels - Means you can
transfer large files up to 5 times more quickly than was previously possible
without signal interference
802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Compliant - Means you can mix devices
from different standards without sacrificing connectivity
Better Security with 802.1x and WPA* - Other 802.11g devices can
connect securely using 802.1x authentication and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected
Access)
Connections
MDI RJ-45 Ethernet Port Power Receptor
Reset
*“Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11a and 802.11g 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.”

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LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-7000AP Wireless Access Point
has 5 Green LEDs as shown below:
Power
LAN (10/100)
WLAN
(802.11a and
802.11b or
802.11g)
A steady light indicates a connection to a power
source
A steady light indicates a connection to the Ethernet
port; a blinking light indicates activity
LED LED Activity
A blinking light indicates activity in the respective
wireless mode: 802.11a and/or 802.11b/802.11g

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D-Link Air Xpert™ 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 Air Xpert™ 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 office environments, and public areas such as
airports, coffee shops and universities. 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 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 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. 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 can benefit from WLANs ease of
implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be
impractical.
Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fast and easy
and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology
allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or office.
Inexpensive Solution – Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as
conventional Ethernet network devices.
Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways 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 larger
infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending
on the number of wireless devices deployed.
Wireless Basics

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The DWL-7000AP is compatible with the following wireless products:
Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPro DWL-A650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+, D-Link AirXpert
DWL-A650, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-G650, D-Link AirPro DWL-
AB650
Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 and D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+, D-Link AirPlus
Xtreme G DWL-G520, D-Link AirXpert DWL-AG520, and D-Link AirPro
DWL-AB520
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-7000AP Wireless Access Point utilizes the 802.11a, 802.11b and draft
802.11g standard.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the
data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11a standard also increases
the data rate up to 54 Mbps, but within the 5GHz band. Both 802.11a and 802.11g
utilize OFDM technology.
This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, 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.
The DWL-7000AP offers the most advanced network security features available today,
including: WPA and 802.1x.
In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-7000AP
is compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have an existing 802.11b
network, or a network with a mixture of 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b, the devices in
that network will be compatible with the DWL-7000AP.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Desktop and laptop computers with wireless network adapters installed can access
the D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-7000AP from virtually anywhere within its operating range.
Keep in mind, however, 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:
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.
Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door
or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position
wireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal
passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from
electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.
Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-7000AP
and other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can
reduce your D-Link wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30
meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings
is minimized.
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Getting Started
An Infrastructure wireless network contains an Access Point or Router. The
Infrastructure Network example, shown on the following page, contains the
following D-Link network devices:
A wireless Access Point - D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-7000AP
An Ethernet Router - D-Link DI-604
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-AG650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-AG520
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
If you need to assign IP Addresses to the computers on the network, please
remember that the IP Address for each computer must be in the same IP
Address range as all the computers in the network, and the Subnet mask
must be exactly the same for all the computers in 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 can be assigned an
IP Address of 192.168.0.3 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, etc.
IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IP
Address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.
IP ADDRESS
Note: If you are using a DHCP-capable router in your network setup, such as
the DI-604, you will not need to assign a static IP Address.
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-7000AP will
automatically connect with other D-Link Air Xpert™ products

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You will need a broadband Internet access (Cable/DSL) subscription
Consult with your Cable/DSL provider for proper installation of the modem
Connect the modem to an Ethernet broadband router such as the
DI-604. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DI-604.)
Connect the router to the D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-7000AP. (See the Quick
Installation Guide included with the DWL-7000AP.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the
D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG520.)
Install the drivers for the D-Link Air Xpert™ DWL-AG650 into the laptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-A650.)
For a typical wireless setup (as shown above,) please do the following:
An Infrastructure wireless network contains an Access Point or Router. The
Infrastructure Network example, shown here, contains the following D-Link network
devices:
Getting Started (continued)
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Ethernet Router

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Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-7000AP, you can access
the Configuration Menu by opening the web-browser and typing in the IP Address of
the DWL-7000AP. The DWL-7000AP default IP Address is shown below:
Open the web browser
Type in the IP Address of
the Access Point
Note: if you have changed the default IP Address assigned to the DWL-7000AP,
make sure to enter the correct IP Address.
admin
Home > Wizard
The Home>Wizard screen
will appear. Please refer to the
Quick Installation Guide for
more information regarding
the Setup Wizard.
Using the Configuration Menu
Type admin in the User Name field
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Leave the Password blank
Click Next
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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > Wireless
Wireless Band: Choose 802.11a or 802.11g.
SSID: (Service Set Identifier) “default” is the default setting for both 802.11a
and 802.11g. The SSID is a unique name that identifies a network. All devices on a
network must share the same SSID name in order to communicate on the network. If
you choose to change the SSID from the default setting, input your new SSID name
in this field. The SSID can be up to 32 characters in length.
Channel: Channel 36 is the default channel for 802.11a. Channel 6 is the
default channel for 802.11b. Select a different channel if you want to change
the default setting. All devices on the network must be set to the same channel to
communicate on the network. (Current wireless network adapters will automatically
scan for the channel to establish connection with the access point.)
Click Help at any time for more information.
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions.
Note: In the Configuration screens that follow, you will be able
to configure settings for 802.11a and 802.11g devices in your
network. Settings that you input for 802.11g devices will also
apply to 802.11b devices in your network.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > LAN
This window displays the default settings of the DWL-7000AP.
Get IP From: Choose Static or Dynamic. If you select Static you will manually
input the IP Address. If you select Dynamic the DHCP server on your network will
automatically assign an IP Address.
IP Address: The default IP Address is 192.168.0.50. (Note: you will need to use the
AP Manager to determine the IP Address dynamically assigned to the Access Point.)
Subnet Mask: The Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway: Input the IP Address of the Default Gateway (the router in the
network).
Click Help at any time for more information.
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Turbo Setting: Select Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Disabled.
Frequency: The frequency range will be displayed.
Channel: The default channel for 802.11a is 36.
The default channel for 802.11g is 6.
Data Rate: Select the transmission rate for the network
Beacon Interval: Beacons are packets sent by an Access Point to synchronize
a wireless network. Specify a Beacon interval value (20-1000.) Default (100) is
recommended.
DTIM: (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) Enter a value between 1 and 255 for the
Delivery Traffic Indication Message (DTIM.) A DTIM is a countdown informing clients
of the next window for listening to broadcast and multicast messages.
Advanced > Performance
The default Performance settings are shown in the illustration above.
Wireless Band:
Select 802.11a
(up to 72 Mbps
speed in turbo
mode in the 5GHz
range) or 802.11g
(up to 54 Mbps*
speed with AirPlus
adapters.)
Fragment Length: This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you
experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation
Threshold within the value range of 256 to 2346. Setting the Fragmentation
Threshold too low may result in poor performance.
RTS Length: This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you
encounter inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications to the value range
between 256 and 2346 are recommended.
Transmit Power: Adjust the transmission range here. This tool can be helpful for
security purposes if you wish to limit the transmission range.
*“Maximum wireless signal rate based on IEEE Standard 802.11a and 802.11g 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.”

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters
Access Control:
Disabled - Disable the Access Control feature
Accept - Accept the MAC Addresses in the list into the network
Reject - Reject the MAC Addresses in the list from participating in the
network
Access Control List: Input the MAC Addresses into the list
MAC Address (Media Access Control Address)
A unique hardware address that identifies a device on a network. It is
assigned at the factory and cannot be changed. Usually you will find this
address on a sticker on the device or on the packaging. (Please use the
following format when entering the MAC address- xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx)

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Encryption
WEP: Select Enabled or Disabled (the default setting is Disabled)
Authentication: Select from one of the following:
WEP Key Type: Select HEX (Hexadecimal) or ASCII
WEP Key Size: Select 64, 128 or 256 bit for 802.11b; 64, 128, 152 bit for 802.11a
Valid Key: Select the key that you will use from one of the four keys in the Key Table.
Key Table: Input up to 4 keys using the format that you have selected in Wep Key
Type.
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802.1x: click here to select 802.1x authentication
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Shared Key/Open System: click here to select both options
Shared Key: in order to access the DWL-6000AP on the
network, the device must be listed in the Access Control List
Open System: the DWL-6000AP will be visible to all devices
on the network. Open System is the default setting.
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for repre-
senting English letters as numbers from 0-127
802.1x - is the first line of
defense against network
intrusion. In the authenti-
cation process the Radius
Server verifies the identity
of the client attempting to
connect to the network. Un-
familiar clients will be denied
access. EAP(Extensible
Authentication Protocol)
is available through the
Windows XP Operating
System. You will need to
use the same type of EAP
protocol on all the devices
in your network when using
the 802.1x feature.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Grouping
Load Balance: Select Enabled or Disabled.
Link Integrity: Select Enabled or Disabled
User Limit: Set the User Limit in this field (0-64)
When you Enable Load Balance you allow several DWL-7000APs to balance
wireless network traffic and wireless clients among the DWL-7000APs with the
same group name. After selecting this option, you will be prompted to enter a
Group Name. All the APs that share Load Balancing must have the same Group
Name and the same SSID. Assign each Access Point a different non-overlapping
channel (e.g., 1, 6, 11).
Ethernet Link Status: This field displays the Ethernet Link Status. Link Up indicates
that there is an Ethernet LAN connection to the AP.
Link Integrity
When Link Integrity is Enabled, whenever the Ethernet connection between
the LAN and the AP is disconnected - then the Wireless segment associated
with the AP will also be disconnected from the AP.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Tools > Admin
Tools > System
User Name: The default User Name is admin
Old Password: To change your password, first enter the old password
New Password: Enter the new password
Confirm New Password: Re-enter the new password
Apply: To save changes, click Apply
Apply Settings and Restart: If you have made any changes to the configuration
settings, click Restart to apply the changes
Restore to Factory Default Settings: To return the DWL-7000AP to the factory
default settings, click Restore

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Update File: Click on Browse to find the updated firmware file on your hard drive.
(Before you Browse your hard drive you will need to download the updated firmware
from the D-Link Support website: http://support.dlink.com)
After you find the updated firmware file on your hard drive, click OK.
Tools> Firmware