Table of Contents Table of Contents Product Overview....................................................3 Package Contents................................................................. 3 System Requirements.......................................................... 3 Introduction......................................................................... 4 Features............................................................................... 5 Hardware Overview..............................................
Section 1 - Product Overview Product PackageOverview Contents • D-Link DWA-556 Wireless N™ PCI Express Desktop Adapter • Manual and Warranty on CD • D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD System Requirements • A desktop computer with an available 64-bit PCI Express slot • Windows® 2000 (Service Pack 4) or XP (Service Pack 2), or Vista • 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM • A draft 802.11n or 802.11g access point (for Infrastructure mode), or another draft 802.11n or 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The D-Link Wireless N™ Desktop Adapter (DWA-556) is a Draft 802.11n client device that delivers unrivaled wireless performance for your desktop computer. With the DWA-556, 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.
Section 1 - Product Overview Features • Faster Wireless Networking* - Enable wireless connectivity on your Desktop PC computer with the DWA-556. With the performance of D-Link’s Wireless N™ line of wireless products, the DWA-556 delivers an unsurpassed wireless experience. Perform multiple network tasks at once with the speed provided by this Wireless Adapter. • Compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g Devices - Fully compatible with the IEEE 802.11b and 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview LEDs ACT LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission.
Section 2 - Installation 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.
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.
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.
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.
Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Note: Cancel Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-556 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. The step-by-step instructions that follow are shown in Windows® XP. 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:\DWA556. exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive).
Section 2 - Installation The InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Click Next to continue. Click Next By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program Files\DLink\DWA-556, where C: represents the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse and specify the location. Click Next. Click Next Select the Program Files folder location.
Section 2 - Installation Click Finish to continue. Click Finish The D-Link Configuration Wizard will now appear. If you are using Windows® XP (SP2), you will have the option to use either the D-Link utility or the built-in Windows® Wireless utility.
Section 2 - Installation Insert the adapter into an available PCIe port on your computer. If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel. 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).
Section 2 - Installation Push Button Configuration (PBC) 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.
Section 2 - Installation Manual Connect To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a wireless network and then click Next. 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.
Section 2 - Installation Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next. Click Next When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to your wireless network. Click Finish to complete your setup. Click Finish Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Section 3 - Configuration Configuration This section will show you how to configure your new D-Link wireless adapter using the D-Link Utility as well as the Windows® XP Zero Configuration Utility and Vista WLAN Auto Configuration. D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The D-Link DWA-556 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.
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. SSID: The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. MAC: Displays the MAC address of the wireless device. Signal: Displays the Link Quality of the wireless connection.
Section 3 - Configuration Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS) Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) System is designed for easy setup of security-enabled Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to have the access point or wireless router nearby during setup. For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at www. wi-fi.org. “Push Button Configuration” (PBC) is a virtual button in the utility that connects you to other WPS-enabled devices.
Section 3 - Configuration Personal Identification Number (PIN) If you want to connect using the PBC method, refer to page 14. To use the PIN method, select PIN (Personal Identification Number) and click Next. Click Next Make sure your access point or wireless router is close by. Write down the number on the screen. Enter this number in your access point or wireless router. Please refer to the manufacture’s manual for instructions.
Section 3 - Configuration The adapter will try to establish connectivity to your access point or wireless router. When this screen appears, you have successfully established connectivity. Click Finish to complete your setup.
Section 3 - Configuration My Wireless Networks The My Wireless Networks page will allow you to create, edit, and delete wireless network profiles. Every time you connect to a network using the Wireless Networks page, a profile will automatically be created. New Button: Click New to create a new wireless network profile (refer to page 24). Modify: Click Modify to edit a current profile (refer to page 25). Delete: Click Delete to remove a profile. Activate: Click Activate to use a profile.
Section 3 - Configuration Add Profile You may add a new network by clicking the New button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). SSID: Enter the SSID of the wireless network. Network Type: Select the network type. If you are connecting to a wireless router or access point, select Infrastructure. If you are connecting to another wireless client such as an adapter, select Ad Hoc. Set Security: Select the type of security used.
Section 3 - Configuration Modify Profile You may edit an existing profile by clicking the Modify button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). SSID: Displays the SSID of the network. Network Type: Displays the network type. Set Security: Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Wireless Security section for more information. OK Button: Click OK to save your settings.
Section 3 - Configuration Support If you need help, click the Support button. A panel will appear to the right of the utility which will display information about the utility.
Section 3 - Configuration About The About screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWA-556.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Using Windows® Vista™ Windows® Vista™ users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility or Windows® 2000, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to the Windows® Vista™ utility as seen below.
Section 3 - Configuration Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router.
Section 3 - Configuration Windows® XP Configuration Utility Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility. The following instructions are for Service Pack 2 users. If you are using Windows® 2000, you must use the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager. Please refer to page 18. If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time).
Section 3 - Configuration Disabling The Windows® XP Utility If you want to use the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager you must disable the Windows® XP wireless utility. Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). Select View Available Wireless Networks. In the Choose a Wireless Network window click Change Advanced Settings on the left side below Related Tasks.
Section 3 - Configuration In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, uncheck Use Windows® to configure my wireless network settings and then click OK. Refer to page 15, on instructions for launching the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Wireless Security This section will show you the different levels of security you can use to protect your data from intruders. The DWA-556 offers the following types of security: • WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) • WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) • WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) What is WEP? WEP stands for Wired Equivalent Privacy. It is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard and uses the RC4 encryption algorithm.
Section 4 - Wireless Security What is WPA? WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). The 2 major improvements over WEP: • Improved data encryption through the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP). TKIP scrambles the keys using a hashing algorithm and, by adding an integrity-checking feature, ensures that the keys haven’t been tampered with. WPA2 is based on 802.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WEP Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager It is recommended to enable WEP on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the WEP key being used. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. From the list of available wireless networks, select the network you want to connect to and click Connect.
Section 4 - Wireless Security It is recommended to enable WEP on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. make sure you enter the WEP key exactly the same on all wireless devices. It is strongly recommended to set the authentication to Shared Key. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. Click on New to create a new profile or highlight an existing profile and click Modify. 2. Select WEP under Set Security Option.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WEP Using Windows® Vista It is recommended to enable wireless security (WEP) on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the security key or passphrase being used. 1. Open the Windows® Vista™ Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower right corner of screen). Select Connect to a network. 2.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 3. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WEP Using the Windows® XP Utility It is recommended to enable WEP on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the WEP key being used. 1. Open the Windows ® XP Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner of screen). Select View Available Wireless Networks. 2.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 3. The Wireless Network Connection box will appear. Enter the WEP key and click Connect. It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the WEP settings are correct. The WEP key must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA™/WPA2™ Passphrase Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager It is recommended to enable WPA-PSK on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the WPA-PSK passphrase being used. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. 2. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click Connect.
Section 4 - Wireless Security It is recommended to enable WPA™/WPA2™-Personal on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. Make sure you enter the passphrase exactly the same on all wireless devices. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. Click on New to create a new profile or highlight an existing profile and click Modify. 2. Select WPA/WPA2-Personal under Set Security Option. 3. Select TKIP or AES, or Auto. 4.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA™/WPA™-Personal Using Windows® Vista™ It is recommended to enable wireless security (WPA/WPA2) on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the security key or passphrase being used. 1. Open the Windows® Vista™ Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower right corner of screen). Select Connect to a network. 2.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 3. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the security settings are correct. The key or passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA™/WPA2™ Passphrase Using the Windows® XP Utility It is recommended to enable WEP on your wireless router or access point before configuring your wireless adapter. If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the WEP key being used. 1. Open the Windows ® XP Wireless Utility by right-clicking on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner of screen). Select View Available Wireless Networks. 2.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 3. The Wireless Network Connection box will appear. Enter the WPA-PSK passphrase and click Connect. It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the WPA-PSK settings are correct. The WPA-PSK passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA™/WPA2™-Enterprise Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager WPA/WPA2-Enterprise is for advanced users who are familiar with using a RADIUS server and setting up certificates. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. Click on New to create a new profile or highlight an existing profile and click Modify. 2. Select WPA/WPA2-Enterprise under Set Security Option and then select TKIP or AES. 3.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure 802.1x (RADIUS) Using the D-Link Utility 802.1x is for advanced users who are familiar with using a RADIUS server and setting up certificates. 1. Open the Wireless Utility by double-clicking on the D-Link icon in your system tray (lower-right corner of screen). Click on New to create a new profile or highlight an existing profile and click Modify. 2. Select 802.1x under Set Security Option. 4. Next to EAP Type, select EAP-TLS, LEAP, EAP-TTLS, or PEAP.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-556. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. (The examples below are illustrated in Windows® XP. If you have a different operating system, the screenshots on your computer will look similar to the following examples.) 1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly? Go to Start > My Computer > Properties. Select the Hardware Tab.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop 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 to continue.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting 2. I cannot connect to the access point or the wireless router. • Make sure that the SSID on the DWA-556 desktop adapter is exactly the same as the SSID on the Access Point or wireless router. • Move the DWA-556 and Access Point or Wireless router into the same room and then test the wireless connection. • Disable all security settings.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting 5. The computer does not recognize the DWA-556 Wireless Adapter. • Make sure that the DWA-556 Wireless Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s PCI Express slot. • If Windows does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, make sure to completely remove drivers that were previously loaded. To remove the drivers, do the following: A. Under Tools > select Folder Options… > select View > under Hidden files and folders > select Show hidden files and folders. B.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting • In Infrastructure mode, make sure the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) is specified on the settings for the wireless clients and access points. The SSID factory default setting for D-Link products is default. • In Ad Hoc mode, both wireless clients will need to have the same SSID. Please note that it might be necessary to set up one client to establish a BSS (Basic Service Set) and wait briefly before setting up other clients.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Wireless Basics D-Link 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 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.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics What is Wireless? Wireless or Wi-Fi technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to connect wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network. Why D-Link Wireless? D-Link is the worldwide leader and award winning designer, developer, and manufacturer of networking products. D-Link delivers the performance you need at a price you can afford.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away. Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn’t use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Where is wireless used? Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or office. People like the freedom of mobility and it’s becoming so popular that more and more public facilities now provide wireless access to attract people. The wireless connection in public places is usually called “hotspots”.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Security Don’t let your next-door neighbors or intruders connect to your wireless network. Secure your wireless network by turning on the WPA or WEP security feature on the router. Refer to product manual for detail information on how to set it up. Wireless Modes There are basically two modes of networking: • Infrastructure – All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Networking Basics Check your IP address After you install your new D-Link adapter, by default, the TCP/IP settings should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. wireless router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the steps below. Click on Start > Run. In the run box type cmd and click OK. At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter. This will display the IP address, subnet mask, and the default gateway of your adapter.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Statically Assign an IP address If you are not using a DHCP capable gateway/router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow the steps below: Step 1 Windows® XP - Click on Start > Control Panel > Network Connections. Windows® 2000 - From the desktop, right-click My Network Places > Properties. Step 2 Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link network adapter and select Properties.
Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards* • IEEE 802.11b • IEEE 802.11g • IEEE 802.11n (draft) Security • WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access • 64/128-bit WEP Frequency Range • 2.4GHz to 2.462GHz External Antenna Type • Dipole with detachable reverse SMA connector Operating Temperature • 32°F to 131°F ( 0°C to 55°C) Humidity • 95% maximum (non-condensing) Dimensions • L = 4.64 (114.3mm) • W = 2.13 (54mm) • H = 0.34 inches (8.7mm) Weight • 0.
