D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 5 GHz Wireless PCI Adapter Manual Rev.
Contents Package Contents .................................................... 3 Introduction............................................................... 4 Wireless Basics ........................................................ 6 Getting Started ....................................................... 10 Using the Configuration Utility ................................ 17 Troubleshooting ...................................................... 24 Networking Basics ...........................................
Package Contents Contents of Package: • D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 5GHz Wireless PCI Adapter • Manual and Drivers on CD • Quick Installation Guide (printed) If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. System Requirements: • A desktop computer with an available 32-bit PCI Card slot • Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE • At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor or higher • An 802.11a Access Point (e.g.
Introduction The D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter is an advanced IEEE 802.11a compatible, high performance, wireless adapter that supports data transfer speeds of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode. It is an ideal way to connect your desktop computer to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN.
Product Features • • • Adheres to 802.11a standard in providing high data wireless transfer rates of up to 54 Mbps. Capable of providing data rates of up to 72 Mbps in Turbo Mode. Operation in the 5.2GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) frequency band Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) – a new technique for transmitting high-speed data over a radio wave. • Dynamic data rate scaling from 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 and 72Mbps depending upon reception quality.
Wireless Basics D-Link AirPro wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home or business. Strictly adhering to IEEE 802.11a, the D-Link AirPro wireless family of products will allow you to access the data you want, when and where you want it. No longer will you be limited to one location or forced to run new wiring through your home or office. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking delivers.
Wireless Basics (continued) Installation Flexibility - 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.
Wireless Basics (continued) Installation Considerations Designed to go up to 900 feet (~300 meters), D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 lets you access your network with your computer from virtually anywhere you want. Keep in mind, however, that the number and thickness of walls, ceilings or other objects that the wireless signals must pass thru may limit range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials and background RF noise in your home or business.
Wireless Basics (continued) For the average residence, range should not be a problem. 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 that will be connected. Additional Access Points can be connected to provide better coverage in rooms where the signal does not appear as strong as desired.
Getting Started To begin, select the type of wireless network you will be building. We will discuss the following types of networks in this section: 1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router 2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses 3. An Ad Hoc Network 4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing Please select, from the four types of networks described above, the type of network that is appropriate for your needs.
1. A Home Internet Network with A Residential Gateway/Router (continued) (Requirements: A Residential Gateway/Router connected with an Ethernet (CAT5) cable to an 802.11a Access Point such as the DWL-5000AP.) This type of installation requires that you provide a dynamic IP address for each computer on your network. You will need a DHCP-capable Residential Gateway/Router for your network. To complete the installation, please follow these steps: 1.
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses (Network administrators with Static IPs can also follow these instructions.) If you have two or more computers (laptops or desktops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using multiple IP addresses that you have purchased from your Internet Service Provider -or- you want to connect to an Ethernet network that uses Static IP Addresses, then follow the instructions on the next page.
2. A Home Internet Network with Multiple IP Addresses (continued) Please follow these steps to complete the installation: 1. Connect the Wireless Access Point (the D-Link AirPro DWL5000AP is shown in the example) to a Broadband connection (i.e., a Cable modem such as the D-Link DCM-200 cable modem.) 2. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter into a desktop computer on your wireless network. (You can also install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A650 Wireless Cardbus Adapter into a laptop computer.
3. An Ad Hoc Network If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share files and printers, but no Internet connection, please complete the following instructions. When your Ad Hoc network is complete it may look similar to this: (Requirements: Wireless network adapters -for example, the D-Link AirPro DWLA650 and the DWL-A520.) To complete this installation, please follow these steps: 1.
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing If you have two or more computers (desktops or laptops) and want to share files, printers, and Internet access using one computer or laptop as an Internet Server, then follow the instructions below.
4. An Ad Hoc Network with Internet Sharing (continued) If the Internet Sharing Software will be installed on the same computer into which you are installing this wireless network adapter, then follow these steps: 1. Install the D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter (please refer to the Quick Install Guide.) 2. Check the Device Manager to confirm that your adapter is installed correctly.
Using the Configuration Utility The Configuration Utility program for the DWL-A520 is called LinkMon. Please refer to the Quick Install Guide that came with the DWL-A520 for instructions on how to install LinkMon on your computer. Once you have installed LinkMon (the configuration utility), you can read this section of the manual to find out how to monitor and configure your DWL-A520 adapter using LinkMon. There are five tabs in the LinkMon Configuration Utility program.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) Under the Frame Statistics Tab you will find statistical information showing the number of frames being sent and received, retry count on frames sent, frame checksum error counts for received frames, and receive signal strength indicator (RSSI) information. Frame Statistics Tab D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) Under the Transmit Retries Tab you will find detailed transmit retry statistical information for transmitted frames. Transmit Retries Tab D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) Under the Station Tab you will find detailed BSS information including SSID, BSSID, association status, operating channel frequency, and information about scanned APs. Station Tab D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter Default BSS – (Basic Service Set) when one AP is connected to a wired network and a set of wireless stations, it is a BSS. SSID – (Service Set Identifier) it is essentially a network name; a name that identifies a wireless network.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) Under the Driver Tab you will find statistical data pertaining to NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification) driver operations.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) The Action menu allows the unloading of the NDIS driver, and the resetting of the network interface card (NIC.) Note that unloading the driver and resetting the NIC are options that are available only in Windows XP and Windows 2000. L-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter On the Options menu, choose Settings: 0 802.
Using the Configuration Utility (continued) Under the Display Tab, you can select the data display modes of Cumulative, or Relative. Cumulative mode displays statistical data collected when LinkMon is started. Relative mode displays differences in the statistical data since the last update of collected data.
Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. 1.
Troubleshooting (continued) • Double-click on Network Adapters • Right-click on D-Link Air Pro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter • Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter • Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly.
Troubleshooting (continued) 2. The computer does not recognize the DWL-A520 802.11a Wireless PCI Adapter. • Make sure that the DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s PCI slot. • Check that the DWL-A520 is installed in a 32-bit PCI 2.2 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.
Troubleshooting (continued) uninstall the drivers, restart the system, and repeat the driver installation procedure. 4. The computer with the wireless adapter installed is unable to connect to the wireless network. • 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 the D-Link AirPro products is Default.
Troubleshooting (continued) (Please see Checking the Wireless Configuration in the Networking Basics section of this manual for more information.) 5. 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 Networking Icon in the taskbar> select View Available Wireless Networks. The Connect to Wireless Network screen will appear.
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.
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.
Networking Basics Please wait while the wizard applies the changes. When the changes are complete, click Next. Please wait while the wizard configures the computer. This may take a few minutes.
Networking Basics In the window below, select the best option. 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 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.
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.
Networking Basics Naming your Computer (continued) • 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.
Networking Basics Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter • Select the Hardware Tab • Click Device Manager • Click on Network Adapters • Right-click on D-Link Air Pro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter • Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly.
Networking Basics Checking the Installation of the Drivers for the Wireless Adapter • Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. • Click OK Checking the Wireless Configuration • Double-click on the Local Area Connection Icon in the taskbar. In this window you will see the Signal Strength and the Status of the DWL-A520. In this case the Status and the Signal Strength are fine.
Networking Basics Checking the Wireless Configuration • Click Configure to access more information. D-Link AirPro DWL-A520 Wireless PCI Adapter • Select Settings This screen shows the wireless configuration. • Click Modify to check on the configuration.
Networking Basics Checking the Wireless Configuration • The Network Name (SSID) should be set to Default. • The Network Connection should be set to the correct mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc.) • The Turbo Mode setting (Disabled in the example here) must be the same on all the stations in your network. • Click on the Security Tab • If Enable Security is selected on one station on your network, it must be selected on all stations.
Networking Basics Checking the IP Address in Windows XP • Right-click on the Networking Icon in the task bar • Click on Status The following window will display • Click the Support tab.
Networking Basics Assigning a Static IP Address Note: Residential Gateways/Broadband Routers will automatically assign IP Addresses to the computers on the network, using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) technology. If you are using a DHCP-capable Gateway/Router you will not need to assign Static IP Addresses.
Networking Basics Assigning a Static IP Address • Right-click on Local Area Connections.
Networking Basics Assigning a Static IP Address • Select Use the following IP address in the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, • Input your IP address and subnet mask. (The IP Addresses on your network must be within the same range. For example, if one computer has an IP Address of 192.168.0.2, the other computers should have IP Addresses that are sequential, like 192.168.0.3 and 192.168.0.4. The subnet mask must be the same for all the computers on the network.
Networking Basics Adding and Sharing Printers in Windows XP After you have run the Network Setup Wizard on all the computers in your network (please see the Network Setup Wizard section at the beginning of Networking Basics,) you can use the Add Printer Wizard to add or share a printer on your network.
Networking Basics Adding a local printer • Click on Add a printer • Click Next
Networking Basics Adding a local printer • Select Local printer attached to this computer • (Deselect Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer if it has been selected.) • Click Next • Select Use the following port: • From the pull-down menu select the correct port for your printer (Most computers use the LPT1: port, as shown in the illustration.) • Click Next • Select and highlight the correct driver for your printer.
Networking Basics Adding a local printer • At this screen, you can change the name of the printer (optional.) • Click Next • Select Yes, to print a test page. A successful printing will confirm that you have chosen the correct driver. • Click Next This screen gives you information about your printer.
Networking Basics Adding a local printer When the test page has printed, • Click OK • Go to Start> Printers and Faxes A successful installation will display the printer icon as shown at right. You have successfully added a local printer.
Networking Basics Sharing a network printer After you have run the Network Setup Wizard on all the computers on your network, you can run the Add Printer Wizard on all the computers on your network.
Networking Basics Sharing a network printer • Select Browse for a printer • Click Next • Select the printer you would like to share.
Networking Basics Sharing a network printer To check for proper installation: • Go to Start> Printers and Faxes The printer icon will appear at right, indicating proper installation. You have completed adding the printer. To share this printer on your network: • Remember the printer name • Run the Add Printer Wizard on all the computers on your network. • Make sure you have already run the Network Setup Wizard on all the network computers.
Networking Basics Sharing an LPR printer To share an LPR printer (using a print server,) you will need a Print Server such as the DP-101P+. Please make sure that you have run the Network Setup Wizard on all the computers on your network. To share an LPR printer, please follow these directions: • Go to Start> Printers and Faxes • Click on Add a Printer The screen to the right will display.
Networking Basics Sharing an LPR printer • Select Create a new port • From the pull-down menu, select Standard TCP/IP Port, as shown. • Click Next • Please read the instructions on this screen. • Click Next • Enter the Printer IP Address and the Port Name, as shown.
Networking Basics Sharing an LPR printer • In this screen, select Custom. • Click Settings • Enter the Port Name and the Printer Name or IP Address. • Select LPR • Enter a Queue Name. If there is more than one port on the print server, you must name the Queue.
Networking Basics Sharing an LPR printer • This screen will show you information about your printer. • Click Finish • Select the printer you are adding from the list of Printers. • Insert the printer driver disk that came with your printer.
Networking Basics Sharing an LPR printer • You can rename your printer if you choose. It is optional. Please remember the name of your printer. You will need this information when you use the Add Printer Wizard on the other computers on your network. • Click Next • Select Yes, to print a test page. • Click Next This screen will display information about your printer. • Click Finish to complete the addition of the printer.
Networking Basics Other Tasks For help with other tasks in home or small office networking, see Using the Shared Documents folder and Sharing files and folders in the Help and Support Center in Microsoft Windows XP. Technical Specifications Standards • IEEE 802.11a (Wi-Fi5) Adapter Type • PCI 2.2 compliant • PCI 32-bit interface Supported OS • Windows XP • Windows 2000 • Windows ME • Windows 98SE Frequency Range • 5.150-5.
Current Consumption • Sleep mode - <40mW • Transmit mode - 1650mW • Receive mode – 1250mW Operating Voltage • 3.3V± -10% Network Architecture • Ad-Hoc Mode (Peer-to-Peer without Access Point) • Infrastructure Mode (Communications to wired networks via Access Points with Roaming) Antenna Type • Integrated dual diversity antennas with 1.5dBi gain Available Channels: • Eight non-overlapping channels for North America MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) • 30,000 hours Physical Dimensions • L ~ 5.
Contacting Technical Support You can find the most recent software and user documentation on the D-Link website. D-Link provides free technical support for customers within the United States for the duration of the warranty period on this product. U.S. customers can contact D-Link technical support through our web site, or by phone. D-Link Technical Support over the Telephone: (800) 758-5489 24 hours a day, seven days a week. D-Link Technical Support over the Internet: http://support.dlink.
Limited Warranty and Registration D-Link Systems, Inc. (“D-Link”) provides this 3-Year warranty for its product only to the person or entity who originally purchased the product from: • • D-Link or its authorized reseller or distributor. Products purchased and delivered with the fifty United States, the District of Columbia, US Possessions or Protectorates, US Military Installations, addresses with an APO or FPO.
that is not packaged and shipped in accordance with the foregoing requirements, or that is determined by D-Link not to be defective or non-conforming.
