D Link DWLG120C1 IEEE802.11g WLAN USB Adapter User Manual dwl120v F manual 102103

D Link Corporation IEEE802.11g WLAN USB Adapter dwl120v F manual 102103

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Users manual part 1

ManualBuilding Networks for People 802.11g (2.4GHz) Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter DWL-G120D-Link AirPlus GTM

2ContentsPackage Contents ................................................................................3Introduction............................................................................................4Features and Benefits ...........................................................................6Wireless Basics ....................................................................................7Installation Considerations ....................................................................8Getting Started ......................................................................................9Using the Configuration Utility ..............................................................11Using the Configuration Utility with Macintosh OS ...............................20Networking Basics ..............................................................................24Troubleshooting...................................................................................37Technical Specifications ......................................................................40Contacting Technical Support ..............................................................42Warranty and Registration ...................................................................43

3D-Link AirPlusTM G DWL-G1202.4 GHz Wireless USB 2.0 AdapterAt least 32MB of memory and a 300MHz processorProperly installed and working USB ControllerWindows XP/2000/Me/98SE A computer or laptop with an available USB portManual on CD-ROMQuick Installation GuideUSB Extension CableContents of Package:Package ContentsIf any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.System Requirements:Mac OS X (v10.2x or later)

4IntroductionThe D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter is a convenient Plug& Play USB 2.0 solution that brings wireless networking to your laptop or desktop PC.With transfer rates up to 54Mbps you can connect to a wireless network athome, at the office or at any wireless hotspot. Now you can stay connectedwherever you are and wherever you go.The DWL-G120 is Wi-Fi compliant, meaning that it can connect and interoperatewith other 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi-compliant wireless routers, access pointsand adapters. The DWL-G120 connects to any available USB port on a laptopor desktop Windows and Macintosh-based computer and also includes astandard USB extension cable. With the optional USB extension cable, theDWL-G120 can be positioned virtually anywhere at a workstation to achievethe best available wireless signal reception - whether that workstation is in youroffice, on your deck or patio, by the pool, at the local coffee shop, or in anairport terminal while waiting to board your next flight.The adapter works with Apple Mac OS X (v10.2x or later) Jaguar, MicrosoftWindows XP, Windows 2000 and other Windows operating systems to ensurethat you’ll be up and running on a wireless network in just a matter of seconds.Using its default settings, the DWL-G120 automatically connects to other D-Link Air or AirPlus wireless products as soon as it’s active.In addition to featuring 64- or 128-bit WEP encryption, the DWL-G120 offersthe added security of WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) when used with otherWPA devices in a network with a RADIUS server.For home users that will not incorporate a RADIUS server in their network, thesecurity for the DWL-G120, used in conjunction with other WPA-compatible802.11 products, will still be much stronger than ever before. Utilizing the Pre-Shared Key mode of WPA, the DWL-G120 will obtain a new security key everytime it connects to the 802.11 network. You only need to input your encryptioninformation once in the configuration menu. No longer will you have to manuallyinput a new WEP key frequently to ensure security. With the DWL-G120, youwill automatically receive a new key every time you connect, vastly increasingthe safety of your communication.TM

5Features and BenefitsProvides high-speed wireless connection at up to 54Mbps**2 Environmental factors may adversely affect range1 WPA will be available soon as a download for Mac usersBetter Security with WPA1 - In addition to 64-,128-bit WEP encryption,you can also securely connect to a wireless network using WPA (Wi-FiProtected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for yourdata and communication than has previously been available.Convenience of Plug & Play installationCompact size for placement anywhereFully 802.11b/802.11g compatibleUSB 2.0 standardPowered by the USB port; no external power source is requiredUser-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilitiesSupports Infrastructure networks via an access point andPeer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc modeConnects at up to 328 feet indoors2One year warrantyOptimal wireless reception using its USB cable (included). Positionthe DWL-G120 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve thebest reception possible.

6Wireless BasicsWireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network.Wireless adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the sameprotocols as Ethernet adapter cards.D-Link wireless products are based on industry standards to provide easy-to-use and compatible high-speed wireless connectivity within your home, businessor public access wireless networks. D-Link wireless products will allow youaccess to the data you want, when and where you want it. You will be able toenjoy the freedom that wireless networking brings.A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a computer network that transmitsand receives data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are usedincreasingly in both home and office environments, and public areas such asairports, coffee shops and universities. Innovative ways to utilize WLANtechnology are helping people to work and communicate more efficiently.Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed infrastructurehave proven to be beneficial to many users.People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:Mobility - Productivity increases when people have access to data in anylocation within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions basedon real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.Low Implementation Costs - WLANs are easy to set up, manage, changeand relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs easeof implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiringmay be impractical.Installation and Network Expansion - Installing a WLAN system can be fastand easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings.Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - evenoutside the home or office.Inexpensive Solution - Wireless network devices are as competitively pricedas conventional Ethernet network devices.Scalability - WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needsof specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changedand range from Peer-to-Peer networks suitable for a small number of users tolarger Infrastructure networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands ofusers, depending on the number of wireless devices deployed.

7Installation ConsiderationsThe DWL-G120 lets you access your network using a wireless connectionfrom virtually anywhere within its operating range. Keep in mind, however, thatthe number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that thewireless signals must pass through, may limit the range. Typical ranges varydepending on the types of materials and background RF (radio frequency) noisein your home or business. The key to maximizing wireless range is to followthese basic guidelines:Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electricaldevices or appliances that generate RF noise.4Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G120 andother network devices to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduceyour DWL-G120’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position yourdevices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.1Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that is 1.5feet 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 awall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.2Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal dooror aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to positionwireless devices and computers with wireless adapters so that thesignal passes through drywall or open doorways and not other materials.3Wireless Basics (continued)

8Getting Started With its default settings, the DWL-G120 will connect with otherD-Link AirPlus G products, right out of the box.A wireless router - D-Link AirPlusTM G DI-524A laptop computer with a D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G122A desktop computer with a D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120A cable modem - D-Link DCM-201There are basically two modes of networking:Infrastructure – using an access point or router, such as the DI-624.Ad-Hoc – directly connecting to another computer, for Peer-to-Peercommunication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, suchas two or more DWL-G120 Wireless Network USB adapters.On the following pages we will show you an example of an InfrastructureNetwork and an Ad-Hoc Network.An Infrastructure network contains an access point or router. TheInfrastructure network example shown on the following page contains thefollowing D-Link network devices (your existing network may be comprised ofother devices):TMTMTM

9You will need broadband Internet access (a cable or DSL-subscriberline into your home or office).Consult with your cable or DSL provider for proper installation of themodem.Connect the cable or DSL modem to your broadband router. (See theQuick Installation Guide included with your router.)Install the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter into anavailable USB port on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installa-tion Guide included with the DWL-G120.)Getting Started (continued)For a typical wireless setup at home (as shown above), please do the following:55555Setting up a Wireless Infrastructure NetworkInstall the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 wireless USB adapter into anavailable USB port on your laptop computer. (See the Quick Installa-tion Guide included with the DWL-G120.)TM

10Getting Started (continued)Setting up a Wireless Ad-Hoc NetworkWhen assigning IP addresses to the computers on the network, pleaseremember that the IP address for each computer must be in the sameIP address range as all the computers in the network, and the subnetmask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.2with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can beassigned an IP address of 192.168.0.3 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0,etc.IMPORTANT: If computers or other devices are assigned the same IPaddress, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.IP AddressInstall the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter intothe desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included withthe product.)Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, setthe adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to eachcomputer on the Ad-Hoc network.Install the D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter intothe laptop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included withthe product.)DWL-G122Wireless USB AdapterTM

11Select the Wireless Networks tab.Uncheck the box in the properties windowthat enables windows configuration.D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 uses the Configuration Utility as themanagement software. The utility provides the user an easy interface to changeany settings related to the wireless adapter. After you have completed theinstallation of the DWL-G120 (refer to the Quick Installation Guide that camewith your purchase) whenever you start the computer, the Configuration Utilitystarts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar (seeillustration below.*) Clicking on the utility icon will start the Configuration Utility.Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to click onStart>Programs>D-Link AirPlus G >D-Link AirPlus G Utility.Using the Configuration UtilityIf you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utilityor the D-Link Configuration Utility.If the icon does not display in the taskbar, then click onthis icon on your desktop to open.To use the D-Link Configuration Utility with XP, right-clickon the wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lowerright-hand corner of your computer screen.In the window that appears, selectView Available Wireless Networksand click the Advanced button. Thescreen at right will appear.After you have done this, you can then use the D-LinkConfiguration Utility with XP by clicking on the D-LinkConfiguration Utility icon. *Configuration Utility iconin the system trayTM

12Using the Configuration Utility (continued)Link InfoSSID:The Service Set Identifier isthe name assigned to thewireless network. The fac-tory SSID setting is de-fault.Tx Rate:The default setting is Auto; Tx Rate settings are automatically determined foran optimal speed up to a maximum of 54Mbps.Status:Displays the MAC addressof the access point orrouter to which the DWL-G120 is associatedChannel:The default setting is Auto. The channel selection is automatically determinedby the DWL-G120.Signal Strength:Displays the signal strength of the DWL-G120’s wireless connection to theaccess point or router.Packet Count:Displays the statistics of the data packets that are transmitted and received.Frequency:802.11b indicates that theDWL-G120 is communi-cating in the 2.4GHz band.Encryption:You can see if WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is Enabled or Disabled here.Wireless Mode:Either Infrastructure or Ad-Hoc will be displayed here. (Please see the GettingStarted section in this manual for an explanation of these two modes.)Rescan Button:Rescans for the strongest signal with the current SSID and associates withthat access point or router.

13ConfigurationUsing the Configuration Utility (continued)Wireless Mode:SSID:Authentication:Keys 1-4:Select the default key.Key Length:Data Encryption:IP Settings:Service Set Identifier is a name that identifiesa wireless network. Access points andwireless devices attempting to connect to aspecific WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)must use the same SSID. The default settingis default.Click on the pull-down menu; select from thefollowing options:Infrastructure - connecting to the WLANusing an access point. (This is thedefault setting).Ad-Hoc – wireless mode used whenconnecting directly to a computerequipped with a wireless adapter in aPeer-to-Peer environment.Select Enabled or Disabled.IP SettingsChoose one of the following modes:Open Authentication – the DWL-G120is visible to all devices on the network.Shared Authentication – allowscommunication only with other deviceswith identical WEP settings.Auto – will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of thewireless access point or router.Select the key length and either ASCII (e.g., a word) or hexadecimal format.Click Apply to save changes.When you click IP Settings in the Configuration window, the pop-up screenabove will appear. Configure the IP Settings in this window.Hexadecimal digits consist of the numbers 0-9 and the letters A-F.ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a code forrepresenting English letters as numbers from 0-127.

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