D-Link DWA-556 User Manual
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D-Link DWA-556 User Manual

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  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Package Contents ................3 What is WPA ? ................28 ™ System Requirements ..............3 Configure WPA/WPA2-Personal ..........29 Introduction ..................4 Using the D-Link Utility ............29 Features ....................5 Using Windows Vista ..............34 ® Hardware Overview ............... 6 Using Windows XP ..............36 ®...

  • Page 3: Product Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Product Overview Package Contents D-Link DWA-556 Xtreme N® Desktop PCI Express Adapter Three Antennas Low Profile Bracket CD with drivers and software If any of the above items are missing, please contact your reseller. System Requirements •...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    The D-Link Xtreme N® DWA-556 is a powerful 64-bit desktop adapter that installs quickly and easily into desktop computers. Like all D-Link wireless adapters, the DWA-556 can be used in ad-hoc mode to connect directly with other cards for peer-to-peer file sharing or in infrastructure mode to connect with a wireless access point or router for access to the Internet in your office or home network.

  • Page 5: Features

    • Better Security with WPA - With the DWA-556 in your Desktop PC, you can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) for wireless authentication. WPA provides you with a much higher level of security for your data and communication than what has previously been available.

  • Page 6: Hardware Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview LEDs WLAN LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 7: Installation

    Remove Existing Installations If you’ve installed a different manufacture’s adapter or a different model D-Link adapter, make sure the software is uninstalled before installing the new software. Some utilities may cause a conflict with the new software. If you plan to use multiple adapters at different times, make sure the utilities are not set to load when your computer boots up.

  • Page 8: Disable Other Wireless Adapters

    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.
  • Page 9 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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 10: Wireless Installation Considerations

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

  • Page 11: Adapter Installation

    Note: Please install the DWA-556 Desktop PCI Express Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD. When the “Add New Hardware” wizard appears, click 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 Vista .
  • Page 12 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-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.
  • Page 13 The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear. If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to page 14. The following instructions will connect you to a wireless network using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). ® Click Next to continue. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 14: Push Button Configuration (Pbc)

    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 Finish to complete your setup. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 15 Section 2 - Installation Click Finish to complete your setup. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 16: Manual Connect

    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. Click Next to continue. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 17 Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next. Please enter the encryption key and click Next. Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 18: Configuration

    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 Windows ® Zero Configuration and Windows 7/Vista WLAN Auto Configuration. ® D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The D-Link DWA-556 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software.

  • Page 19: Wireless Networks

    Enter the security information to connect (refer to the Wireless Security section for more information). Activate Button: Select a wireless network profile from the drop-down menu and click Activate to connect. Allow up to 30 seconds to connect. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 20: My Wireless Networks

    Profile Details: The Profile Details section will display information about the wireless network such as the network name (SSID), network type (Infrastructure or Ad- Hoc), and if the network is secured. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 21: Add Profile

    Ad-Hoc. Set Security: Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Wireless Security section for more information. Click OK to save your settings. OK Button: D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 22: Modify Profile

    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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 23: Support

    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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 24: About

    Section 3 - Configuration About The About screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWA-556. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 25: Connect To A Wireless Network

    Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) 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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 26: Using Windows Vista

    Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check the TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 27: Using Windows ® Xp

    Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check the TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 28: Wireless Security

    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: • WPA/WPA2-Personal • WPA/WPA2-Enterprise What is WPA ™...

  • Page 29: Configure Wpa/Wpa2-Personal

    If you are joining an existing network, you will need to know the WPA/WPA2-Personal 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.
  • Page 30 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.

  • Page 31: Using Windows 7

    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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 32 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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 33 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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 34: Using 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. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click Connect. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 35 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. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 36: Using Windows ® Xp

    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. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click Connect. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 37 It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the WPA/WPA2-Personal settings are correct. The WPA/WPA2-Personal passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 38: Configure Wpa/Wpa2-Enterprise

    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.

  • Page 39: Troubleshooting

    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 ®...
  • Page 40 Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-556 Desktop PCI Express Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop PCI Express Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. Click OK to continue.
  • Page 41 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 PCI Express Adapter is exactly the same as the SSID on the Access Point or wireless router.
  • Page 42 ® certification into oem.inf files (e.g., oem1.inf). 6. The computer with the DWA-556 installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet. • Check that the LED indicators for the broadband modem are indicating normal activity. If not, there may be a problem with the broadband connection.
  • Page 43 • If Security is enabled, make sure that the correct encryption keys are entered on both the DWA-556 and the access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click Encryption. Check to see that the key selected is set to the same key as other devices on the network.

  • Page 44: Windows ® 7 Troubleshooting

    Section 5 - Troubleshooting Windows 7 Troubleshooting ® Go to Start > Computer > Properties. Select the Device Manager D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 45 Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-556 Desktop PCI Express 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.

  • Page 46: 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.
  • Page 47 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. D-Link has all the products you need to build your network. How does wireless work? Wireless works similar to how cordless phone work, through radio signals to transmit data from one point A to point B.
  • Page 48 Who uses wireless? Wireless technology as become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, office, business, D-Link has a wireless solution for it. Home • Gives everyone at home broadband access •...
  • Page 49 The wireless connection in public places is usually called “hotspots”. Using a D-Link wireless desktop adapter with your laptop, you can access the hotspot to connect to Internet from remote locations like: Airports, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Libraries, Restaurants, and Convention Centers.

  • Page 50: 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.

  • Page 51: Statically Assign An Ip Address

    2000 – From the desktop, right-click My Network Places > Properties. ® • 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. • Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.

  • Page 52: Windows 7/Vista Users

    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. • Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP /IPv4) and click Properties.

  • Page 53: Technical Specifications

    Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and 802.11n specifications. Actual data throughput will vary. Network conditions and environmental factors, • including volume of network traffic, building materials and construction, and network overhead, lower actual data throughput rate. Environmental factors will adversely affect wireless signal range. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 54: Contacting Technical Support

    • Hardware Revision (located on the label on the adapter (e.g. rev A1)) • Serial Number (s/n number located on the label on the adapter). You can find software updates and user documentation on the D-Link website as well as frequently asked questions and answers to technical issues.

  • Page 55: Warranty

    Any repair or replacement will be rendered by D-Link at an Authorized D-Link Service Office. The replacement hardware need not be new or have an identical make, model or part. D-Link may, at its option, replace the defective Hardware or any part thereof with any reconditioned product that D-Link reasonably determines is substantially equivalent (or superior) in all material respects to the defective Hardware.
  • Page 56 D-Link further warrants that, during the Software Warranty Period, the magnetic media on which D-Link delivers the Software will be free of physical defects. The customer’s sole and exclusive remedy and the entire liability of D-Link and its suppliers under this Limited Warranty will be, at D-Link’s option, to replace the non-conforming Software (or defective media) with software that substantially conforms to D-Link’s...
  • Page 57 • The customer must submit with the product as part of the claim a written description of the Hardware defect or Software nonconformance in sufficient detail to allow D-Link to confirm the same, along with proof of purchase of the product (such as a copy of the dated purchase invoice for the product) if the product is not registered.
  • Page 58 Purolator Canada or any common carrier selected by D-Link. Return shipping charges shall be prepaid by D-Link if you use an address in Canada, otherwise we will ship the product to you freight collect. Expedited shipping is available upon request and provided shipping charges are prepaid by the customer.

  • Page 59: Limitation Of Liability

    FOR WARRANTY SERVICE) RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, RELATING TO WARRANTY SERVICE, OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY, EVEN IF D-LINK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE SOLE REMEDY FOR A BREACH OF THE FOREGOING LIMITED WARRANTY IS REPAIR, REPLACEMENT OR REFUND OF THE DEFECTIVE OR NONCONFORMING PRODUCT.
  • Page 60 The availability of some specific channels and/or operational frequency bands are country dependent and are firmware programmed at the factory to match the intended destination. The firmware setting is not accessible by the end user. For detailed warranty information applicable to products purchased outside the United States, please contact the corresponding local D-Link office.
  • Page 61 This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 2 dB. Antenna having a higher gain is strictly prohibited per regulations of Industry Canada. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 62: Registration

    Appendix F - Registration Registration Product registration is entirely voluntary and failure to complete or return this form will not diminish your warranty rights. Version 1.4 June 8, 2010 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

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