D-LINK AIRPLUS G DWL-G120 (01) PDF MANUAL

The package contains the following items:

• D-Link AirPlus™ G DWL-G120 802.11g (2.4 GHz) Wireless USB Adapter

• Manual on CD-ROM

• Quick Installation Guide

• USB Cable

If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller.

The system requirements are:

• A computer or laptop with an available USB port

• Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE

• At least 32 MB of memory and a 300 MHz processor

• Properly installed and working USB Controller

The D-Link AirPlus™ G DWL-G120 802.11g (2.4GHz) Wireless USB Adapter is a convenient Plug & Play USB 2.0 solution that brings wireless networking to your laptop or desktop PC. It provides up to a 128-bit level of WEP security to your wireless data transfers.

Unlike most network cards, the DWL-G120 provides data transfers at up to 54 Mbps when used with other D-Link AirPlus G products. The 802.11g standard is backwards compatible with 802.11b products.

The DWL-G120 comes with software drivers for the most popular Microsoft Windows operating systems and can be integrated into a larger network, running Windows XP/2000/Me/98SE in either Ad-Hoc mode (without an access point or router) or Infrastructure mode (with an access point or router).

• Five times faster: Achieve data transfer speeds up to 54 Mbps; up to 5x faster than conventional 802.11b networks, when used with other 802.11g devices.

• Convenience of Plug & Play installation.

• Fully 802.11g compatible: Backwards compatible with 802.11b devices.

• USB 2.0 standard.

• Network Security: with 128-bit WEP encryption.

• Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point or router and Peer-to-Peer communication in Ad-Hoc mode.

• User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities.

• Connects at up to 328 feet indoors. (Environmental factors may adversely affect range)

Antenna: Used to wirelessly connect to 802.11g networks.

Link/Activity LED:

• Power – Indicates that the DWL-G120 is properly installed in the computer.

• Link – Blinks when data is being transmitted through the wireless connection.

Mini-USB 2.0 port: Used to connect the DWL-G120 to your computer.

Mobility: Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time information can significantly improve worker efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs: WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be impractical.

Installation and Network Expansion: Installing a WLAN system can be fast and easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go – even outside the home or office.

Scalability: WLANs can be configured in a variety of topologies to meet the needs of specific applications and installations. 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.

Inexpensive Solution: Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as conventional Ethernet network devices.

The DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter utilizes the 802.11g standard. The IEEE 802.11g standard is an extension of the 802.11b standard. It increases the data rate up to 54 Mbps within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing OFDM technology.

This technology works by transmitting high-speed digital data over a radio wave utilizing OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) technology. OFDM works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver. OFDM reduces the amount of crosstalk (interference) in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-G120 will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest speed and range possible.

Yes, the DWL-G120 is backwards compatible with 802.11b devices. This means that if you have an existing 802.11b network, the devices in that network will be compatible with 802.11g devices at speeds up to 11Mbps in the 2.4GHz range.

The number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, may limit the range. The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G120 and other network devices to a minimum – each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-G120’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

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! Position devices so that the signal will travel straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better reception.

3. Building materials can impede the wireless signal – 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.

There 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-Peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or more DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapters.

For a typical wireless setup at home, please do the following:

1. You will need broadband Internet access (a Cable or DSL-subscriber line into your home or office).

2. Consult with your Cable or DSL provider for proper installation of the modem.

3. Connect the Cable or DSL modem to your broadband router. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with your router.)

4. Install the D-Link AirPlus™ G DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter into an available USB slot on your desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G120.)

5. Install the D-Link AirPlus™ G DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter into a laptop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the DWL-G120.)

6. If you wish, you may connect a computer that is equipped with an Ethernet network adapter (such as a DFE-530TX+) to the router also.

1. Install the DWL-G120 Wireless USB adapter into the desktop computer. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation instructions.)

2. Install another DWL-G120 into the laptop computer. Or you may install another wireless adapter such as the D-Link DWL-G650 wireless PC Card adapter. (See the Quick Installation Guide included with the product for installation instructions.)

3. Set the wireless configuration for the adapters to Ad-Hoc mode, set the adapters to the same channel, and assign an IP address to each computer on the Ad-Hoc network.

When assigning IP addresses to the computers on the network, please remember that the IP address for each computer must be in the same IP address range as all the computers in the network, and the subnet mask must be exactly the same for all the computers in the network.

For example: If the first computer is assigned an IP address of 192.168.0.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0, then the second computer can be assigned 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 IP address, one or more of the devices may not be visible on the network.

After you have completed the installation of the DWL-G120, whenever you start the computer, the Configuration Utility starts automatically and the system tray icon is loaded in the toolbar. Clicking on the utility icon will start the Configuration Utility.

Another way to start the Configuration Utility is to click on Start > Programs > D-Link AirPlus G > D-Link AirPlus G Utility.

If the icon does not display in the taskbar, you can click on the “D-Link Air Utility” icon on your desktop to open it.

If you are using Windows XP, you can use either the Zero Configuration Utility or the D-Link Configuration Utility. To use the D-Link utility:

1. Right-click on the Wireless network icon in the taskbar in the lower right-hand corner of your computer screen.

2. In the window that appears, select View Available Wireless Networks and click the Advanced button.

3. Select the Wireless Networks tab.

4. Uncheck the box in the properties window that says “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings”.

5. Click OK.

After you have done this, you can then use the D-Link Configuration Utility by clicking on the D-Link Configuration Utility icon in the system tray.

Status: Displays current connection state of the DWL-G120.

SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The factory SSID setting is default.

Tx Rate: Tx Rate settings are automatically determined for an optimal speed up to a maximum of 54Mbps.

Channel: The channel selection is automatically determined by the DWL-G120.

Link Quality: Displays the wireless signal strength for the DWL-G120 wireless connection to the access point.

Signal Strength: Displays the Link Quality for the DWL-G120 wireless connection to the access point. The Signal Strength represents the wireless signal between the access point and the DWL-G120. The percentage coincides with the graphical bar.

Data Rate: Displays the statistics of the data that is transmitted and received.

Rescan Button: Rescans for the strongest signal in your environment and associates with that access point or router.

In the Configuration tab of the utility:

SSID: The Service Set Identifier is the name assigned to the wireless network. The factory SSID setting is set to default. Make changes here to match the SSID on the existing wireless router or access point.

Wireless Mode: Infrastructure is the factory default setting. Ad-Hoc mode is used for Peer-to-Peer networking.

Channel: The default channel setting is channel 6. In Infrastructure mode, the DWL-G120 will automatically select the channel to match the channel setting for the selected access point. In Ad-Hoc mode, the channel must be manually set to the same channel for each wireless adapter.

Tx Rate: You can adjust the transmission rate to get the best signal possible depending on your usage and your environment. The Tx Rate will be determined automatically by signal strength. Default is set to Auto.

Preamble: Select Long or Short Preamble. The Preamble defines the length of the CRC block for communication. Long Preamble is the default setting. High network traffic areas should use the Short Preamble.

Power Mode: Select from three modes: Continuous Access Mode (default, most power), Maximum Power Save (least power), or Power Save (moderate power).

Click Apply to save changes.

In the Encryption tab of the utility:

Data Encryption: Enable encryption by clicking in the box. Data encryption is de-selected as the default setting.

Authorization Mode:

• Open Authentication – communicates the key across the network

• Shared Authentication – allows communication only with other devices with identical WEP settings

• Auto – will automatically adjust to the Authentication mode of the wireless access point or router

Default Key: Enter a key in either ASCII or hexadecimal format. Select one of the 4 keys that you have created to be the default key.

Key Length: Select the key length, either 64 or 128 bits.

Key Format: ASCII or hexadecimal format.

Click Apply if you have made any changes.

Available Networks: The top section of the window displays the Available Networks. Scroll up and down the list and highlight the network to which you wish to connect. Click on the Connect button.

Profiles: In the lower half of the screen, you can manage the profiles that you have created for the wireless network at home, at the office and in public places. Scroll up and down and highlight the profile that you wish to configure. You can Add or Remove a profile, or configure the Properties of the profile in order to connect with an available network.

Properties: Click on Properties and a screen will appear where you can configure all the properties of a profile in order to connect with a network of your choice. Click OK to save the changes.

1. Go to Start > Control Panel > Network Connections.

2. Select “Set up a home or small office network”.

3. When the “Welcome to the Network Setup Wizard” screen appears, click Next.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions and click Next.

5. Select the best description of your computer. If your computer connects to the Internet through a router, select the second option, “This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway.” Click Next.

6. Enter a Computer description and a Computer name (optional). Click Next.

7. Enter a Workgroup name. All computers on your network should have the same Workgroup name. Click Next.

8. Please wait while the Network Setup Wizard applies the changes, then click Next.

9. Wait while the wizard configures the computer.

10. Select the option that fits your needs. To configure other computers, select “Create a Network Setup Disk” and click Next.

11. Insert a disk into the Floppy Disk Drive and click Next.

12. Wait for the wizard to copy files.

13. Read the information under “Here’s how”. You will use the Network Setup Disk to run the wizard on each of the other computers on your network. Click Next.

14. Click Finish to complete the wizard.

15. The new settings will take effect when you restart the computer. Click Yes to restart.

16. 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 disk on all your computers, your new wireless network will be ready to use.

1. Click Start (in the lower left corner of the screen).

2. Right-click on My Computer.

3. Select Properties.

4. Select the Computer Name tab in the System Properties window.

5. You may enter a Computer Description if you wish; this field is optional.

6. To rename the computer and join a domain, click Change.

In the “Computer Name Changes” window:

1. Enter the Computer name.

2. Select Workgroup and enter the name of the Workgroup.

3. All computers on your network must have the same Workgroup name.

4. Click OK.

1. Right-click on the Local Area Connection icon in the task bar.

2. Click on Status.

3. A window will appear. Click the Support tab.

4. The IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway will be displayed.

5. Click Close when finished.

Note: DHCP-capable routers will automatically assign IP addresses. If you are not using a DHCP-capable router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow these instructions:

1. Go to Start and double-click on Control Panel.

2. Double-click on Network Connections.

3. Right-click on Local Area Connections, then double-click on Properties.

4. Click on Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and then click Properties.

5. Select “Use the following IP address:”.

6. 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.

7. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses:”.

8. Input your DNS server addresses. If you are entering a DNS server, you must enter the IP address of the Default Gateway. The DNS server information will be supplied by your ISP (Internet Service Provider).

9. Click OK.

1. Go to Start > Run > type cmd.

2. A window similar to a command prompt will appear.

3. Type ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx, where xxx is the IP address of the wireless router or access point.

4. A good wireless connection will show four replies from the wireless router or access point.

1. Go to Start > Run > type command.

2. A window similar to an MS-DOS prompt will appear.

3. Type ping xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where xxx is the IP address of the wireless router or access point.

4. A good wireless connection will show four replies from the wireless router or access point.

1. Go to Start > My Computer > Properties.

2. Select the Hardware Tab.

3. Click Device Manager.

4. Double-click on Network Adapters.

5. Right-click on D-Link AirPlus G DWL-G120 Wireless USB Adapter.

6. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly.

7. Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. It should state “This device is working properly.”

8. Click OK.

D-Link products let you access your network from virtually anywhere you want. However, the positioning of the products within your environment will affect the wireless range. Please refer to Installation Considerations in the Wireless Basics section of this manual for further information about the most advantageous placement of your D-Link wireless products.

• Antenna Orientation: Try different antenna orientations for the D-Link DWL-G120. Try to keep the antenna at least 6 inches away from the wall or other objects.

• Interference: If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones, X-10 equipment or other home security systems, ceiling fans, and lights, your wireless connection will degrade dramatically or drop altogether. Try changing the channel on your router, access point and wireless adapter to a different channel to avoid interference.

• RF Noise: Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet) from electrical devices that generate RF noise, like microwaves, Monitors, electric motors, etc.

If you have enabled encryption on the DWL-G120, you must also enable encryption on all wireless devices in the network in order to establish a wireless connection.

• The encryption settings are: 64 or 128-bit. Make sure that the encryption bit level is the same on the router and the DWL-G120.

• Make sure that the SSID on the router (if you have one in your network) and the DWL-G120 are exactly the same. If they are not, a wireless connection will not be established.