D-Link DWL-2100AP - AirPlus Xtreme G User manual

Manual
Building Networks for People
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™
DWL-2100AP
802.11g Wireless
108Mbps Access Point

2
Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................ 3
Introduction ........................................................................................... 4
Connections .......................................................................................... 5
Features and Benefits .......................................................................... 7
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... 8
Getting Started ................................................................................... 11
Using the Configuration Menu ............................................................ 13
Using the AP Manager ....................................................................... 33
Networking Basics .............................................................................. 51
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 66
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 73
Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 76
Warranty ............................................................................................. 77
Registration ........................................................................................ 80

3
Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-2100AP
802.11g Wireless 108Mbps Access Point
Power Adapter-DC 5V, 2.0A
Manual and Warranty on CD
Quick Installation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or Netscape Navigator Version
6.0 and Above
Computers with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based
operating systems with an installed Ethernet adapter
Package Contents
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with
the DWL-2100AP 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:
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4
Introduction
For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security
for the DWL-2100AP, used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible 802.11 products,
will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA,
the DWL-2100AP will obtain a new security key every time it connects to the 802.11
network. You only need to input your encryption information once in the configuration
menu. No longer will you have to manually input a new WEP key frequently to ensure
security. With the DWL-2100AP, you will automatically receive a new key every time you
connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
The DWL-2100AP is capable of operating in one of 5 different modes to meet your
wireless networking needs. The DWL-2100AP can operate as an access point, in access
point-to-access point bridging mode, access point-to-multi-access point bridging mode,
repeater, or wireless client mode.
The DWL-2100AP is an ideal solution for quickly creating and extending a wireless local
area network (WLAN) in offices or other workplaces, trade shows and special events.
Unlike most access points, the DWL-2100AP provides data transfers at up to 108 Mbps in
Super G mode when used with other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ products. The 802.11g
standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices.
The DWL-2100AP has the newest, strongest, most advanced security features available
today. When used with other 802.11g WPA (WiFi Protected Access) compatible products
in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies users based on a
secret key that changes automatically at regular intervals. WPA uses TKIP
(Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporal key every 10,000
packets (a packet is a kind of message transmitted over a network.)
This insures much greater security than the standard WEP security. (By
contrast, the previous WEP encryption implementation required the keys
to be changed manually.)
At up to fifteen times the maximum wireless signal rate of previous wireless devices (up
to 108Mbps* in Super G mode), you can work faster and more efficiently, increasing
productivity. With the DWL-2100AP, bandwidth-intensive applications like graphics or
multimedia will benefit significantly because large files are able to move across the
network quickly.
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput
will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, bulilding materials
and construction, and network overhead lower actual data throughout rate.”

5
Connections
Receptor
for the
Power
Adapter.
Pressing the
Reset Button
restores the
DWL-2100AP
to its original
factory default
settings.
The LAN Port is
Auto-MDI/MDIX.
You can insert
either a straight-
through or a
crossover Ethernet
cable in this port in
order to connect the
DWL-2100AP to the
local network.

6
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point has 3
LEDs as shown below:
Power: Solid green light indicates connection.
LAN:
Blinking green light indicates activity
on the Ethernet Port; solid green light
indicates connection.
WLAN: Blinking green light indicates wireless
activity; solid green light indicates connection.

7
Features
5 Different Operation modes - Capable of operating in one of five different operation
modes to meet your wireless networking requirements: Access Point, AP-to-AP
Bridging, AP-to-Multi-AP Bridging, Repeater, or Wireless Client.
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Better security with WPA. The DWL-2100AP can securely connect to wireless
clients on the network using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing a much
higher level of security for your data and communications than has previously
been available. AES is also supported by the DWL-2100AP to maximize the
network security with data encryption.
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Compatible with the 802.11b standard to provide a wireless data rate of up to
11Mbps - that means you can migrate your system to the 802.11g standard
on your own schedule without sacrificing connectivity.
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Faster wireless networking with the 802.11g standard to provide a wireless data
rate of up to 54Mbps (108Mbps* in Super G mode).
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SNMP for Management. The DWL-2100AP is not just fast but it also supports
SNMP v.3 for a better network management. Superior wireless AP manager
software is bundled with the DWL-2100AP for network configuration and firmware
upgrade. Systems administrators can also setup the DWL-2100AP easily with
the Web-based configuration. A D-Link D-View module will be downloadable
for network administration and real-time network traffic monitoring with D-Link
D-View software.
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Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring
Easy Installation with the Setup Wizard
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Operates in the 2.4GHz frequency range
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Utilizes OFDM technology (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g specifications. Actual data throughput
will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, including volume of network traffic, bulilding materials
and construction, and network overhead lower actual data throughout rate.”

8
Wireless Basics
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.
D-Link 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. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you
want, when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless
networking brings.
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a computer network that transmits and
receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs 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.
People use WLAN 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.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point utilizes the 802.11b and the 802.11g
standards.
The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the
data rate up to 54 Mbps* (108Mbps in Super G mode) within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing
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 D-Link
DWL-2100AP will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure
the greatest speed and range possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced network security features available today, including:
WPA , TKIP, AES and Pre-Shared Key mode.
The DWL-2100AP is compatible, in default mode, with the following wireless products:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-G650
Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™
DWL-G520 Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
The DWL-2100AP is also interoperable with other 802.11g and 802.11b
standards-compliant devices.
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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-2100AP lets you access your network, using a
wireless connection, 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:
Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices
or appliances that generate RF noise.
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Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-2100AP and other
network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-
2100AP’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the
number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
1
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.
2
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.
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11
Getting Started
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network
incorporating the DWL-2100AP.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router. The Infrastructure
Network example shown on the following page contains the following D-Link network
devices (your existing network may be comprised of other devices):
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-G650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-G520
A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201
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A wireless router - D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DI-624
A wireless access point -
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-2100AP
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Please remember that D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G™ wireless devices are pre-configured to
connect together, right out of the box, with their default settings.
You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into
your home or office).
Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to the DI-624 Router (see the printed
Quick Installation Guide included with your router.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, install the D-Link
AirPlus Xtreme G™ DWL-G520 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot
on your desktop computer.
(See the printed Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter.)
Install the drivers for the D-Link DWL-G650 wireless Cardbus adapter into a
laptop computer.
(See the printed Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G650.)
Getting Started (continued)
For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:
Setting up
a Wireless
Infrastructure
Network
1
2
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Connect the Ethernet Broadband Router to the DWL-2100AP (See the printed
Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-2100AP.)
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5

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Note: if you have changed the default IP address assigned to the DWL-2100AP, make sure to
enter the correct IP address.
Using the Configuration Menu
Home > Wizard
The Home>Wizard
screen will appear.
Please refer to the
Quick Installation Guide
for more information
regarding the Setup
Wizard.
After you have completed the Setup Wizard (please see the Quick Installation Guide that
came with the product) you can access the Configuration menu at any time by opening
the Web browser and typing in the IP address of the DWL-2100AP. The DWL-2100AP
default IP address is shown below:
 Open the Web browser
 Type in the IP address of the
DWL-2100AP
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Type admin in the User Name field
Leave the Password blank.
(However, if you have changed
the password, please enter the
correct password.)
Click OK
admin

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > Wireless
Channel- 6 is the default channel. All devices on the network must share the
same channel.
Wireless
Band- IEEE 802.11g.
SSID- Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name designated for a specific
wireless local area network (WLAN). The SSID’s factory default setting
is default. The SSID can be easily changed to connect to an existing
wireless network or to establish a new wireless network.
SSID Broadcast-
Enable or Disable SSID Broadcast. Enabling this feature broadcasts
the SSID across the network.
Radio Frequency -
The radio frequency will remain at 2.437 GHz for channel 6.
The frequency will change to reflect the change in the channel setting .
Apply- Click Apply to save the changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > LAN
LAN is short for Local Area Network. This is considered your internal network. These
are the IP settings of the LAN interface for the DWL-2100AP. These settings may be
referred to as private settings. You may change the LAN IP address if needed. The LAN
IP address is private to your internal network and cannot be seen on the Internet.
Click Apply to save the changes.
Get IP From- Select Static (Manual) or Dynamic (DHCP) as the method you will
use to assign an IP address to the DWL-2100AP.
Apply-
Default Gateway- This field is optional. Enter in the lP address of the gateway on
your network.
Subnet Mask- The subnet mask of the LAN interface.
The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0
IP Address- The IP address of the LAN interface. The default IP address
is: 192.168.0.50

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Mode
The DWL-2100AP can
be configured to perform
in any of five modes:
a Wireless Access Point,
a Wireless Bridge,
a Multi-Point Bridge,
a Repeater, or a
Wireless Client.
Access Point- is the default
setting. This mode is used
to create a wireless LAN.
AP Client- will transform any IEEE 802.3 Ethernet device (e.g., a computer, printer, etc.)
into an 802.11b wireless client when it communicates with another DWL-2100AP that
is acting as an AP. Click to enable and enter the MAC address of the root AP.
PtP Bridge- will allow
you to connect two LANs
together. The wireless
bridge will only work with
another DWL-2100AP.
Click to enable and enter
the MAC address of the
remote bridge.
PtMP Bridge- will allow you to connect multiple wireless LANs together. Other wireless
LANs must be using DWL-2100APs. Click to enable and enter up to 8 remote AP MAC
addresses.
AP Repeater- will allow you to repeat the wireless signal of the root AP. Click to enable
and enter the MAC address of the root AP.
Apply - Click Apply if you have made any changes.
Find the MAC address of the DWL-2100AP that is acting as a Remote Access
Point or a Remote Bridge, by going to Status > Device Info in the configuration utility
of the remote DWL-2100AP. There you will find the MAC address.
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.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Performance
Transmit
Power- Choose full, half (-3dB), quarter (-6dB), eighth (-9dB), minimum
power.
Frequency-
The frequency remains at 2.437
GHz for channel 6. The frequency
will change to reflect the change
in the channel setting.
Channel-
Select from channels 1-11.
Fragment Length-
The fragmentation threshold, which is specified in bytes, determines
whether packets will be fragmented. Packets exceeding the 2346
byte setting will be fragmented before transmission. 2346 is the
default setting
DTIM- (Delivery Traffic Indication Message)- 3 is the default setting. DTIM
is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to
broadcast and multicast messages.
Wireless Band-
Data Rate-
The Data Rates are Auto,
1Mbps, 2Mbps, 5.5Mbps,
6Mbps, 9Mbps, 11Mbps,
12Mbps, 18Mbps, 24Mbps,
36Mbps, 48Mbps, 54Mbps.
Beacon Interval- Beacons are packets sent by an access point to synchronize a
network. Specify a beacon interval value. The default (100) is
recommended.
RTS Length-
This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. If you encounter
inconsistent data flow, only minor modifications to the value range
between 256 and 2,346 are recommended
Super G Mode- Super G is a group of performance enhancement features that
increase end user application throughput in an 802.11g network.
Super G is backwards compatible to standard 802.11g devices.
For top performance, all wirelss devices on the network should be
Super G capable. Select either Disabled, Super G without Turbo,
Super G with Dynamic Turbo, or Super G with Static Turbo, or
Super G without Turbo.
Disabled- Standard 802.11g support, no enhanced capabilities.
IEEE 802.11g

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Super G with Dynamic
Turbo-
Capable of Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression, and
Dynamic Turbo. This setting is backwards compatible with non-Turbo
(legacy) devices. Dynamic Turbo mode is only enabled when all
devices on the wireless network are configured with Super G with
Dynamic Turbo enabled.
Super G with Static
Turbo-
Capable of Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression, and Static
Turbo. This setting is not backwards compatible with non-Turbo
(legacy) devices. Static turbo mode is always on and is only enabled
when all the devices on the wireless network are configured with
Super G with Static Turbo enabled.
802.11g only-
For increased speed in your network, enable this option. 802.11b
devices will be excluded.
Radio Wave-
Select ON or OFF.
Advanced > Performance (continued)
Auto Channel
Scan-
Enable to scan for the best available channel.
Super G
without Turbo-
Capable of Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression, and no
Turbo mode.

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Advanced > Filters > Wireless Access Settings
Access Control- Select Disabled to disable the filters function.
Select Accept to accept only those devices with MAC addresses
in the Access Control List.
Select Reject to reject the devices with MAC addresses in the
Access Control List.
The following fields are available for configuration in this window:
Access Control List- The MAC addresses in this list can be accepted or rejected for
inclusion in the network, depending upon the Access Control
selection. Click on the Delete icon next to the MAC address to
delete it from the list.
IEEE 802.11g.
Wireless Band-
Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
MAC Address- Enter the MAC addresses of the devices that you wish to control
here. Click Save to add to the Access Control List.
Click Apply to save the changes
Apply-

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters > WLAN Partition
Wireless Band-
Enabling this feature allows wireless clients to
communicate with each other. If this feature is disabled,
wireless stations of the selected band are not allowed
to exchange data through the access point.
Enabling this feature allows Ethernet devices to
communicate with wireless clients. If this feature is
disabled, all data from the Ethernet to associated wireless
devices is blocked, but wireless devices can still send
data to the Ethernet.
Internal Station
Connection-
Ethernet to WLAN Access-
IEEE 802.11g