D Link DWL900AP-PLUS Wireless Access Point User Manual dwl900AP manual 071002F
D Link Corporation Wireless Access Point dwl900AP manual 071002F
  
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Contents
- 1. Manual Part 1
 - 2. Manual Part 2
 
Manual Part 1

D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ 
2.4 GHz Wireless Access Point 
Manual 
Rev. 071002 
Building Networks for People   
 2 
Contents 
1. Package Contents ...................................... 3 
2. Introduction .................................................. 4 
3. Wireless Basics ........................................... 7 
4. Getting Started.......................................... 10 
5. Using the Configuration Menu .............. 12 
6. Using the AirPlus AP Manager.............. 21 
7. Troubleshooting ........................................ 25 
8. Networking Basics ................................... 30 
9. Technical Specifications ........................ 64 
10.  Contacting Technical Support............. 66 
11.  Warranty and Registration ................... 67 

1. Package Contents 
  Contents of Package: 
•  D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access 
Point 
•  Power Supply – 5V DC, 2.0A 
•  Manual on CD 
•  Quick Installation Guide  
•  Ethernet Cable 
Note: Using a power supply with a different voltage rating than the one included with 
the DWL-900AP+ will cause damage and void the warranty for this product. 
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. 
 System Requirements: 
•  Computer with Windows, Macintosh, or Linux-based operating 
system with an installed Ethernet adapter 
•  Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator version 4.0 or above, with 
JavaScript enabled 

 4 
2. Introduction 
The D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point is an enhanced 
802.11b high-performance wireless access point.  It is an ideal way to 
extend the reach and number of computers connected to your wireless 
network.   
Unlike most 802.11b access points, the DWL-900AP+ is capable of data 
transfer speeds of up to 22 Mbps (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when 
used with other D-Link AirPlus products such as the DWL-520+ Wireless 
PCI Adapter. 
After completing the steps outlined in the Quick Installation Guide (included 
in your package) you will have the ability to share information and resources, 
such as files and printers, and enjoy the freedom that wireless networking 
delivers. 
The DWL-900AP+ is compatible with most popular operating systems, 
including Macintosh, Linux and Windows, and can be integrated into a large 
network.  This Manual is designed to help you connect the Access Point and 
the D-Link AirPlus 2.4GHz Wireless Adapters into a network in Infrastructure 
mode.  Please take a look at the Getting Started section in this manual to 
see an example of an Infrastructure network using the DWL-900AP+. 
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its 
application as it relates to networking.  Please take a moment to read 
through this manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.   
Connections 
MDII RJ-45 Ethernet 
Port 
•  Straight-Through 
cable is required 
when connecting to a 
router or switch 
•  Cross-Over  
cable is required to 
connect to a computer 
Reset Button 
Power 
Features & Benefits 
•  Up to 2X Faster with AirPlus Products - high-speed wireless data 
transfer rates up to 22Mbps.  With twice the data rate and capacity, 
the DWL-900AP+ delivers media rich content such as digital images, 
videos, and MP3 files much faster than standard 802.11b networks 
•  Fully 802.11b Compatible – Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b 
standard and interoperable with all existing 802.11b compliant 
devices 
•  Improved Performance – Up to 20% faster data transfer rates on 
standard 802.11b networks 
•  Stronger Network Security with 256-bit WEP Encryption – Supports 
64/128/256-bit WEP encryption for higher level of security for your 
data and wireless communication than encryption found in existing 
802.11b products 
•  Built-in DHCP Server – If enabled, it will automatically assign IP 
addresses to wireless clients in a temporary network. 
•  Web-based interface for Managing and Configuring – Easy-to-use 
interface independent of the operating system 
•  4 Different Operation Modes – Capable of operating in one of four 
different operation modes to meet your wireless networking 
requirements: Access Point, AP-to-AP Bridging, AP-to-Multipoint 
Bridging, and Wireless Client. 

 6 
LEDS 
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.  The DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access 
Point has 3 LEDs as shown below: 
Power 
LAN 
WLAN 
Power:  solid green light indicates connection 
LAN:  blinking green light indicates activity; solid green light 
indicates connection 
WLAN:  blinking green light indicates wireless activity; solid 
green light indicates connection 
3. Wireless Basics 
D-Link AirPlus 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 AirPlus 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.  
Under many circumstances, it may be desirable for mobile network devices 
to link to a conventional Ethernet LAN in order to use servers, printers or an 
Internet connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Access 
Point (AP) is a device used to provide this link. 
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 (Wireless Local Area Networks) are 
easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently 
change, both physically and logically, can benefit from WLANs ease of 
implementation.  WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring 
may be impractical.  
Installation Speed and Simplicity - Installing a wireless LAN system can 
be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and 
ceilings. 
 8 
Wireless Basics  
Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go where 
wires cannot go. 
Reduced Cost-of-Ownership - While the initial investment required for 
wireless LAN hardware might be higher than the cost of wired LAN hardware, 
overall installation expenses and life-cycle costs will be significantly lower. 
Long-term cost benefits are greatest in dynamic environments requiring 
frequent moves, adds, and changes.  
Scalability – Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a 
variety of topologies 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 full infrastructure networks 
of thousands of users that allow roaming over a broad area. 
 D-Link AirPlus Wireless Family of LAN products include: 
♦  Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop 
computers (DWL-650+) 
♦  Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers 
(DWL-520+) 
♦  Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Points (DWL-900AP+) 
♦  Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router (DI-614+) 
The DWL-900AP+ will also work with D-Link Air 802.11b wireless adapters, 
which include: 
♦  2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers 
(DWL-650) 
♦  2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers (DWL-520) 
Standards - Based Technology 
The IEEE standard-based technology assures that the D-Link AirPlus 
Products are interoperable with existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless 
technology.  This means you will be able to transfer large files quickly or 
even watch a movie in MPEG format over your network without noticeable 
delays. The technology works by using multiple frequencies in the 2.4GHz 
range at speeds up to 22 Mbps.  D-Link AirPlus products will automatically 
sense the best possible connection speed to ensure optimal network 
performance. 
Installation Considerations 
Designed to go up to 1,312 feet (400 meters) outdoors and up to 328 feet 
(100 meters) indoors, D-Link’s AirPlus DWL-900AP+ lets you access your 
network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere. 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: 
1.   Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the wireless Access 
Point and your receiving device (e.g., the DWL-650+) to a minimum - 
Each wall or ceiling can reduce your D-Link AirPlus Wireless product’s 
range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)  Position your Access Points, 
Residential Gateways, and computers so that the number of walls or 
ceilings is minimized. 
2.   Be aware of the direct line between Access Points, Residential 
Gateways (routers) and computers. 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! Try to make 
sure that the Access Points and adapters are positioned so that the 
signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling for better reception. 
3.   Building Materials make a difference - A solid metal door or aluminum 
studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position Access Points, 
and computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through 
drywall or open doorways and not other materials. 
4.   Make sure that the device’s antenna is positioned for best reception by 
using the software signal strength tools included with your product.   
5.  Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical 
devices or appliances that may generate extreme RF noise.  
For the average home, signal range should not be an issue.  If you 
experience low or no signal strength in areas of your home that you wish to 
access, consider positioning the Access Point in a location directly between 
the computers with wireless adapters.  Additional Access Points can be 
connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not 
appear as strong as desired. 

 10 
4. Getting Started 
For the price of a single IP Address from your Broadband Internet Service 
provider you can share the Internet with all the computers on your local 
network, without sacrificing speed or security, using D-Link AirPlus 
networking products. 
IP ADDRESS 
An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point. The Infrastructure 
Network example shown on the next page contains the following D-Link 
network devices: 
A wireless Access Point - D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ 
An Ethernet Broadband Router - D-Link DI-604 
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ 
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter - D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ 
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200 
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol.   
It is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses “automatically.”  
With a DHCP-capable gateway/router, there is  
no need to manually assign an IP address. 
Please note:  If you have a DHCP-capable router, such as the D-
Link DI-604 or DI-614+, there is no need to assign an IP Address. 
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 o
f
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. 
Right out of the box, with its default settings, the DWL-900AP+ will 
automatically connect with other D-Link Air or AirPlus products. 

Getting Started 
Setting Up an Infrastructure Network 
Please remember that D-Link AirPlus wireless devices are pre-configured to 
connect together, right out of the box, with the default settings.   
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 
D-Link DI-604) See the Quick Installation Guide included with the  
DI-604. 
Connect the router to the D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+.  Refer to  
the Quick Installation Guide for setting up the DWL-900AP+. 
If you are connecting a desktop computer in your network, you can 
install the D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+ wireless PCI adapter into an  
available PCI slot.  See the Quick Installation Guide included with the 
DWL-520+. 
Please refer to the following sections 
of this manual for additional 
information about setting up a network: 
Networking Basics- learn how to 
check your IP Address; share printers 
and files. 
Using the Configuration Utility- learn
the settings you must use on each 
computer in your network for 
successful communication. 
Troubleshooting-  learn how to chec
k
for the proper installation of the
network adapters’ drivers and othe
r
tips for troubleshooting the network.  
Install the drivers for the wireless cardbus adapter (D-Link 
AirPlus DWL-650+) into the laptop computer.  See the Quick 
Installation Guide included with the DWL-650+ for installation 
instructions. 

 12 
5.  Using the Configuration Menu 
The Configuration Menu for the DWL-900AP+ is web-based.  When using 
the configuration program, please consider the following:  
Factory Default Settings for the DWL-900AP+ 
SSID default 
Channel 6 
Encryption disabled 
User Name  admin 
Password  (no password, leave field blank) 
IP Address  192.168.0.50 
You will need a JavaScript-enabled web-browser such as Internet Explorer  
4.0 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher. 
The computer that you are using for initial configuration must have an IP 
Address within the same range as the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+.  
The DWL-900AP+ has a default IP Address of 192.168.0.50 with subnet 
mask of 255.255.255.0  
If you are using a D-Link router in your network, such as the DI-604, with the 
factory default settings, you will not need to assign a static IP Address to the 
computer that you are using to configure the Access Point.  (Skip to Fig. 5.1: 
entering the IP address)   
If you are not using a D-Link router in your network, you will need to assign a 
Static IP Address to the computer that you are using to configure the DWL-
900AP+, within the IP Address Range of the DWL-900AP+. Assign a static IP 
address of 192.168.0.2 with subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (Please see 
Networking Basics in this manual for information on Assigning a Static IP 
Address.) 
Note: Please write down the current IP address settings of the computer. You 
may need to revert back to these settings after configuring the DWL-900AP+. 
After you have assigned a Static IP Address to the computer you are using for 
configuration (if necessary), next you will assign the DWL-900AP+ an IP 
Address within the range of your existing network. 
After changing the DWL-900AP+’s IP Address, you must revert back to the 
original IP address in order to regain connection to the DWL-900AP+. 
• If the computer had a static IP address, re-input that same address. 
•  If the computer had a dynamic IP Address (i.e., a DHCP capable router 
automatically assigns the IP Address) then change the setting of your 
network adapter to receive a Dynamic IP Address. 

Using the Configuration Menu 
Whenever you want to configure your network or the DWL-900AP+, you can 
access the Configuration Utility by opening the web-browser and typing in 
the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+.  The DWL-900AP+’s default IP Address 
is shown below: 
(The IP Address shown in the example above is the default setting.  Use this IP address when 
connecting to a network consisting of other D-Link devices set to their default settings.  If you 
have changed the IP Address of the DWL-900AP+ to conform to a network other than one 
with D-Link devices, then input that IP Address in the web browser, instead of the default IP 
Address shown.) 
                                                  Fig. 5.2 
                Fig. 5.3    
•  Open the web browser 
•  Type in the IP Address of 
the Access Point 
•  Type admin in the 
User Name field  
•  Leave the 
Password blank 
•  Click OK 
Fig. 5.1 
The Configuration window will 
appear.  You can select from 
several options in this 
window.  Here the Home > 
Wireless tab is displayed. If 
you wish to change the 
default settings, you can 
make changes to the 
following items: 
  AP name 
  SSID 
  Channel 
  WEP Encryption 
  Key Type 
Home > Wireless 

 14 
Using the Configuration Menu 
AP Name:  You may choose to rename your Access Point, especially if you 
have more than one Access Point on your network. 
SSID:  (Service Set Identifier)  “default” is the default setting.  The SSID 
is a unique name that identifies a network.  All devices on a network must 
share the same SSID name in order to communicate on the network. If you 
choose to change the SSID from the default setting, input your new SSID 
name in this field.  The SSID can be up to 32 characters in length. 
Channel:  Channel 6 is the default channel.  Input a new number if you 
want to change the default setting.  All devices on the network must be set to 
the same channel to communicate on the network. 
WEP Encryption: Select Enable Encryption to use WEP (Wired Equivalent 
Privacy) on the network.  All devices on the network, and the Access Point, 
must share the same WEP selection – either Enable or Disable, and they 
must share the same WEP key.  The WEP key is generated from ASCII or 
Hexadecimal entries that are either 64, 128, or 256 bit in length.  When 
enabling encryption, select the Key Type (ASCII or Hexadecimal) and then 
input the appropriate digits or letters.  You can create up to 4 keys.  Select 
the key you wish to use. 
Click Help at any time for more information. 
Click Apply if you have made any changes or additions. 
This window displays the default 
settings of the DWL-900AP+.    
The default IP Address is 
192.168.0.50.  If you select 
Dynamic IP Address, you will 
obtain a dynamic IP Address 
from a DHCP server on your 
network.  (This is not advisable 
since it will be difficult to 
determine the dynamic IP 
address assigned to the DWL-
900AP+.)  The Subnet Mask is 
255.255.255.0.  Input the IP 
Address of the Gateway (the 
router on your network.) 
Click Apply if you have made any changes. 
Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F 
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code
for representing English letters as numbers from 0-127 
Fi
g
. 5.4 

Using the Configuration Menu 
            Fig. 5.5 
                      Fig. 5.6 
The illustration at right shows 
the recommended default 
setting (Disabled) for the 
DHCP Server function of the 
DWL-900AP+.  If you wish to 
use the DWL-900AP+ as a 
DHCP server (not 
recommended if you already 
have a DHCP enabled 
router/gateway on your 
network) then select Enabled. 
Enter the IP Address range 
and click Apply, if you have 
made any changes. 
The DWL-900AP+ can be operated in 4 different modes to meet your networking
needs. The default setting is Access Point mode.
Home > DHCP 
Advanced > Mode 
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. 
Note: If you select to use the DWL-900AP+ in Wireless Client mode, you will need to input the Wireless
MAC Address of the Access Point you wish to associate with.   
The Wireless Bridge and Multi-point Bridge mode are proprietary modes that will require DWL-
900AP+’s for both locations.   If you select to use the DWL-900AP+ in Wireless Bridge mode, you
will need to input the Ethernet MAC Address of the remote DWL-900AP+ rather than the Wireless MAC
address. 

 16 
Using the Configuration Menu 
The default Performance 
settings are shown here. 
Beacon Interval: Beacons are 
packets sent by an Access 
Point to synchronize a wireless 
network.  Specify a Beacon 
interval value.  Default (100) is 
recommended. 
RTS Threshold:  This value 
should remain at its default 
setting of 2,432.  If you 
encounter inconsistent data 
flow, only minor modifications 
to the value range between 
256 and 2,432 are 
recommended. 
Fragmentation:  This value should remain at its default setting of 2,346.  If you 
experience a high packet error rate, you may slightly increase your Fragmentation 
Threshold within the value range of 256 to 2,346.  Setting the Fragmentation 
Threshold too low may result in poor performance. 
DTIM Interval (Beacon Rate):  (Delivery Traffic Indication Message) Enter a value 
between 1 and 16384 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.   
Transmission Rate: Select the transmission rate for the network 
Preamble: Long Preamble is the default setting. (High traffic networks should use 
the shorter preamble type.)  The preamble defines the length of the CRC block 
(Cyclic Redundancy Check is a common technique for detecting data transmission 
errors) used in communication between the Access Point and the roaming wireless 
Network adapters. 
Authentication:  
Open System – communicates the key across the network 
Shared Key – devices must have identical WEP settings to communicate 
Auto – automatically adjusts to the Authentication mode of the wireless client 
Antenna Type: Select Left, Right or both (Diversity) antenna 
SSID Broadcast: (Service Set Identifier) Enable or Disable (default) the broadcast 
of the SSID name across the network.  SSID is a name that identifies a wireless 
network. All devices on a network must use the same SSID to establish 
communication.  
Advanced > Performance 

Using the Configuration Menu 
                                 Fig. 5.8 
Use MAC Filters to allow or deny wireless connection to the DWL-
900AP+.   
Select Disable MAC Filters (default) to disable this feature.  Select Only 
allow the MAC address… or Only deny the MAC address… and enter the 
MAC Address of the selected computer into the field above.  Or you can click 
on the pull-down arrow next to the Connected PCs field, select the 
computer from the list, and click Clone.  The MAC address you have chosen 
will appear in the MAC Filter List. 
Click Apply to save your choices. 
     Fig. 5.9 
Advanced > Filters 
Tools > Admin 
Change your password in this 
window.  It can be up to 14 
characters in length.  Please 
keep a copy of your 
password in a safe place. 
Click Apply, if you have 
made any changes. 

 18 
Using the Configuration Menu 
                  Fig. 5.10 
Tools > System 
The current 
system settings 
can be saved as a 
file onto the local 
hard drive by 
clicking Save.  The 
saved file can be 
loaded back on the 
DWL-900AP+ by 
clicking Browse.  
When you have 
selected the 
settings file, click 
Load.   
Click Restore to 
return to Factory 
Default Settings. 
Tools > Firmware 
Upgrade the 
firmware for the 
Access Point.  
Click on the link to 
find upgrades to 
the firmware on 
the   D-Link 
website at 
http://support.dlink.
com.  After you 
have downloaded 
a firmware 
upgrade to your 
local drive, click 
Browse.  Select 
the firmware and 
click Apply to 
complete the 
upgrade.                Fig. 5.11 

Using the Configuration Menu 
                       Fig. 5.12 
                                   Fig. 5.13 
The DWL-900AP+ 
keeps a running log of 
events and activities 
occurring on the 
Access Point.  If the 
device is rebooted, 
the logs are 
automatically cleared.  
You may save the log 
files under Log 
Settings. 
To enable or disable 
logging for the Access 
Point, click on Log 
Settings.  To monitor 
the wireless stations, 
select Enable and the 
log file will be sent to 
the associated 
computer. 
Status > Device Info 
Status > Log 
This page displays the 
current information for 
the DWL-900AP+.  It 
will display the 
Ethernet and 
Wireless information.  
Ethernet: 
  MAC Address 
  IP Address 
  Subnet Mask 
  Gateway 
  DHCP Server 
Wireless: 
  MAC Address 
  SSID 
  Encryption 
  Channel 
  AP mode 
First Page - displays the first page of the Log 
Last Page - displays the last page of the Log 
Previous - moves back one log page 
Next - moves forward one log page 
Clear - clears the log completely 
Log Settings – Brings up the page to configure the logs 

 20 
Using the Configuration Menu 
                  Status > Stats 
              Fig. 5.14 
          Status > Wireless 
             Fig. 5.15 
Displays the 
network traffic 
statistics for both 
received and 
transmitted 
communications 
through the 
Ethernet port and 
wireless 
connections 
associated with 
the Access Point. 
Displays the list of 
computers that 
are connected to 
the DWL-900AP+ 
wirelessly. 

6. Using  the  AirPlus AP Manager 
The AirPlus Access Point Manger is a Windows based program to help you 
manage multiple Access Points in one 
easy view. 
•  Begin the installation by inserting 
the DWL-900AP+ CD into your CD-
ROM.  The AP Manager is also 
available for download at 
support.dlink.com. 
•  Click Install AirPlus AP Manager 
•  The following screen will appear. 
•  Click Next 
•  Click Next 
•  Click Finish to complete installation. 

 22 
Using the AirPlus AP Manager 
Link Information 
The Link Information screen 
displays the current settings of the 
selected Access Point 
AP Settings 
The AP Settings screen will allow 
you to change the Access Point 
settings for the selected Access 
Point. 
AP Settings > Advanced Settings 
The Advanced Settings will allow you to 
adjust advanced settings for the selected 
Access Point. 

Using the AirPlus AP Manager 
IP Settings 
The IP Settings screen will allow you 
to change the IP Address settings for 
the selected Access Point. 
WEP Settings 
The WEP Settings Screen will allow 
you to apply Wireless Encryption 
Protocol to the selected Access 
Point. 

 24 
Using the AirPlus AP Manager 
Firmware Upgrade 
The Firmware Upgrade screen will 
allow you to apply new version of 
the firmware to selected Access 
Point. 

7. Troubleshooting 
This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the 
installation and operation of the DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point.  We 
cover various aspects of the network setup, including the network adapters.  
Please read the following if you are having problems.  
Note:  It is recommended that you use an Ethernet connection to 
configure the DWL-900AP+ Access Point. 
1.  The computer used to configure the DWL-900AP+ cannot access the 
Configuration menu. 
•  Check that the Ethernet LED on the DWL-900AP+ is ON.  If 
the LED is not ON, check that the cable for the Ethernet 
connection is securely inserted. 
•  Check that the Ethernet Adapter is working properly.  Please 
see item 3 (Check that the drivers for the network 
adapters are installed properly) in this Troubleshooting 
section to check that the drivers are loaded properly. 
•  Check that the IP Address is in the same range and subnet 
as the DWL-900AP+.  Please see Checking the IP Address 
in Windows XP in the Networking Basics section of this 
manual. 
Note:  The IP Address of the DWL-900AP+ is 192.168.0.50.  All the computers 
on the network must have a unique IP Address in the same range, e.g., 
192.168.0.x.  Any computers that have identical IP Addresses will not be 
visible on the network.  They must all have the same subnet mask, e.g., 
255.255.255.0 
•  Do a Ping test to make sure that the DWL-900AP+ is 
responding.  Go to Start>Run>Type Command>Type ping 
192.168.0.50.  A successful ping will show four replies. 

 26 
Troubleshooting  
2. The wireless client cannot access the Internet in the Infrastructure 
mode. 
•  Make sure the wireless client is associated and joined with the correct 
Access Point.  To check this connection:  Right-click on the Local 
Area Connection icon in the taskbar> select View Available 
Wireless Networks.  The Connect to Wireless Network screen will 
appear.  Please make sure you have selected the correct available 
network, as shown in the illustrations below. 
•  Check that the IP Address assigned to the wireless adapter is within 
the same IP Address range as the access point and gateway.  Since 
the DWL-900AP+ has an IP Address of 192.168.0.50, wireless 
adapters must have an IP Address in the same range, e.g., 
192.168.0.x.  Each device must have a unique IP Address; no two 
devices may have the same IP Address. The subnet mask must be 
the same for all the computers on the network.)  To check the IP 
Address assigned to the wireless adapter, double-click on the 
Local Area Connection icon in the taskbar > select the Support 
tab and the IP Address will be displayed.  (Please refer to Checking 
the IP Address in the Networking Basics section of this manual.) 
•  If it is necessary to assign a Static IP Address to the wireless 
adapter, please refer to the appropriate section in Networking 
Basics.  If you are entering a DNS Server address you must also 
enter the Default Gateway Address.  (Remember that if you have a 
DHCP-capable router, you will not need to assign a Static IP Address.  
See  Networking Basics: Assigning a Static IP Address.) 
Default 

Troubleshooting  
3.  Check that the drivers for the network adapters are installed 
properly. 
You may be using different network adapters than those illustrated here, but this 
procedure will remain the same, regardless of the type of network adapters you are 
using. 
•  Go to Start 
•  Right-click on       
My Computer  
•  Click Properties 
•   Select the 
Hardware Tab 
•   Click Device 
Manager  

 28 
Troubleshooting  
•  Double-click on Network 
Adapters 
•  Right-click on D-Link 
AirPlus DWL-650+ 
Wireless Cardbus 
Adapter 
•  Select Properties to check 
that the drivers are 
installed properly 
•  Look under Device 
Status to check that the 
device is working properly. 
•  Click OK 
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter 
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter 
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter 

Troubleshooting  
4.  Resetting the DWL-900AP+ to Factory Default Settings 
After you have tried other methods for troubleshooting your network, you 
may choose to Reset the DWL-900AP+ to the factory default settings.  
Remember that D-Link AirPlus products network together, out of the box, 
at the factory default settings.   
To hard-reset the D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+ to Factory Default Settings, 
please do the following: 
•  Locate the Reset button on the back of the DWL-900AP+ 
•  Use a paper clip to press the Reset button.   
•  Hold for about 5 seconds and then release   
•  After the DWL-900AP+ reboots (this may take a few minutes) it will 
be reset to the factory Default settings. 

 30 
8. Networking Basics 
Using the Network Setup Wizard in Windows XP 
In 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.com 
and http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000  for information about 
networking computers using Windows 2000, ME or 98. 
Go to Start>Control Panel>Network Connections 
Select Set up a home or small office network 
When this screen appears, Click Next. 

Networking Basics  
Please follow all the instructions in this window: 
Click Next 
In the following window, select the best description of your computer.  If your 
computer connects to the Internet through a gateway/router, select the 
second option as shown. 
Click Next 

 32 
Networking Basics  
Enter a Computer description and a Computer name (optional.) 
Click Next 
Enter a Workgroup name.  All computers on your network should have the 
same Workgroup name. 
Click Next 

Networking Basics  
Please wait while the Network Setup Wizard applies the changes. 
When the changes are complete, click Next. 
Please wait while the Network Setup Wizard configures the computer.   
This may take a few minutes. 

 34 
Networking Basics  
In the window below, select the option that fits your needs.  In this example, 
Create a Network Setup Disk has been selected.  You will run this disk on 
each of the computers on your network.  Click Next. 
Insert a disk into the Floppy Disk Drive, in this case drive A. 
Format the disk if you wish, and click Next. 

Networking Basics  
Please wait while the Network Setup Wizard copies the files. 
Please read the information under Here’s how in the screen below.  After 
you complete the Network Setup Wizard you will use the Network Setup 
Disk to run the Network Setup Wizard once on each of the computers on 
your network.  To continue click Next.  

 36 
Networking Basics  
Please read the information on this screen, then click Finish to complete the 
Network Setup Wizard. 
The new settings will take effect when you restart the computer.  Click Yes 
to restart the computer. 
You have completed configuring this computer.  Next, you will need to run 
the Network Setup Disk on all the other computers on your network.  After 
running the Network Setup Disk on all your computers, your new wireless 
network will be ready to use. 

Networking Basics  
Naming your Computer 
To name your computer, please follow these directions: 
In Windows XP: 
•  Click Start (in the 
lower left corner of 
the screen) 
•  Right-click on My 
Computer 
•  Select Properties 
and click 
•  Select the 
Computer Name 
Tab in the System 
Properties window. 
You may enter a 
Computer description if 
you wish, this field is 
optional. 
To rename the computer 
and join a domain, 
•  Click Change 

 38 
Networking Basics  
Naming your Computer  
Checking the IP Address in Windows XP/2000 
Go to Start  > All Programs > Accessories  > Command Prompt 
•  In this window, enter 
the Computer 
name. 
•  Select Workgroup 
and enter the name 
of the Workgroup. 
•  All computers on 
your network must 
have the same 
Workgroup name.  
•   Click OK 

Networking Basics 
Checking the IP Address in Windows XP/2000 
Type Command 
Click OK 
Checking the IP Address in Windows XP/2000 
Type ipconfig /all at the prompt.  Press Enter.  All the configuration settings 
are displayed as shown below. 
D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter