D Link 2003070024-1 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter User Manual dwlAG650 manual 032703

D Link Corporation 802.11a/b/g Wireless PCI Adapter dwlAG650 manual 032703

Manual revised 1

ManualBuilding Networks for People Tri-mode DualbandDWL-AG520 D-Link Air XpertTMWireless PCI Adapter
2ContentsPackage Contents ................................................................................3Introduction............................................................................................4Wireless Basics ....................................................................................6Getting Started ....................................................................................10Using the Configuration Utility ..............................................................13Networking Basics ..............................................................................20Troubleshooting ...................................................................................33Mobile of end product..........................................................................38
3Package Contents Contents of Package: ■ D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520 Tri-mode Dualband Wireless PCI Adapter ■ Manual, Warranty and Driver on CD ■ Printed Quick Installation Guide If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. System Requirements of Configuration: ■ A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI 2.2 solt , with an operating voltage of 5V. ■ Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98SE ■ At least 128 MB of memory and a 500MHz processor ■ An 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g Access Point (for infrastructure Mode) or another 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g wireless adapter (for Ad-Hoc; peer-to-peer networking mode). TM
4The versatile 802.11a/b/g compatible DWL-AG520 gives you an immediate way to expandto your existing 802.11b network and protect your overall wireless network investment.When you add an 802.11a/b/g access point (D-Link Air Xpert DWL-7000AP) or router (D-Link Air Xpert DI-774), your network will be capable of handling up to four times the userload of your current 802.11b network.IntroductionThe D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520 Tri-Mode Dualband Wireless PCI Adapter, wheninstalled into your desktop PC, provides you a versatile way to wirelessly connect to anyone of three available wireless networks - 802.11b and the newer, faster 802.11g and802.11a that operate in two discrete, non-interfering frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5GHz.Along with compatibility to earlier 802.11b networks, the DWL-AG520 also offers therobust speed (up to 54Mbps) of the newer 802.11g and 802.11a standards, so thateveryone can work faster and more efficiently. Additionally, the 802.11a 5GHz bandoffers a way to quickly transfer data in a frequency range that does not experienceinterference or interruptions from cordless phones, microwave ovens and other devicesthat use the 2.4GHz frequency band.In addition to offering faster data transfer speeds when used with other 802.11a or 802.11g products, the DWL-AG520 has the newest, most advanced security featuresavailable today, using the draft 802.11i security standard. These additional securityfeatures are optional. You may choose to continue using the familiar WEP security, oryou may not wish to utilize security features at all. However, if you do choose to use theDWL-AG520’s powerful security features with other WPA (WiFi Protected Access) and802.1x compatible products in a network with a RADIUS server, the security featureswill include:WPA*: A new security feature, Wi-Fi Protected Access authorizes and identifies usersbased on a secret key that changes automatically at a regular interval.WPA uses TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol) to change the temporalkey every 10,000 packets (a packet is a kind of message transmitted over anetwork). This ensures much greater security than the standard WEP security.(By contrast, the older WEP encryption required the keys to be changedmanually).802.1x: Authentication is a first line of defense against intrusion. In the Authenticationprocess the server verifies the identity of the client attempting to connect to thenetwork. Unfamiliar clients would be denied access.*WPA will be available Q3 2003 as a driver downloadTMUsers that choose not to incorporate a RADIUS server in their network may also use theoptional enhanced security features, or they may wish to continue using the standardWEP security, or they may choose to use no security at all. However, if you do wish toexperience the enhanced security of the DWL-AG520 in conjunction with other draft802.11i compatible products, without a RADIUS server, the Pre Shared Key mode ofWPA will assign a new security key every time the DWL-AG520 connects to the draft802.11i Access Point. If you choose to enable the enhanced security features of theDWL-AG520, you need only to input your encryption information once in the configurationmenu. No longer will you have to manually change the WEP key to ensure security -with the DWL-AG520, you will automatically receive a new key every time you connect,vastly increasing the safety of your communications.
5Features*WPA will be available Q3 2003 as a driver downloadLEDsLED stands for Light-Emitting Diode. The DWL-AG520 has the followingLEDs:LED LED ActivityA blinking light indicates data is being transmittedA steady light indicates a connection to an Access PointActivityPower!User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities32-bit PCI Performance/Plug & Play Connectivity -The DWL-AG520 is apowerful 32-bit PCI adapter that installs quickly and easily into desktop PCs,and when used with other D-LinkAirXpert ABG products will automaticallyconnect to the network out of the box.!Compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatiblewith the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g standards, the DWL-AG520can connect with existing 802.11b routers, access points and cards. That meansyou can still communicate with colleagues and friends while you have the abilityto link to even more wireless networks.!Dualband versatility - With the DWL-AG520, you have the option of using oneof two frequencies. If the 2.4GHz frequency band is experiencing interruptionsand interference from cordless phones, and microwave ovens, you have the op-tion of using the 5GHz band with 802.11a enabled devices.!Better Security with 802.1x and WPA* -With the DWL-AG520 in your desktopPC you can securely connect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wirelessauthentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a muchhigher level of security for your data and communications than has previouslybeen available. To use the DWL-AG520’s 802.1x security features, your Operat-ing System and all the devices in your network must support it. Windows XPsupports 802.1x and a free 802.1x upgrade is available for Windows 2000. Checkthe manufacturer’s website for available 802.1x upgrades for other operating sys-tems.!
6D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, businessor public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow youaccess to the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able toenjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.A WLAN is a cellular computer network that transmits and receives data withradio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in both home andoffice environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops anduniversities. Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people towork and communicate more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence ofcabling and other fixed infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for manyusers.Wireless BasicsWireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network.Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the sameprotocols as Ethernet adapter cards.
7Wireless Basics (continued)People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in anylocation within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions basedon real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.Low Implementation Costs – WLANs are easy to set up, manage, changeand relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs easeof implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where the installation ofwiring may be impractical.Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can befast 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 - evenoutside the home or office.Inexpensive Solution – Wireless network devices are as competitively pricedas conventional Ethernet network devices.Scalability – WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needsof specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changedand range from peer-to-peer networks suitable for a small number of users tolarger infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands ofusers, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.The DWL-AG520 is compatible with the following wireless products:D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG650, D-Link AirPro DWL-A650, D-LinkAirPlus DWL-650+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650,D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computersD-Link AirPro DWL-A520 and D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+,D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G520, another D-Link Air XpertDWL-AG520, and D-Link AirPro DWL-AB520Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computersD-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-2000AP and D-Link Air Xpert DWL-7000APWireless Access Points!!!!D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DI-624 andD-Link Air Xpert DI-774Wireless Broadband Routers
8Standards-Based TechnologyThe DWL-AG520 Wireless Cardbus Adapter utilizes the 802.11a, 802.11b and802.11g standard.The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. Itincreases the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band. The 802.11astandard also increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps, 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 MPEGformat over your network without noticeable delays. This technology works bytransmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radiosignal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneouslyat different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk(interference) in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-AG520 will automaticallysense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed andrange possible.The DWL-AG520 offers the most advanced network security features availabletoday, including: WPA and 802.1x.In addition to its compatibility with 802.11g and 802.11a devices, the DWL-AG520 is compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have anexisting 802.11b network, or a network with a mixture of 802.11g, 802.11a and802.11b, the devices in that network will be compatible with the DWL-AG520.Wireless Basics (continued)WPA will be available Q3 2003 as a driver or firmware download21
9Wireless Basics (continued)Installation ConsiderationsThe D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520 lets you access your network, using awireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keepin mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, orother 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 maximizingwireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-AG520 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.2. 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.3. 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.4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.TM
10Getting StartedInfrastructure – using an Access Point or Wireless Router,such as the DWL-7000AP or DI-774.Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters oneach computer, such as two or more DWL-AG520 wirelessnetwork PCI adapters.On the following pages we will show you an example of an InfrastructureNetwork and an Ad-Hoc Network.An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or a Wireless Router.The Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page containsthe following D-Link network devices (your existing network may becomprised of other devices):A wireless Router - D-Link Air Xpert DI-774A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG650, D-Link AirPlus Xtreme G DWL-G650, D-Link AirPro DWL-AB650,or D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200 or DCM-201There are basically two modes of networking:!!!!!!
11You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line intoyour home or office)Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modemConnect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router (see the QuickInstallation Guide included with your router).Install the D-Link Air Xpert DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into an availablePCI slot on your desktop computer.(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the network adapter).If you are connecting a laptop computer to your network, you can install thedrivers for the D-Link DWL-AG650 wireless Cardbus adapter into a laptopcomputer. You may also install the DWL-A650, DWL-G650, DWL-AB650 orother compatible D-Link wireless Cardbus adapter.(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the wireless Cardbus adapter).Getting StartedFor a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do thefollowing:5Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure Network4213DWL-AG650DWL-AG520
12Getting StartedSetting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc NetworkInstall the D-Link DWL-AG520 Wireless PCI adapter into a desktopcomputer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product forinstallation instructions).Install a DWL-AG650 into a laptop computer, or you can installanother DWL-AG520 wireless PCI adapter into a desktop computer.(See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product).Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, setthe adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP Address toeach computer on the Ad-Hoc network. (See Box below)When assigning IP Addresses to the computers on the network, pleaseremember that the IP Address for each computer must be in the sameIP Address range as all the computers in the network, and the subnetmask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP Address of 192.168.0.2with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can beassigned 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 IPAddress, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.IP Address
13Using the Configuration UtilityBefore you use the configuration utility for the DWL-AG520, you must install thedrivers and the configuration utility from the CD-ROM that came with theDWL-AG520. (Please see the Quick Installation Guide that came with theproduct.) After you have completed this installation and restarted your com-puter, you can access the Configuration Utility at any time by clicking on thisicon that will appear on your desktop.If you wish to change the default settings or optimize the performance of theDWL-AG520, D-Link has included a configuration utility for this purpose. How-ever, in Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or youcan use the D-Link Configuration utility.To use the D-Link configuration utility with XP, click on the Zero ConfigurationUtility icon in the taskbar in the lower corner of your computer screen anduncheck the box in the Properties window that enables Windows configuration.After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link Configuration utility withXP.After double-clicking the icon on the desktop (shown at right),the Link Info window shown on the next page will appear:
14Status: Displaysthe MAC Address ofthe Access Pointthat is associatedwith the DWL-AG520.SSID: The ServiceSet Identifier is thename assigned tothe wirelessnetwork. The factorySSID setting is setto default.Frequency: TheDWL-AG520 is a tri-mode, dualband wireless PCI adapter. In this instance802.11b indicates that the DWL-AG520 is communicating in the 2.4GHz band.Wireless Mode: Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here.Encryption: You can see if WEP is enabled or disabled hereTxRate: The default setting is Auto; TxRate settings are automaticallydetermined by the DWL-AG520 depending on the distance from the accesspoint at this default setting.Channel: Displays the channel information. By default, the channel is set toAuto and selection is automatically determined by the DWL-AG520.Signal Strength: The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal betweenthe access point and the DWL-AG520. The percentage coincides with thegraphical bar.Packet Count: Displays the statistics of data packets transmitted andreceived.Configuration UtilityLink Infodefault
15SSID - (Service Set Identifier) is aname that identifies a wirelessnetwork. Access Points andwireless clients attempting toconnect to a specific WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network)must use the same SSID. Thedefault setting is default.Wireless Mode - Click on the pull-down menu; select from thefollowing options:Infrastructure - connectingthe WLAN using an AccessPoint.(The default setting).Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used whenconnecting directly to a computerequipped with a wireless adapter in apeer-to-peer environment.Configuration UtilityD-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ 2.4GHz Wireless CardbusAdapterConfiguration defaultData Encryption – select Enabled orDisabledAuthentication – choose one of the followingmodes:Open Authentication – the DWL-AG520 is visible to all devices on thenetworkShared Authentication – allowscommunication only with otherdevices with identical WEP settingsAuto – will automatically adjust to theAuthentication mode of the wirelessaccess point or routerKey Length – select the key length and either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimalformat.Keys 1-4 - select the default keyIP Settings - Click IP Settings and the screen above will appear. You can configurethe IP Settings in this window.Click Apply to save the changes.Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-FASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code forrepresenting English letters as numbers from 0-127IP Settings
16Configuration UtilityAdvancedFrequency - Select the Frequency here. Auto is the default setting.Starting Ad-Hoc Network – Each wireless adapter communicating in Ad-Hoc mode Turbo Mode - To enable Turbo mode, all devices must have the same setting must have the same setting here.Ad-Hoc Channel - All devices in the Ad-Hoc network must have the same channelEncryption Type– Select the Encryption typeProfile IP Settings -You can Enable or Disable the IP Settings portion of yourprofile here. If you select Disable you will need to configure the IP Addressinformation each time you connect to a network. If you select Enable you willmaintain the same IP Address information that you have configured each time youconnect to a network.Launch Utility on Startup– Select Enable or DisableData Packet Parameter - Select the parameters hereFragmentation Threshold - This value should remain at its default setting of 2346.If you experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase yourFragmentation Threshold within the value range of 256 to 2,346. Setting theFragmentation Threshold too low may result in poor performance.RTS Threshold - This value should remain at its default setting of 2346. Ifinconsistent data flow is a problem, only a minor modification should be made.
17Available NetworkThe top section of the window displays the Available Networks. Scroll upand down the list and highlight the network to which you wish to connect.Click on the Connect button.ProfileIn the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you havecreated. Scroll up and down and highlight the profile that you wish toconfigure. You can ADD or REMOVE a profile, or configure the Propertiesof the profile in order to connect with an available network.AddClick on Add and the screen on the next page will appear.Configuration UtilitySite SurveyAdvancedWhen you click Advanced, this screen willappear. Make the appropriate selectionsfor your network and click OK.RescanReorders profiles, with most accessiblelisted first.
18In this window you can configure all the properties of a profile in order toconnect with a network of your choice.After you have entered your changes in this window, click OK to save thechanges.Configuration UtilityAdd New Profile
Configuration Utility About The ABOUT screen gives you information about the MAC Address and the Utility and Driver Versions and Support Frequency of the DWL-AG520.
20Using the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XPIn this section you will learn how to establish a network at home or work,using Microsoft Windows XP.Note: Please refer to websites such as http://www.homenethelp.comand http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000 for information about networkingcomputers using Windows 2000, ME or 98SE.Go to Start>Control Panel>Network ConnectionsSelect Set up a home or small office networkNetworking BasicsWhen this screen appears, click Next.
21Please follow all the instructions in this window:Networking BasicsClick NextIn the following window, select the best description of your computer. If yourcomputer connects to the internet through a gateway/router, select thesecond option as shown.Click Next

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