D Link WA552A3 D-Link DWA-552 Xtreme N Desktop Adapter User Manual Manual Part 1

D Link Corporation D-Link DWA-552 Xtreme N Desktop Adapter Manual Part 1

Contents

Manual Part 1

2D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Table of Contents
Product Overview ........................................................3
Package Contents .....................................................3
System Requirements ...............................................3
Introduction ............................................................... 4
Features ....................................................................5
Hardware Overview ...................................................6
LEDs ......................................................................6
Installation ....................................................................7
Getting Started ..........................................................7
Remove Existing Installations ................................ 7
Disable Other Wireless Adapters ...........................8
Wireless Installation Considerations .......................10
Adapter Installation .................................................11
Configuration .............................................................17
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ..................... 17
Wireless Networks ...............................................18
My Wireless Networks .......................................... 19
Support.................................................................22
About ....................................................................23
Connect to a Wireless Network ................................24
Using Windows Vista® ............................................. 24
Using Windows® XP ................................................26
Wireless Security .......................................................27
What is WPA? ....................................................... 27
Configure WPA/WPA2-Personal .......................... 28
Using the D-Link Utility .........................................28
Using Windows Vista® ..........................................30
Using Windows® XP .............................................32
Configure WPA/WPA2-Enterprise .......................34
Using the D-Link Utility .........................................34
Configure 802.1x (RADIUS) ....................................35
Using the D-Link Utility .........................................35
Troubleshooting .........................................................36
Wireless Basics ......................................................... 41
Networking Basics .................................................... 46
Check your IP address ............................................ 46
Windows® XP/2000 Users ....................................46
Windows Vista® Users ..........................................46
Statically Assign an IP address ...............................47
Windows® XP/2000 Users ....................................47
Windows Vista® Users ..........................................48
Technical Specifications ...........................................49
Contacting Technical Support ..................................50
Warranty .....................................................................51
Registration ................................................................57
Table of Contents
3D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
D-Link DWA-552 Xtreme N™ Desktop Adapter
Three (3) Antennas
• Manual and Warranty on CD
• D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD
System Requirements
A desktop computer with an available PCI slot
Windows Vista®, XP (Service Pack 2), or 2000 (Service Pack 4)
300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM
Product Overview
Package Contents
4D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Introduction
The D-Link Xtreme N™ Desktop Adapter (DWA-552) is a Draft 802.11n client device that delivers unrivaled wireless
performance for your desktop computer. With the DWA-552, you can add or upgrade your Desktop PC’s wireless
connectivity without having to purchase a new computer. Once connected, access your network’s high-speed Internet
connection while sharing photos, files, music, video, printers, and storage. Get a better Internet experience with a faster
wireless connection so you can enjoy digital phone calls, gaming, downloading, and video streaming.
Powered by Xtreme N™ technology, the DWA-552 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than
802.11g*. The DWA-552 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher networking. Maximize
wireless performance by connecting this desktop adapter to a Xtreme N Router and stay connected from virtually
anywhere in the home. This adapter supports WPA and WPA2 encryption to prevent outside intrusion and protect your
personal information from being exposed.
The D-Link Xtreme N™ DWA-552 is a powerful 32-bit desktop adapter that installs quickly and easily into desktop
computers. Like all D-Link wireless adapters, the DWA-552 can be used in ad-hoc mode to connect directly with other
cards for peer-to-peer file sharing or in infrastructure mode to connect with a wireless access point or router for access
to the Internet in your office or home network.
The DWA-552 features robust security to help protect the wireless network from intruders, complying with the latest
wireless networking security protocols, including Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA/WPA2) support. The DWA-552 also
includes a configuration utility to discover available wireless networks and create and save detailed connectivity profiles
for those networks most often accessed.
Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and draft 802.11n 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. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless
signal range.
5D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Faster Wireless Networking* - Enable wireless connectivity on your Desktop PC computer with the
DWA-552. With the performance of D-Link’s Xtreme N line of wireless products, the DWA-552 delivers an
unsurpassed wireless experience. Perform multiple network tasks at once with the speed provided by this
Wireless Adapter.
Compatible with 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the 802.11g standards, the DWA-552
can connect with existing 802.11g compliant routers, access points and cards. That means you can
still communicate with colleagues and friends while you have the ability to link to even more wireless
networks.
Better Security with 802.1x and WPA/WPA2 - With the DWA-552 in your Desktop PC you can securely
connect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentication, as well as WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi
Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than
has previously been available.
Total Performance - Upgrade your computer with the latest draft 802.11n technology.
Total Wireless Protection - Connect to secure wireless networks using WPA/WPA2.
Total Connectionn - Get reception throughout your home by connecting to an Xtreme N Router.
Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and draft 802.11n 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.
Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range.
Features
6D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 1 - Product Overview
Hardware Overview
LEDs
WLAN LED
A solid light indicates that wireless is
ready. This LED blinks during wireless
data transmission.
7D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Getting Started
Installation
This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in
device manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter,
please make sure any software is uninstalled.
Before installing your new D-Link wireless adapter, please verify the following:
• Remove any previous installations of wireless adapters
• Disable any built-in wireless adapters
Verify the settings such as the SSID and security settings of the network(s) you want to connect to
Remove Existing Installations
If you’ve installed a different manufacture’s adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is
uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conflict with the new software. If you plan
to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.
Windows Vista® and XP users may use the built-in wireless utility for all adapters.
To remove any old software:
Windows Vista®/XP users: Click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Windows® 2000 users: Click Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
8D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Disable Other Wireless Adapters
To prevent any conflicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable any wireless adapter (as well
as any unused Ethernet adapters).
From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties.
Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down
the list and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Right-click the adapter you would like to disable and select
Disable.
9D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Yes to disable the adapter.
The adapter is now disabled. When disabled, a red X will be
displayed.
Disabling the adapter will not remove the drivers. If you would like
to use the adapter, simply right-click it and select Enable.
10D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Wireless Installation Considerations
The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless connection from virtually anywhere within
the operating range of your wireless network. 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 D-Link adapter and other network devices to a
minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’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 make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on
range. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through
drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water
(fish tanks), mirrors, file cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.
4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that
generate RF noise.
5. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and
home security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make
sure your 2.4GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits
a signal even if the phone in not in use.
11D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Note: Please install the DWA-552 Desktop Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the
D-Link CD. When the “Add New Hardware” wizard appears, click Cancel.
Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-552 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The step-by-step instructions that
follow are shown in Windows Vista®. The steps and screens are similar for the other Windows operating systems.
If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type
D:\DWA552.exe (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
Adapter Installation
Click Install Drivers
12D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The InstallShield Wizard window will appear.
Click Next to continue.
By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program
Files\D-Link\DWA-552, where C: represents the drive letter of
your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse
and specify the location. Click Next.
Select the Program Files folder location.
Click Next
Click Next
Click Next
13D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
The drivers will install. This may take 1-2 minutes.
Click Next
The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear.
If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to page 15.
The following instructions will connect you to a wireless network using
Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS).
14D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
To connect to your network using the WPS push button
configuration method, click the virtual button as shown in the
screenshot.
Press the WPS button on your access point or wireless router
within 2 minutes to establish connectivity.
When this screen appears, you have successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Next to complete your setup.
Click Next
Push Button Configuration (PBC)
15D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Next
Click Next
To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to
a wireless network and then click Next.
Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID incorrectly,
you will automatically be brought to the site survey page. Click Scan to
display the site survey page.
Manual Connect
16D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 2 - Installation
Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your
computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Click Finish
When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to
your wireless network. Click Finish to complete your setup.
Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site
survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next.
Click Next
Click Finish
17D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Configuration
D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
Double-click the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on your desktop.
This section will show you how to configure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as Windows®
XP Zero Configuration and Windows Vista® WLAN Auto Configuration.
The D-Link DWA-552 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software. The manager provides
the user an easy interface to change any settings related to the wireless adapter. Clicking on the Wireless Connection
Manager icon on the desktop will start the Configuration.
If you are using Windows Vista® please skip to page 27 or Windows® XP skip to page 29.
18D-Link DWA-552 User Manual
Section 3 - Configuration
Wireless Networks
The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect
to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect.
The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name
of the wireless network.
Displays the MAC address of the wireless
device.
Displays the Link Quality of the wireless
connection.
If there is a “lock” icon, this means the wireless
network is secure. You must know the encryption
key/security settings to connect.
Displays the channel of the wireless network.
Connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi®
Protected Setup. Refer to the next page.
Rescans for available wireless networks in your
area.
Highlight a wireless network and click the
Connect button. If the network is secure, a
pop-up window will appear. Enter the security
information to connect (refer to the Wireless
Security section for more information).
Select a wireless network profile from the
drop-down menu and click Activate to connect.
Allow up to 30 seconds to connect.
MAC:
SSID:
Channel:
Signal:
Security:
Refresh Button:
Connect Button:
Activate Button:
WPS Button:

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