D-Link DWL_7100 User manual

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

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Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
InstallationConsiderations ....................................................................8
GettingStarted......................................................................................9
UsingtheConfigurationMenu..............................................................11
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................27
Troubleshooting...................................................................................42
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................48
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................51
WarrantyandRegistration ...................................................................52

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Contents of Package:
D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP
802.11a/802.11g (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wireless Access Point
PowerAdapter – 5V DC, 2.0A
Manualon CD
QuickInstallation Guide
Ethernet Cable
Note:Using apower supplywith adifferent voltagethan theone includedwith the
DWL-7100APwill cause damage and voidthe warranty forthis 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
availabletoday.When used with other 802.11WPA(Wi-FiProtectedAccess)compatible
products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security features include:
WPA: Wi-Fi ProtectedAccesswhichauthorizesandidentifiesusersbasedonasecret
keythatchangesautomatically at regular intervals.WPAusesTKIP(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 usersthat will notincorporate a RADIUSserver in theirnetwork, the security
forthe DWL-7100AP, usedin 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
configurationmenu.Nolonger will you have to manuallyinputanewWEPkeyfrequently
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-intensiveapplications likegraphics ormultimedia will benefit
significantly because large files are able to move across the network quickly.
Inclusionofallthreestandards(802.11g;802.11a;802.11b) meansthattheDWL-7100AP
is versatile enough to allow connection to almost any 802.11 network or device.

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Better security with WPA- The DWL-7100AP can securely connect to wire-
less clients on the network using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing a
muchhigherlevel of securityforyour data and communicationsthanhas previ-
ouslybeenavailable.
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Compatible with the 802.11b standard toprovide a wirelessdatarateofup to
11Mbpswith802.11bdevices.
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Features
FasterWireless Networking withspeeds up to108Mbpsin Super AGmode
Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible
withthe IEEE802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWL-7100APcan
connectwith existing 802.11b-,802.11g-or802.11a- compliantwirelessnetwork
adaptercards.
LEDs
LED stands for Light-EmittingDiode. 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
Asteady light indicates a connection to the Ethernet
port;ablinking light indicatesactivity
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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Wireless Basics
D-Link AirPremierTM AG wireless products are based on industry standards to provide
easy-to-useand compatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithinyour 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
wirelessnetworkingdelivers.
Awireless local areanetwork (WLAN) is a cellularcomputer network thattransmits 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
anduniversities.Innovativeways to utilize WLANtechnologyarehelpingpeople to work
and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and
otherfixed infrastructure haveproven to bebeneficial 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 protocols as
Ethernetadapter cards.
Peopleuse wireless LAN technology for many differentpurposes:
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 improveworker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs -WLANs areeasytosetup,manage,changeandrelocate.
NetworksthatfrequentlychangecanbenefitfromWLANseaseofimplementation.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
specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range
fromPeer-to-Peer networks suitablefor a small number ofusers to largerinfrastructure
networkstoaccommodatehundredsorthousandsofusers,dependingonthenumberof
wirelessdevicesdeployed.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Standards-Based Technology
The DWL-7100APWirelessAccessPointutilizesthe802.11a, 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 54Mbps within the 2.4GHz band.The 802.11a standard also increases
thedatarate upto 54Mbps,but within the5GHz band. Both802.11a and802.11gutilize
OFDM technology.
Thismeans that inmost environments, withinthe specified range ofthis device, youwill
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 (OrthogonalFrequencyDivisionMultiplexing)
technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals
thatare thentransmitted simultaneously at differentfrequencies tothe receiver.OFDM
reducesthe amount ofcrosstalk (interference)in signaltransmissions.
TheDWL-7100APoffersthe most advancednetwork securityfeatures availabletoday,
including WPA.
In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-7100AP is
compatiblewith802.11bdevices.Thismeansthatifyouhaveanexisting802.11bnetwork,
oranetworkwitha mixture of 802.11g,802.11a and 802.11b,thedevicesinthat network
willbe compatiblewith theDWL-7100AP.

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Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
Desktopand laptop computerswith wirelessnetwork adapters installedcan access the
D-LinkAirPremierTM AGDWL-7100APfromvirtuallyanywherewithinitsoperatingrange.
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
rangesvary dependingon thetypes ofmaterials andbackground RF (radio frequency)
noisein your homeor business. Thekey to maximizingwireless range isto follow these
basicguidelines:
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 metaldooror
aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position
wirelessdevicesandcomputers with wireless adapters sothatthesignal
passesthrough drywallor opendoorways andnot othermaterials.
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
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 an access point or router. The
Infrastructure Network example,shown onthe following page, contains thefollowing
D-Linknetworkdevices:
Awireless Access Point - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP
AnEthernet Router - D-Link DI-604
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-AG650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPremierTMAG DWL-AG520
ACablemodem - 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 notneed
to assign a static IP address.
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-7100AP will automati-
cally connect with other D-Link AirPremierTM AG products.

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Youwill need a broadbandInternetaccess (Cable/DSL) subscription
ConsultwithyourCable/DSLproviderforproper installation of the modem
Connectthe modem toan Ethernet broadbandrouter such asthe
DI-604.(Seethe Quick InstallationGuide included withthe DI-604.)
Connect the router to the D-Link AirPremierTM AG DWL-7100AP. (See the Quick
InstallationGuideincluded with the DWL-7100AP.)
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can install the
D-LinkAirPremierTM AG DWL-AG520wirelessPCI adapter intoanavailable PCI slot.
(Seethe Quick Installation Guide included with theDWL-AG520.)
Installthe drivers forthe D-Link AirPremierTM AGDWL-AG650into the laptop
computer. (See theQuick InstallationGuideincluded with theDWL-AG650.)
Fora typical wirelesssetup(as shown above,)please do thefollowing:
An Infrastructure wireless network contains an access point or router. The
Infrastructure Network example,shown here,contains the following D-Link network
devices:
Getting Started (continued)
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66
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Ethernet RouterEthernet Router
Ethernet RouterEthernet Router
Ethernet Router
DWL-7100AP

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Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-7100AP, you can access
theConfiguration Menu by opening the web-browser andtyping in the IP address of
theDWL-7100AP.TheDWL-7100APdefault IPaddress is shown below:
Openthewebbrowser
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
formoreinformationregard-
ing the Setup Wizard.
UsingtheConfigurationMenu
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
Apply- Click Apply to save the changes.
Radio
Frequency- Theradiofrequency will remainat2.437GHz .
Channel- 6 isthedefault channel.Alldevicesonthenetworkmustsharethe same
channel.
SSID
Broadcast- EnableorDisable SSIDBroadcast.Enablingthisfeaturebroadcaststhe
SSID across the network.
SSID- ServiceSetIdentifier (SSID) is thenamedesignated for a specificwire-
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.
Wireless
Band- Select802.11gor802.11afromthe pulldown menu.
Note: In the Configuration screens that follow, you will be able to
configuresettings for 802.11a and802.11gdevices in yournetwork.
Settings that you input for 802.11g devices will also apply to
802.11b devicesin your network.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Home > LAN
LANisshortfor LocalAreaNetwork.Thisis considered your internalnetwork.These are
theIPsettingsoftheLANinterfacefor the DWL-7100AP.Thesesettingsmaybe referred
to as private settings. You may change the LAN IP address if needed. The LAN IP
addressis private toyour internal networkand cannotbe seen onthe Internet.
Get IP From- SelectStatic (Manual) or Dynamic (DHCP) as themethodyou
will use to assign an IP address to the DWL-7100AP.
Apply-
Default Gateway- Thisfieldisoptional. Enter in thelPaddressoftherouteronyour
network.
IPAddress- 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- Thedefaultsubnet 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: Inputthe
remote AP MAC
address of the AP
with which the
DWL-7100AP will
associate.
PtMP Bridge (Point to Multi-Point Bridge): Thismode enables you to connect multiple
WLANs
RemoteAPMACAddress: Input the remoteAPMACAddresses of theAPs with which
the DWL-7100AP will associate
APRepeater: To extend the range of the wireless network select this option and enter
theMACaddressof the remoteAPwithin your network thatwillhaveitsrangeextended.
RemoteAPMACAddress: EntertheMACaddressoftheremoteAPwithin yournetwork
thatwill have its range extended.
Choose 802.11a or
802.11g wireless
band; then select
from the following
options:
Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.
Remote
Remote

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Performance
Transmit Power: Adjustthetransmissionrangehere.Thistoolcanbe helpfulforsecurity
purposes if you wish to limit the transmission range.
Super Mode: Select Enabled or Disabled.
Radio Wave: Select ON or OFF.
Apply: ClickApply if you have made any changes.
Frequency: The
frequency range
willbe displayed.
Channel: The
default channel
for802.11ais52.
Thedefault
channelfor 802.11g is6.
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
DeliveryTrafficIndication Message(DTIM.)ADTIM is a countdown informing clientsof
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
toolow mayresult inpoor 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
2346arerecommended.
Wireless Band:
Select 802.11a
(up to 108Mbps
speed in turbo
mode in the
5GHz range) or
802.11g (up to
54 Mbps speed
with AirPlus
adapters.)
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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Filters
AccessControl:
Disabled - Disable theAccess Control feature
Accept - Accept the MAC addresses in the list into the network
Reject - Reject the MAC addresses in the list from participating
in the network
Access Control List: Input the MAC addresses into the list
MACAddress (MediaAccess ControlAddress)
Auniquehardwareaddressthatidentifiesadeviceonanetwork. Itisassigned
atthe 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
whenentering the MACaddress-xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx)

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Encryption
Encryption: Select Enabled or Disabled (the default setting is Disabled)
Authentication: Select fromone of thefollowing:
Key Type: Select HEX (Hexadecimal) or ASCII
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.
WPA: click here to select WPA security features
Shared Key/Open System: click here to select both options
Shared Key: in order to access the DWL-7100AP on the
network,the device mustbe listed inthe Access Control List
Open System: the DWL-7100AP will be visible to all devices
on the network. Open System is the default setting.
Hexadecimaldigitscon-
sist of the numbers 0-9
and the letters A-F
ASCII (American Stan-
dard Code for Informa-
tion Interchange) is a
code for representing
English letters as num-
bersfrom 0-127
Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.
Wireless Band:Select 802.11a or 802.11g.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > Grouping
Load Balance: Select Enabled or Disabled.
Link Integrity: Select Enabled or Disabled.
User Limit: Set the User Limit in this field (0-64).
When you Enable Load Balance you allow several DWL-7100APs to balance
wireless network traffic and wireless clients among the DWL-7100APs 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.
Apply: Click Apply if you have made any changes.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > DHCP Server > Dynamic Pool Settings
DHCP Server
Control-
Dynamic Pool
Settings-
Enable or Disable
the DHCP function
here.
Enter the starting IP
address in the
range.
IPAssigned From -
Enter the number
(the quantity) of IP
address in the
range.
The Range of
Pool (1-255)-
Enter the subnet mask here.
SubMask-
Enter the IP address of the router on the network.
Gateway-
Wins-
Status-
Windows Internet Naming Service is a system that deter-
mines the IP address of a network computer that has a dynami-
cally assigned IP address.
DNS- Enter the IP address of the DNS server. The DNS server trans-
lates domain names such as www.dlink.com into IP addresses.
Domain Name- EntertheDomain Name of theDWL-7100AP.
Turn the Dynamic Pool Settings ON or OFF here.
Lease Time- Select the Lease Time here The Lease Time is the period of time
beforetheDHCPserver will assign newIPaddresses.

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Using the Configuration Menu (continued)
Advanced > DHCP Server > Static Pool Settings
DHCP Server
Control-
Static Pool
Settings-
Enable or Disable
the DHCP function
here.
Enter the static IP
address of the de-
vicehere.
Assigned IP-
Enter the MAC ad-
dress of the device
here.
Assigned MAC
Address-
Enter the subnet mask here.
SubMask-
Enter the IP address of the router on the network.
Gateway-
Wins-
Status-
Windows Internet Naming Service is a system that determines
the IP address of a network computer that has a dynamically as-
signedIPaddress.
DNS-
Assigned Static
Pool-
EntertheIPaddress of theDNSserver.The DNS server translates
domain names such as www.dlink.com into IP addresses.
Domain Name- EntertheDomain Name of theDWL-7100AP.
Turn the Static Pool Settings ON or OFF here.
AfteryouhaveinputtheStatic Pool Settings foreachdevice,click
Apply and the profile will appear in this list at the bottom of the
window.
Apply- Click Apply to save the changes.