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Table of Contents Table of Contents Using Windows Vista®.................................................................30 Product Overview............................................................... 3 Package Contents.......................................................................... 3 Using Windows® XP.....................................................................31 System Requirements.................................................................. 3 Wireless Security..................
Section 1 - Product Overview Product PackageOverview Contents • D-Link DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter • Manual and Warranty on CD • D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD • Quick Installation Guide System Requirements • A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port • Windows® 7, Windows Vista® , XP (Service Pack 3) • CD-ROM Drive • 300MHz processor and at least 64MB of RAM • A 802.11n or 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The DWA-131 Wireless N Nano USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs. Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-131 can enable 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port. Powered by Wireless N technology, the DWA-131 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*.
Section 1 - Product Overview Features • Compact size for placement anywhere • Convenience of Plug & Play installation • Fully 802.11g compatible • 802.11n compliant • Powered by the USB port; no external power source required • USB 2.0 standard* • You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.
Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview 2 1 1 WPS Button 2 USB Connector D-Link DWA-131 User Manual Press the WPS button to automatically connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router or access point and establish connectivity. Refer to page 20. Used to connect the DWA-131 to your computer.
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 Most newer laptops may include a built-in wireless adapter. To prevent any conflicts with the D-Link wireless adapter, it is recommended to disable the 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.
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 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.
Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-131 Nano USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD. Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-131 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive. If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\ autorun.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). When the autorun screen appears, click Install Driver.
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-131, where C: represents the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse and specify the location. Click Next to continue.
Section 2 - Installation Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Next to continue. If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel. The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear. If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to page 20. The following instructions will connect you to a wireless network using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Click Next to continue.
Section 2 - Installation Wireless Connection Wizard Connect to your network by selecting to Manually type your Network Name or using the Wifi protected Setup (WPS). Click Next to continue. 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. Click Next to continue. Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey).
Section 2 - Installation Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now.
Section 2 - Installation Push Button Configuration (PBC) Select “Use the WiFi Proctected Setup (WPS)” to initiate the configuration and click Next. To connect to your network using the WPS push button configuration method, click the virtual button as shown in the screenshot. Note: You may also connect to your network by pressing the WPS button on the adapter and holding for two seconds until the wizard screen comes up. Then, press the WPS button on the router/access point to continue.
Section 2 - Installation Click Finish to continue.
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 Autoconfiguration. D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The D-Link DWA-131 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 securityenabled 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 Push Button 1. To connect to your network, press the WPS button on the adapter and hold for two seconds until the wizard screen appears. 2. Press the WPS button located on your access point or router to continue. This screen will appear once you have successfully established connection with your network.
Section 3 - Configuration Personal Identification Number (PIN) If you want to connect using the PBC method, refer to page 21. To use the PIN method, select PIN (Personal Identification Number) and 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: To create a new wireless network profile (refer to page 25). Modify: To edit a current profile (refer to page 26). Delete: To remove a profile. Activate: To use a profile. Allow up to 30 seconds to connect to the wireless network.
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. (Ad-hoc mode is not supported) Security Type: Select the type of security used.
Section 3 - Configuration Modify Profile You may edit an existing profile by selecting the profile and 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. Security Type: Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Wireless Security section for more information. OK: 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-131.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Using Windows® 7 Windows® 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, 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® 7 utility as seen below. If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility.
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, 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. If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Using Windows® XP Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility (Zero Configuration Utility). The following instructions are for Service Pack 2 users. If you are using another company’s utility, 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® XP utility as seen below.
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-131 offers the following types of security: • WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) • WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) • WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) 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).
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-PSK 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. 4.
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Using Windows® 7 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. Click on the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner). 2. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 3. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check your TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. 4. The following window appears while your computer tries to connect to the router.
Section 4 - Wireless Security 5. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. You can also connect by pushing the WPS button on the router. 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 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 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 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 and WPA2 are 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 5 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-131. 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-131 USB Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-131 USB Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. Click OK to continue.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting 2. The computer does not recognize the DWA-131 Wireless USB Adapter. Make sure that the DWA-131 Wireless USB Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s USB port. If Windows does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, make sure to completely remove drivers that were previously loaded. 3. The computer with the DWA-131 installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Check that the Network Connection for the wireless client is configured properly. Select AP (Infrastructure) when connecting to an access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click on Configuration to change the settings for the wireless adapter. If Security is enabled, make sure that the correct encryption keys are entered on both the DWA-131 and the access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click Encryption.
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 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 Wireless Modes There are basically two modes of networking: • Infrastructure – All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router. • Ad-Hoc – Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer. Unfortunately 802.11g/n products such as the DWA-131 do not support ad-hoc mode. An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or wireless router.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Networking Basics Check your IP address After you install your new D-Link wireless adapter and have established a wireless connection, by default, the TCP/IP settings should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the steps below. Windows® XP Users • Click on Start > Run. In the run box type cmd and click OK. • At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
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: Windows® XP Users • Windows® XP - Click on Start > Control Panel. Make sure you are in Classic View. Double-click on the Network Connections icon. • Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link wireless network adapter (or other adapter) which will be connected to your router.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Windows® 7/Windows Vista® Users • Click on Start > Control Panel (make sure you are in Classic View). Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon. If you are using Windows Vista, click on Manage network connections along the left panel in the window. For Windows 7, click on Change adapter settings. • Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link wireless network adapter which will be connected to your network.
Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards • IEEE 802.11n • IEEE 802.11g Bus Type • USB 2.0 (1.1 compatible) Security • WPA/WPA2 - Wi-Fi Protected Access (TKIP, MIC, AES, IV Expansion, Shared Key Authentication) • WPS (PIN and PBC) Media Access Control • CSMA/CA with ACK Frequency Range • 2.4GHz to 2.4835GHz Operating Temperature • 32°F to 104°F ( 0°C to 40°C) Operating Humidity • 10% to 90% maximum (non-condensing) Dimensions • 1.1” x 3.4” x 0.5” Weight • 0.06 lbs (27.
