D-Link DWL-7100AP User manual

DWL-7100AP
802.11a/802.11g (2.4/5GHz)
Manual
Building Networks for People
D-Link
AirPremier™ AG
Wireless Access Point

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Contents
Package Contents ................................................................................ 3
Introduction ........................................................................................... 4
Wireless Basics .................................................................................... 6
Installation Considerations ................................................................... 8
Getting Started ..................................................................................... 9
Using the Configuration Menu ............................................................ 11
Using the AP Manager ....................................................................... 31
Networking Basics .............................................................................. 51
Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 64
Technical Specifications ..................................................................... 70
Contacting Technical Support ............................................................. 72
Warranty ............................................................................................ 73
Registration ........................................................................................ 76

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP
802.11a/802.11g (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wireless Access Point
Power Adapter – 5V DC, 2.0A
Manual on CD
Quick Installation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage than the one included with the
DWL-7100AP 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 128MB of memory and a 500MHz 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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Introduction
The DWL-7100AP has the newest, strongest and most advanced security features
available today. When used with other 802.11 WPA (Wi-Fi 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 ensures much greater security than the
standard WEP security. (By contrast, the previous WEP encryption implementations
required the keys to be changed manually.)
For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, the security
for the DWL-7100AP, 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-7100AP 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-7100AP, you will automatically receive a new key every time
you connect, vastly increasing the safety of your communication.
At up to fifteen times the speed of previous wireless devices (up to 108Mbps* in Super
AG mode), you can work faster and more efficiently, increasing productivity. With the
DWL-7100AP, bandwidth-intensive applications like graphics or multimedia will benefit
significantly because large files are able to move across the network quickly.
Inclusion of all three standards (802.11g; 802.11a; 802.11b) means that the DWL-7100AP
is versatile enough to allow connection to almost any 802.11 network or device.
*“Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11a and 80211g 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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Better security with WPA- The DWL-7100AP 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.
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Features
Faster Wireless Networking with speeds up to 108Mbps* in Super AG mode
Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the
IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWL-7100AP can connect
with existing 802.11b-, 802.11g- or 802.11a- compliant wireless network adapter
cards.
LEDs
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-7100AP 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
*“Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11a and 80211g 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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Wireless Basics
D-Link AirPremierTM AG 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
AirPremierTM AG 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.
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.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-7100AP 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 54Mbps* within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11a standard also increases
the data rate up to 54Mbps, 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-7100AP offers the most advanced network security features available today,
including WPA.
In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-7100AP is
backward 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-7100AP.
*“Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11a and 80211g 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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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Desktop and laptop computers with wireless network adapters installed can access the
D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP 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-7100AP 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 a wireless 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 AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP
An Ethernet Router - D-Link DI-604
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG660
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTMAG DWL-AG530
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 you will not
need to assign a static IP address.
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-7100AP will automatically connect
with other D-Link AirPremierTM AG 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 AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP. (See the Quick
Installation Guide included with the DWL-7100AP.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the
D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG530 wireless PCI adapter into an available PCI slot.
(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG530.)
Install the drivers for the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG660 into the laptop
computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-AG660.)
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)
4
2
6
3
1
5
Ethernet Router
DWL-7100AP
DWL-AG660
DWL-AG530

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Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-7100AP, you can access
the Configuration Menu by opening the web-browser and typing in the IP address of
the DWL-7100AP. The DWL-7100AP 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-7100AP,
make sure to enter the correct IP address.
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
Click Apply to save the changes.
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.
Apply-
Radio Frequency-
The radio frequency will reflect the channel selection.
Channel- 52 is the default channel for 802.11a, and 6 is the default channel for
802.11g. All devices on the network must share the same channel.
SSID Broadcast-
Enable or Disable SSID Broadcast. Enabling this feature broadcasts
the SSID across the network.
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.
Wireless
Band- Select 802.11g or 802.11a from the pulldown menu.

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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-7100AP. 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.
Get IP From- Select Static (Manual) or Dynamic (DHCP) as the method you will
use to assign an IP address to the DWL-7100AP.
Apply-
Default Gateway- This field is optional. Enter in the lP address of the router on
your network.
IP Address- The IP address of the LAN interface. 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 default subnet mask is 255.255.255.0
Click Apply if you have made any changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Mode
Access Point: Select this
mode to create a WLAN
(wireless local area
network).
PtP Bridge (Point to Point
Bridge): This mode enables
you to connect two
WLANS.
Remote AP MAC Address:
Input the remote AP MAC
address of the AP with
which the DWL-7100AP will
associate.
PtMP Bridge (Point to Multi-
Point Bridge): This mode
enables you to connect
multiple WLANs
Remote AP MAC Address:
Input the remote AP MAC
Addresses of the APs with which the DWL-7100AP will associate
Choose 802.11a or 802.11g
wireless band; then select
from the following options:
FOR INFORMATION REGARDING CONFIGURATION OF THE AP REPEATER AND
AP CLIENT MODE, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGE OF THIS MANUAL.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Mode > AP Repeater & AP Client
AP Repeater: To extend the
range of the wireless network
select this option and enter the
MAC address of the remote
AP within your network that
will have its range extended.
(Use the Site Survey tool, as
described above.)
Root AP MAC Address: Enter the
MAC address of the remote
AP within your network that
will have its range extended.
(Use the Site Survey tool, as
described above.)
SSID: Enter the SSID that
identifies the network. (Use the
Site Survey tool, as described
above.)
AP Client: will transform any IEEE802.3 Ethernet device (e.g., a computer, printer,
etc.) into an 802.11a or 802.11g wireless client when it communicates with another
DWL-7100AP that is acting as an AP. Click to enable and enter the MAC address of
the DWL-7100AP that is acting as the AP. (Use the Site Survey tool, as described
above.)
Root AP MAC Address: Enter the MAC address of the DWL-7100AP that is acting as an
access point.(Use the Site Survey tool, as described above.)
When you select AP Repeater
or AP Client mode, the Site
Survey tool will appear as
shown below. Double-click on
the SSID of the network of your
choice to automatically input
the values for both the Root AP
MAC Address and the SSID.
Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Performance
Transmit Power: Adjust the transmission range here. This tool can be helpful for security
purposes if you wish to limit the transmission range.
Frequency:
The frequency
will reflect
the channel
selection.
Channel: T h e
default channel
for 802.11a is 52.
The default channel for 802.11g is 6.
Auto Channel Select: Select Enabled to enable the automatic selection of the most
advantageous channel for use within your network.
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.
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.
Wireless Band:
Select 802.11a
(up to 108Mbps
speed in turbo
mode in the
5GHz range) or
802.11g (up to
108Mbps speed
in turbo mode
in the 2.4GHz
range)

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Performance (continued)
Super Mode: Super Mode is available in both 802.11a and 802.11g, as follows:
Radio Wave: Select ON or OFF.
Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters > Wireless Access Settings
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
MAC Address: Input the MAC address. Click Save to include in the MAC address list
below.
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)
Wireless Band: IEEE 802.11a is selected here. You can select 802.11a or 802.11g.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters > WLAN Partition
Wireless Band-Select IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11g.
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-
Internal Station
Connection
Between 802.11a
and 802.11g-
Select Connection Enabled to enable communication between the
802.11a and the 802.11g bands.
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.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Encryption
Select IEEE 802.11g or IEEE 802.11a. 802.11a is selected here.
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 allow either form of data
encryption.
Select WPA-EAP to communicate using WPA encryption (with the use
of a RADIUS server).
Select WPA-PSK to communicate using WPA encryption (without the
use of a RADIUS server).
Authentication-