D-Link Air DWL-520 User manual
Manual
D-Link Air
DWL-520
2.4GHz
Building Networks for People
TM
Wireless PCI Adapter
2
Contents
PackageContents ................................................................................3
Introduction............................................................................................4
Wireless Basics....................................................................................6
GettingStarted....................................................................................10
UsingtheConfigurationUtility..............................................................13
NetworkingBasics ..............................................................................20
Troubleshooting...................................................................................33
TechnicalSpecifications ......................................................................38
ContactingTechnical Support ..............................................................40
Warranty..... ........................................................................................41
Registration..... ....................................................................................44
3
Contents of Package:
D-Link Air DWL-520
2.4 GHz Wireless PCIAdapter
Manual and Warranty on CD
QuickInstallationGuide
Package Contents
If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.
System Requirements:
Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98SE
A computer with an available 32-bit PCI slot
At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor
An 802.11b Access Point (e.g., DWL-900AP+), or an 802.11b
wireless adapter (e.g., DWL-650.)
This manual applies specifically to the DWL-520 revision C1. Please
referto earlier versionsof this manualif youhave aprevious version
ofthe DWL-520.
4
Introduction
The D-Link Air DWL-520 Wireless PCIAdapter is an 802.11b wireless adapter
that supports high-speed wireless networking at home, at work or in public
places.
The DWL-520 is compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the D-Link
Air andAirPlus family of products including the DWL-650 and DWL-650+ Wire-
less Cardbus Adapters, the DI-614+ Wireless Router, DWL-900AP+ Wireless
Access Point and the DWL-120 Wireless USB Adapter.
The DWL-520 is an ideal way to connect your desktop computer to a Wireless
Local Area Network (WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick
Installation Guide (included in the package) you will have the ability to share
information and resources, such as files and printers, and take full advantage
of a “connected” environment for work or play!
The DWL-520 includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Win-
dows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Win-
dows 98SE) and can be integrated into a larger network, running, in either Ad
Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an Access
Point.) Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this manual to see
examples of typical network setups using the DWL-520 in both Infrastructure
and Ad-Hoc modes.
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its appli-
cation as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this manual
and get acquainted with wireless technology.
5
Link: Solid green light indicates connection to the network
ACT: Blinking green light indicates activity on the network
LEDS
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode.
Features & Benefits
Providesameasure of security for theinformation transmitted over awireless
network with high data encryption at 64 or 128-bit WEP.
Supportsinfrastructurenetworksvia an access point and peer-to-peercommu-
nicationinad-hoc mode
32-bitPCI performance
User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities
Maximumreliability, throughput andconnectivity with automaticdatarate
switching
Operatesinthe2.4GHzfrequency range
Providesa simple andinexpensive wayto connectyour desktopcomputerto
a wireless network at home, or at the office
Wi-Ficompatible
Fullycompliant with the 802.11bstandard and interoperablewith all existing
802.11b-compliantdevices
Quick and Easy Installation- The DWL-520 installs quickly and easily to a
standard PCI 2.2 slot in a desktop computer. By following the simple steps
outlined in the Quick Installation Guide, you can connect to an available
wireless network in a matter of seconds
HighPerformance 32-bit PCI- The highcapacity PCI interfaceutilized by the
DWL-520ensuresoptimal performance in transmittinga wireless signal within
the desktop computer. By utilizing a standard PCI 2.2 interface, the DWL-520
ensuresa wide range ofcompatibility with motherboardsused byPC manu-
facturers
Provideshigh-speedwirelessconnection up to 11Mbps
6
D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-
useand compatiblehigh-speedwirelessconnectivitywithin yourhome,business
or public access wireless networks. Strictly adhering to the IEEE standard, the
D-Link 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
suchas airports,coffeeshops anduniversities. Innovativeways toutilize WLAN
technology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently.
Wireless Basics
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
linkto aconventionalEthernetLANin orderto useservers,printersoran Internet
connection supplied through the wired LAN. A Wireless Router is a device
used to provide this link.
7
Wireless Basics (continued)
People use wireless LAN technology for many different purposes:
Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in any
locationwithin theoperating rangeof theWLAN. Managementdecisionsbased
on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.
Low Implementation Costs –WLANs (Wireless Local Area Networks) are
easyto setup, manage,change andrelocate. Networksthat frequentlychange,
bothphysicallyand logically,can benefit fromWLANsease ofimplementation.
WLANscan operatein locationswhereinstallationofwiringmaybeimpractical.
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.
Network Expansion - Wireless technology allows the network to go
where wires cannot.
Scalability – Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) can be configured in a
variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications or existing
infrastructures. Configurations are easily changed and range from peer-to-
peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger infrastructure
networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the
number of wireless devices deployed.
8
The DWL-520 is compatible with 802.11b wireless products, which include:
2.4GHz Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers
(D-Link Air DWL-650, D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+)
2.4GHz Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers
(D-Link AirPlus DWL-520+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Access Point
(D-Link Air DWL-900AP, D-Link AirPlus DWL-900AP+)
Enhanced 2.4GHz Wireless Broadband Router
(D-Link AirPlus DI-614+, DI-714P+)
Standards-Based Technology
Based on the IEEE 802.11b standard, the DWL-520 is also interoperable with
existing compatible 2.4GHz wireless technology with data transfer speeds of
up to 11Mbps.
Wireless Basics (continued)
Installation Considerations
The D-Link Air DWL-520 lets you access your network, using a wireless
connection, from virtually anywhere. Keep in mind, however, that the number,
thicknessand locationof walls,ceilings, orotherobjectsthatthewirelesssignals
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 DWL-520 and
other network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce
your D-Link Air Wireless product’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.)
Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.
9
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! Try to make sure that devices 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 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 generate RF noise.
Installation Considerations (continued)
10
There are basically two modes of networking:
Infrastructure – using an Access Point or Router, such as
theDI-614+
Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-
peer communication, using wireless network adapters on
each computer, such as two or more DWL-520 wireless
network adapters.
On the following pages we will show you an example of an Infrastructure
Network and an Ad-Hoc Network.
An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or Router. The
Infrastructure Network example shown on the following page contains the
following D-Link network devices (your existing network may be comprised
of other devices):
Getting Started
With its default settings, the DWL-520, when activated, will
connect with other D-Link Air products, right out of the box.
A wireless Router - D-Link AirPlus DI-614+
A laptop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-650
A desktop computer with a wireless adapter -
D-Link Air DWL-520
A Cable modem - D-Link DCM-200
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9
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