Introduction - D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Manual

2. Introduction

The D-Link AirPlus DWL-650+ Wireless Cardbus Adapter is an enhanced
802.11b high-performance, wireless adapter that supports high-speed
wireless networking at home, at work or in public places.
Unlike most 802.11b network cards, the DWL-650+ provides speeds of up to
22 Mbps* (compared to the standard 11 Mbps) when used with other D-Link
AirPlus products such as the DWL-520+ Wireless PCI Adapter.
Now increased speed is available when you enable the new 4x feature
(when used with the 4x-enabled DI-614+ Wireless Broadband Router or the
4x-enabled DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point.)
The DWL-650+ is also compatible with existing 802.11b devices such as the
D-Link AirPlus family of products including the DWL-520+ Wireless PCI
Adapter, the DWL-900AP+ Wireless Access Point and the DI-614+ Wireless
Broadband Router.
Extra security is provided by the addition of 802.1x* support. With 802.1x
compatible routers and access points along with a radius server, the DWL-
650+ will participate in a much more secure network (that includes client
authentication) than is available with WEP encryption alone.
It is an ideal way to connect one laptop computer to a Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN.) After completing the steps outlined in the Quick
Installation Guide (included in the package) you will have the ability to
share information and resources, such as files and printers, and take full
advantage of a "connected" environment for work or play!
The DWL-650+ includes software drivers for the most popular Microsoft
Windows operating systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Me,
Windows 98) and can be integrated into a larger network, running, in either
Ad Hoc mode (without an Access Point) or Infrastructure mode (with an
Access Point.) Please take a look at our Getting Started section in this
manual to see examples of typical network setups using the DWL-650+ in
both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc modes.
This manual provides a quick introduction to wireless technology and its
application as it relates to networking. Take a moment to read through this
manual and get acquainted with wireless technology.
* 802.1x Authentication requires EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol.) 802.1x supported EAP is
available through the Windows XP Operating System. You will need to use the same type of EAP protocol
on all the devices in your network when using the 802.1x feature.
*Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11b 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.
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