D-Link AirXpertDWL-7000AP User manual

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

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................7
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationMenu..............................................................12
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................23
Troubleshooting...................................................................................38
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................44
ContactingTechnicalSupport ..............................................................47
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................48

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirXpert DWL-7000AP
2.4GHz/5GHz Tri-mode Dualband Wireless Access Point
PowerAdapter – 5V DC, 2.5A
ManualonCD
QuickInstallationGuide
Ethernet Cable
Note:Using a powersupplywith a differentvoltagerating than theoneincluded with
theDWL-7000AP willcausedamage and voidthewarranty for thisproduct.
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
PCat up tofivetimesthespeed of previouswirelessdevices.Everyone can work faster
andmoreefficientlyorwatcha streaming video smoothly.Theadditional(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
theusageofthedualbandDWL-7000APbysegmentingtheusersonthewirelessnetwork
byfrequencyband.Userswhorequirespecialnetworkingprivileges—accesstosensitive
information, specific departments or videoconferencing — may use just the 802.11a
channels;while other employeesmay justuse the802.11band 802.11g channels.This
typeofusersegmentationoptimizestheAPsperformanceand delivers the best network
experience to each set of users.
TheDWL-7000APisidealfornetworkadministratorswhorequireadditionalmanagement,
firewall,andothernetworksecurityfeatures.All of theAPssettingsareeasilyaccessible
intheoperatingsystemindependent,Web-basedsoftwareuserinterfacethatalsofeatures
astep-by-stepSetupWizard to get your router up and running in just a matter of minutes.
TheDWL-7000APincorporates the 802.1x standard for wireless user authentication and
WPA* (Wi-Fi Protected Access) which dynamically encrypts data as it’s being sent.
*WPAfeatures availableasa firmware upgradedownloadin Q3 2003.
Introduction
D-Link,the industry pioneerin wireless networking,introduces anotherbreakthrough in
wireless connectivity — the D-LinkAirXpert DWL-7000APWirelessAccess Point.This
tri-mode,dualbandAccessPoint provides themost expanded user bandwidth available
inanAP.Wireless clientscan connect tothisAPusing anyone of its11 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
frequencyspectrumssupportingthe802.11b and the newer,faster802.11aand802.11g
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
evenmore usersto communicatewith oneanother, access dataand theInternet. Now,
youcan haveanAPthatwillcompliment yourexistingnetworkandprotect theinvestment
youmadewhen you providedthe convenience of wirelessnetworking.

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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
withoutsignalinterference
802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Compliant - Means you can mix devices
fromdifferent standards withoutsacrificing 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
Straight-Through cableis required when
connecting to a router or switch
Cross-Over cableis required whenconnecting directlyto an
ethernet adapter on a computer
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LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. TheDWL-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
AsteadylightindicatesaconnectiontotheEthernet
port;ablinking lightindicatesactivity
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-LinkAir Xpertwireless products arebased onindustry standardsto provideeasy-to-
useand compatiblehigh-speed wirelessconnectivity withinyour home, businessor
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
networkingdelivers.
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
increasinglyin bothhome andoffice environments,and public areassuch asairports,
coffeeshops and universities.Innovative waysto utilize WLANtechnology arehelping
people to work and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence
ofcabling and otherfixed infrastructurehave provento be beneficial for manyusers.
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
protocolsas Ethernet adapter cards.
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices to link to
aconventional EthernetLAN in order to use servers, printers or an Internet connection
supplied through the wired LAN.AWirelessAccess Point (AP) is a device used to
providethis link.
Peopleuse wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility -Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location
withinthe operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time
informationcan significantly improveworker 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
conventionalEthernetnetworkdevices.
Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of
specificapplications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range
frompeer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of usersto larger infrastructure
networksto accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number
ofwirelessdevices deployed.
Wireless Basics

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TheDWL-7000AP iscompatible withthe followingwireless products:
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
WirelessCardbusAdapters used withlaptop 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
Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-7000APWirelessAccessPointutilizesthe 802.11a,802.11b anddraft802.11g
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
thedatarateupto 54 Mbps,butwithin the 5GHz band.Both802.11aand 802.11g utilize
OFDM technology.
Thismeans that inmost environments, withinthe specified rangeof 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
digitaldataoveraradiowaveutilizingOFDM (Orthogonal FrequencyDivisionMultiplexing)
technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals
thatare then transmittedsimultaneouslyat differentfrequencies to the receiver. OFDM
reducesthe amount ofcrosstalk (interference) in signaltransmissions.
TheDWL-7000APoffersthemost advancednetwork 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
compatiblewith802.11bdevices.Thismeansthatifyouhaveanexisting802.11bnetwork,
oranetworkwitha mixture of 802.11g, 802.11a and 802.11b,thedevicesinthatnetwork
willbe compatiblewith the DWL-7000AP.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Desktopand laptop computers with wirelessnetwork adapters installed can access the
D-LinkAir Xpert DWL-7000APfromvirtuallyanywherewithinitsoperatingrange. Keep
in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other
objectsthat the wireless signalsmust passthrough, may limit the range.Typicalranges
varydepending on thetypes of materialsand background RF(radio frequency) noise in
your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic
guidelines:
TM
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.
Buildingmaterials can impede thewireless signal -a solid metaldoor or
aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position
wirelessdevices and computers with wirelessadapterssothatthesignal
passesthrough 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
yourD-Linkwirelessproduct’srangefrom3-90feet(1-30meters.)Position
your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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Getting Started
An Infrastructure wireless network contains anAccess Point or Router.The
Infrastructure Network example,shown onthe following page, contains the following
D-Linknetworkdevices:
Awireless 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
ACablemodem - D-Link DCM-201
If you need to assign IPAddresses 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 IPAddress 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 automati-
cally connect with other D-Link Air Xpert products

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Youwillneeda broadband Internet access(Cable/DSL)subscription
ConsultwithyourCable/DSLproviderforproper installation of the modem
Connectthe modem toan Ethernet broadband router suchas the
DI-604.(Seethe Quick InstallationGuide included withthe DI-604.)
Connect the router to the D-Link Air Xpert DWL-7000AP. (See the Quick
InstallationGuideincluded with the DWL-7000AP.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the
D-LinkAir Xpert DWL-AG520 wirelessPCIadapter into an availablePCIslot.
(Seethe Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG520.)
Installthe driversforthe D-Link AirXpert DWL-AG650 into thelaptop computer.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-A650.)
Fora typical wireless setup(as shown above,)please do thefollowing:
An Infrastructure wireless network contains anAccess 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
theConfiguration Menuby opening the web-browser and typing in the IPAddressof
theDWL-7000AP.The DWL-7000APdefaultIPAddress is shown below:
Openthewebbrowser
Type in the IPAddress 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
formoreinformationregard-
ing the Setup Wizard.
Using the Configuration Menu
Type admin in the User Name field
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"Leavethe Password blank
Click Next
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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > Wireless
Wireless Band: Choose802.11a 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
communicateon 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
configuresettings 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 inyour 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 IPAddress. If you select Dynamic the DHCP server on your network will
automatically assign an IPAddress.
IPAddress: The default IPAddress 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 IPAddress 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)
Advanced > Mode
AccessPoint:
Select this mode to
create a WLAN
(WirelessLocalArea
Network.)
PtP Bridge (Point
to Point Bridge):
Thismodeenables
you to connect two
WLANS
Remote AP MAC
Address:Input the
remoteAP MAC
Address of theAP
with which the DWL-
7000APwill
associate
PtMP Bridge (Point to Multi-Point Bridge): This mode enables you to connect
multiple WLANs
RemoteAP MAC Address: Input the remoteAPMACAddresses of theAPs with
which the DWL-7000AP will associate
AP Repeater: To extend the range of the wireless network select this option and
enter the MAC address of the remoteAPwithin your network that will have its range
extended.
Static Key: Select this option when theAP to be repeated has WEP enabled.
Dynamic Key: Select this option when theAP to be repeated has 802.1x enabled.
RootAP MAC Address: Enter the MAC address of the remoteAPwithin your
networkthat will have its range extended.
Choose 802.11a or
802.11g Wireless
Band; then select
from the following
options:

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Turbo Setting: Select Enabled or Disabled. The default setting is Disabled.
Frequency: Thefrequency range will be displayed.
Channel: Thedefault channel for 802.11a is 36.
Thedefault channel for802.11g is 6.
Data Rate: Select the transmission rate for the network
Beacon Interval: Beacons are packets sent by anAccess Point to synchronize a
wirelessnetwork. Specify a Beacon interval value (20-1000.) Default (100) is
recommended.
DTIM: (DeliveryTraffic Indication Message) Entera valuebetween 1 and 255 for the
DeliveryTraffic Indication Message(DTIM.) ADTIM is acountdowninforming 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:
Select802.11a (up
to 72 Mbps speed
in turbo mode in
the5GHzrange)
or802.11g (upto
54Mbps speed
withAirPlus
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
Thresholdwithin the valuerange of 256 to 2346. Settingthe Fragmentation Threshold
toolow mayresult in poor performance.
RTS Length: This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. If you
encounterinconsistent data flow, only minor modifications to thevalue rangebetween
256and2346are recommended.
Transmit Power: Adjust the transmission range here.This tool can be helpful for
security purposes if you wish to limit the transmission range.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters
AccessControl:
Disabled - Disable theAccess Control feature
Accept - Accept the MACAddresses in the list into the network
Reject - Reject the MACAddresses in the list from participating
in the network
Access Control List: Input the MACAddresses into the list
MACAddress (MediaAccess ControlAddress)
Auniquehardwareaddressthatidentifiesadeviceonanetwork. Itisassigned
atthe factory and cannot bechanged. Usually youwill find this address ona
sticker on the device or on the packaging. (Please use the following format
whenentering theMACaddress-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: Selectfromone of thefollowing:
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.
"802.1x: click here to select 802.1x authentication
"Shared Key/Open System: click here to select both options
"Shared Key: in order to access the DWL-7000AP on the
network,the device mustbe listed inthe Access Control List
"Open System: the DWL-7000AP 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 (AmericanStandard Code for Information Interchange) is a code for repre-
senting English letters as numbers from 0-127
802.1x - is the first line of
defenseagainstnetwork in-
trusion.Intheauthentication
process the Radius Server
verifies the identity of the
clientattemptingtoconnect
to the network. Unfamiliar
clients will be denied ac-
cess. EAP(Extensible Au-
thentication Protocol) is
available through the Win-
dows XP Operating Sys-
tem. You will need to use
the same type of EAP pro-
tocol on all the devices in
your network when using
the802.1x feature.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Grouping
Load Balance: Select Enabled or Disabled.
Link Integrity: SelectEnabled 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 in the
network. Assigneach accesspoint a differentnon-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 theAP.
WhenLink Integrity is Enabled, wheneverthe Ethernet connection
between the LAN and theAP is disconnected - then the Wireless
segment associated with theAP will also be disconnected from theAP.

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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 yourpassword,first enterthe old password
New Password: Enterthe new password
Confirm New Password: Re-enterthenewpassword
Apply: To save changes, click Apply
Apply Settings and Restart: Ifyouhave made anychanges to the configuration
settings, click Restart to apply the changes
Restore to Factory Default Settings: To return the DWL-7000APto the factory
default settings, click Restore