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

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

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................8
GettingStarted....................................................................................11
UsingtheConfigurationMenu..............................................................13
UsingtheAPManager ........................................................................28
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................33
Troubleshooting...................................................................................48
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................55
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................58
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................59

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2100AP
802.11g Wireless 108MbpsAccess Point
PowerAdapter-DC5V,2.0A
Manualand WarrantyonCD
QuickInstallation Guide
EthernetCable
TM
Internet ExplorerVersion6.0 or NetscapeNavigatorVersion
6.0andAbove
Computers with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based
operating systems with an installed Ethernet adapter
Package Contents
Note:Using a powersupply witha different voltagerating than the one includedwith the
DWL-2100APwillcause damage andvoid the warrantyforthis product.
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements for Configuration:
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Introduction
For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security
forthe DWL-2100AP,used in conjunction with otherWPA-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
configurationmenu.Nolongerwillyou have to manuallyinputanewWEPkeyfrequently
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
wirelessnetworkingneeds.TheDWL-2100APcanoperateasanaccesspoint;inaccess
point-to-accesspointbridging mode; accesspoint-to-multipoint bridging mode;wireless
clientmode; or repeater.
TheDWL-2100APis an idealsolution for quicklycreating and extendingawireless local
areanetwork (WLAN) in offices or other workplaces, trade shows and special events.
Unlikemost access points, the DWL-2100APprovides datatransfers at up to 108Mbps
inSuperGmodewhenusedwith other D-Link AirPlus Xtreme Gproducts.The802.11g
standardisbackwards compatiblewith802.11b devices.
TheDWL-2100APhasthenewest,strongest,most advanced security features available
today.Whenusedwithother 802.11g WPA(WiFiProtectedAccess)compatibleproducts
in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access which authorizes and identifies usersbased 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.)
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Atup to fifteen times the speed of previous wirelessdevices (upto 108Mbpsin 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.

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Connections
Receptor
for the
Power
Adapter
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.
Pressing the
Reset Button
restores the
DWL-2100AP to
itsoriginal
factory default
settings.

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LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-2100AP Wireless Access Point has 3
LEDsas shownbelow:
Power: Solid green light indicates connection
LAN: Blinking green light indicates ac-
tivity on the Ethernet Port; solid
green light indicates connection
WLAN: Blinking green light indicates wireless ac-
tivity; solid green light indicates connection

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Features
5 Different Operation modes - Capable of operating in one of five different
operationmodesto meet yourwirelessnetworking requirements:Access Point;
AP-to-APBridging;AP-to-Multipoint Bridging; WirelessClient; orRepeater.
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Better security with WPA. TheDWL-2100APcan securely connecttowireless
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.
Compatible with the 802.11b standard toprovideawirelessdatarateofupto
11Mbps - that means you can migrate your system to the 802.11g standard on
yourown schedule withoutsacrificing 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
SNMPv.3forabetternetworkmanagement.SuperiorwirelessAPmanagersoft-
ware is bundled with the DWL-2100AP for network configuration and firmware
upgrade. Systems administrators can also setup the DWL-2100AP easily with
theWeb-basedconfiguration.AD-Link D-View module willbedownloadable for
network administration and real-time network traffic monitoring with D-Link D-
Viewsoftware.
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Web-based interface forManaging andConfiguring
Easy Installation with the Setup Wizard
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Operatesin the 2.4GHz frequency range
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UtilizesOFDM technology(OrthogonalFrequency DivisionMultiplexing)

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
Ethernetadapter cards.
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and
compatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithinyourhome,businessorpublicaccess
wirelessnetworks. D-Link wireless products will allow youaccess tothe data you want,
whenandwhereyouwantit.Youwillbeabletoenjoythefreedomthatwirelessnetworking
brings.
AWirelessLocalAreaNetwork(WLAN)is acomputernetworkthattransmitsandreceives
datawith radio signalsinstead of wires.WLANs areused increasingly inboth homeand
office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities.
InnovativewaystoutilizeWLANtechnologyare helpingpeopletoworkandcommunicate
more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed
infrastructurehave proven tobe beneficialfor 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
informationcan 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
technologyallows thenetwork to go where wires cannot go - evenoutside thehome 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
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range
fromPeer-to-Peernetworks suitable fora small numberofusers tolargerInfrastructure
networksto accommodate hundreds or thousands of users,depending on the number
ofwireless devices deployed.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
TheDWL-2100APWirelessAccessPointutilizesthe802.11bandthe802.11g 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.
Thismeans that in most environments,within thespecified 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
digitaldataoveraradiowaveutilizing OFDM (Orthogonal FrequencyDivision Multiplexing)
technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals
that are then transmittedsimultaneouslyat different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM
reducestheamountofcrosstalk (interference)insignaltransmissions. TheD-LinkDWL-
2100AP will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the
greatestspeed andrange possible.
802.11g offers the most advanced networksecurity features availabletoday, 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
WirelessCardbusAdapters used with laptop computers
D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520
Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
TheDWL-2100APisalsointeroperable withother 802.11gand 802.11b
standards-compliantdevices.
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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, thicknessand locationof walls,ceilings, orother objects that
thewirelesssignalsmustpassthrough,maylimittherange.Typicalrangesvarydepending
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:
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Keepyour productaway (atleast 3-6feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices
orappliances 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’srange from 3-90feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the
number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
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Beaware ofthe directline betweennetwork devices.Awallthat is1.5 feetthick
(.5meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be almost3 feet(1 meter)thick.At
a2-degreeangle itlooksover 42 feet(14 meters) thick!Position devices sothat
thesignal will travel straight through a wallor ceiling(instead of at an angle) for
betterreception.
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Buildingmaterialscanimpedethewirelesssignal-asolidmetaldoororaluminum
studsmay have anegative effect onrange. Tryto position wirelessdevices and
computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or
opendoorways andnot othermaterials.
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Getting Started
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure Network
incorporatingtheDWL-2100AP.
An Infrastructure network contains an access point or a wireless router. The
Infrastructure Network exampleshownonthefollowingpagecontainsthefollowing D-
Linknetwork devices (yourexisting 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
Acable 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 willneed broadband Internetaccess (a Cableor DSL-subscriberline into
yourhomeoroffice).
Consultwithyour Cable orDSL provider forproper installation ofthemodem.
Connect the Cable or DSL modem to the DI-624 Router (see the printed Quick
InstallationGuideincludedwith your router.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer to your network, install the D-Link
AirPlusXtreme G DWL-G520 wirelessPCI adapterinto anavailable PCIslot on
yourdesktop computer.
(Seethe printed Quick Installation Guide included with the networkadapter.)
Installthedrivers for theD-Link DWL-G650 wirelessCardbusadapter into a
laptopcomputer.
(Seethe printed Quick Installation Guide included withthe 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
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22
22
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344
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Connectthe Ethernet BroadbandRouter to the DWL-2100AP (See theprinted
QuickInstallationGuide included withthe DWL-2100AP.)
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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 infor-
mation regarding the
Setup Wizard.
AfteryouhavecompletedtheSetup Wizard(please see the QuickInstallation Guidethat
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
defaultIP address isshown below:
Open the Web browser
Type in the IP address of the
DWL-2100AP http://192.168.0.50
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Type admin in the User Name field
LeavethePassword blank.
(However,ifyouhavechanged
thepassword, pleaseenter the
correctpassword.)
ClickOK
admin

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > Wireless
Channel- 6 isthedefaultchannel.Alldevicesonthenetworkmustsharethe same
channel.
Wireless
Band- Select802.11g or 802.11band802.11g.
SSID- ServiceSetIdentifier (SSID)isthe namedesignatedfor aspecificwire-
less 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- EnableorDisableSSIDBroadcast.Enablingthisfeaturebroadcaststhe
SSID across the network.
Radio
Frequency- Theradio frequency will remain at 2.437 GHz.
Apply- Click Apply to save the changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > LAN
LANisshort for LocalArea Network.Thisisconsidered your internalnetwork.These are
theIPsettingsoftheLANinterfacefortheDWL-2100AP.Thesesettingsmaybereferred
to as private settings. You may change the LAN IP address if needed. The LAN IP
addressis privateto yourinternal networkand cannot be seen on the Internet.
Click Apply to save the changes.
Get IP From- SelectStatic (Manual) or Dynamic (DHCP) as the methodyou
will use to assign an IP address to the DWL-2100AP.
Apply-
Default Gateway- Thisfieldisoptional.EnterinthelPaddressoftherouteronyour
network.
Subnet Mask- Thesubnet maskof theLAN interface.
The default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0
IPAddress- 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
TheDWL-2100APcanbe
configured to perform in
anyoffivemodes:aWire-
less Access Point; a
Wireless Client; a Wire-
lessBridge;aMulti-Point
Bridge;oraRepeater.
AccessPointisthe de-
fault setting. This mode
is used to create a wire-
less LAN.
APClientwilltransformanyIEEE802.3Ethernetdevice(e.g., a computer, printer, etc.)
intoan 802.11bwirelessclient whenit communicates withanother DWL-2100APthatis
acting as anAP. Click to enable and enter the MAC address of the rootAP.
PtP Bridge will allow
youtoconnect twoLANs
together. The wireless
bridgewill onlywork with
another DWL-2100AP.
Clickto enable andenter
the MAC address of the
remotebridge.
PtMP Bridge willallowyoutoconnect multiple wirelessLANs together.Otherwireless
LANs must be using DWL-2100APs. Click to enable and enter up to 8 remoteAP MAC
addresses.
AP Repeater will allow you to repeat the wireless signal of the rootAP. Click to enable
and enter the MAC address of the rootAP.
Apply- ClickApply if you have made any changes.
FindtheMAC address ofthe DWL-2100AP that is actingasaRemote Access
Point or a Remote Bridge, by going to Status > Device Info in the configura-
tion utility of the remote DWL-2100AP. There you will find the MAC address.
MACAddress -MediaAccessControlAddress
Auniquehardwareaddressthatidentifiesadeviceonanetwork.Itisassignedat
thefactoryandcannotbe changed. Usually youwillfindthisaddress on a sticker
onthe device or on the packaging.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Performance
Transmit
Power- Choosefull,half(-3dB),quarter(-6dB),eighth(-9dB),minimumpower.
Frequency-
The frequency remains at
2.437 GHz.
Channel-
Selectfromchannels 1-11.
Fragment
Length- Thefragmentationthreshold,whichisspecifiedinbytes,determines
whether packets will be fragmented. Packets exceeding the 2346
byte setting will be fragmented before transmission. 2346 is the
defaultsetting
DTIM- (DeliveryTrafficIndicationMessage)-3is the defaultsetting.DTIM
is a countdown informing clients of the next window for listening to
broadcast and multicast messages.
Wireless Band-
Select 802.11g only or
802.11g and 802.11b.
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 rec-
ommended.
RTS Length- This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346. If you en-
counterinconsistentdataflow,onlyminor modifications tothevalue
rangebetween256 and 2,346arerecommended
Super G Mode- Super G is a group of performance enhancement features that in-
creaseend user applicationthroughput inan 802.11g network. Su-
per G is backwards compatible to standard 802.11g devices. For
topperformance,allwirelssdeviceson thenetworkshouldbeSuper
Gcapable.Selecteither Disabled, SuperGwithoutTurbo, Super G
with DynamicTurbo, or Super G with StaticTurbo.
Disabled- Standard802.11g support,noenhanced capabilities.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters
Click Apply to save the changes
Access Control- Select Disabled to disable the filters function.
SelectAccepttoacceptonlythosedeviceswithMACaddresses
in the Access Control List.
Select Reject to reject the devices with MAC addresses in the
Access Control List.
Thefollowingfieldsareavailableforconfigurationinthiswindow:
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.
Apply-
Super G without
Turbo- Capableof Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression,andno
Turbomode.
Super G with
Dynamic Turbo- Capable of Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression, and
DynamicTurbo.This setting isbackwardscompatible with non-
Turbo (legacy) devices. Dynamic Turbo mode is only enabled
when all devices on the wireless network are configured with
SuperGwith Dynamic Turbo enabled.
Super G with
Static Turbo- Capable of Packet Bursting, FastFrames, Compression, and
StaticTurbo.Thissettingisnot backwards compatiblewithnon-
Turbo (legacy) devices. Static turbo mode is always on and is
only enabled when all the devices on the wireless network are
configuredwith Super Gwith StaticTurbo enabled.
Super G Mode (continued)

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
802.11gis selectedhere
Select Disabled or Enabled.
Select HEX or ASCII.
Select64-, 128-, 152-bits.
Select the 1st through the 4th key to be the active key.
Click Apply to save changes.
Advanced > Encryption
Wireless Band-
Select Open System to communicate the key across the network.
Select Shared Key to limit communication to only those devices
that share the same WEP settings.
Select Open System/Shared Key to communicate the key and
require identical WEP settings to communicate.
When youselect WPA,you will be directed to the screen shownon
the next page.
Authentication-
Encryption-
Key Type-
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 num-
bers from 0-127
Key Size-
Valid Key-
Apply-
Input up to four keys for encryption. You will select one of these
keys in the valid key field.
Key Table-

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If you selected PSK you will need to enter a figure in this field.
Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Encryption > WPA
Select PSK (the
Pre-Shared Key
mode of WPA
does not require
the inclusion of a
RADIUS server in
your network) or
EAP (Extensible
Authentication
Protocol is a gen-
eralauthentication
protocol that is
used in conjunc-
tion with a RA-
DIUSserverinthe
network).
WPAmode-
If you selected EAP you will need to select a Cipher (EAP) Type:
Auto,AES,or TKIP.
Passphrase-
Cipher Type-
Group Key
Update Interval-
Security Server Settings (required with EAP)
Domain Name
Server IP
address- Inputthe IPaddress ofthe DNS server.
Domain Name
Server-
If you selected PSK you will need to enter a Passphrase in this
field.
Enterthedomain name ofthe server.
Apply-
RADIUS
Server- Enterthe IPaddressoftheRADIUS server.
RADIUS Port- Enterthe port on yourAPdedicatedto the RADIUS server.
RADIUS Secret- Enter the secret phrase..
ClickApply if you have made any changes.