D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

D-Link DWA-171 User Manual

Wireless ac dual band usb adapter
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Version 1.01 | 12/09/2013
User Manual
Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter
DWA-171

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Table of Contents
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Summary of Contents for D-Link DWA-171

  • Page 1 Version 1.01 | 12/09/2013 User Manual Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter DWA-171...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    What is WPA ? ................33 ™ Introduction ................... 4 Configure WPA/WPA2-Personal ..........34 Features .................... 5 Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ..34 Hardware Overview ..............6 Windows® 7 ................36 Installation ................. 7 Windows Vista® ..............39 Getting Started ................7 Windows® XP ................41 Remove Existing Installations ..........
  • Page 3: Product Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Product Overview Package Contents D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter CD with drivers and software System Requirements • A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port • Windows® 8, 7, Vista or XP (Service Pack 3) •...
  • Page 4: Introduction

    Environmental factors may adversely affect wireless signal range. Up to 433Mbps wireless speeds achieved when connecting to other 802.11ac devices. Data throughput may also be limited by the product’s interface, less than 480 Mbps for a USB 2.0 interface. The inclusion of a specific product or manufacturer does not imply its endorsement of D-Link or the D-Link product. Computer must adhere to Microsoft’s recommended System Requirements.
  • Page 5: Features

    • Dual Band N Technology for use in 2.4GHz or 5GHz Networks • Wireless AC Technology for Superior Wireless Performance • Access Secure Networks using WPA™ or WPA2™ • Wi-Fi Protected Setup™ (WPS) Push Button for Easy Connection to a Wireless Network D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 6: Hardware Overview

    Hardware Overview Press the WPS button to automatically connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router WPS Button or access point and establish connectivity. Refer to page 19. USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-171 to your computer. D-Link DWA-171 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 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).
  • Page 9 When the adapter is disabled, a down arrow or a grayed icon 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 10: Wireless Installation Considerations

    The key to maximizing wireless range is to follow these basic guidelines: 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

    Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-171 adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD. Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-171 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 12 Section 2 - Installation The welcome window will appear. Click Next to continue. By default setup will install to the default location: C:\Program Files\D-Link\DWA-171, where C: represents the drive letter of your hard drive. To install to a different location click Browse and specify the location, then click Next.
  • Page 13 The Wireless Connection Wizard will now appear. If you want to manually connect to a wireless network, refer to page 15. The following instructions will connect you to a wireless network using Wi-Fi ® Protected Setup (WPS). Click Next to continue. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 14 Note: Some d evices may require you to launch WPS from software or a web interface. Please refer to your router or access point’s user manual for more information. When this screen appears, you have successfully connected to your wireless network. Click Finish to complete your setup. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 15 Click Scan to display the site survey page. Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 16 When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to your wireless network. Click Finish to complete your setup. Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 17: 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® wireless utility. D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The D-Link DWA-171 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.
  • Page 18: 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 19: Wi-Fi Protected Setup (Wps)

    120 seconds. Refer to page 14. Note: You may also use the physical button on the DWA-171 instead of using the D-Link software. Refer to the next page. “Personal Identification Number” (PIN) is a unique number generated randomly by the wireless adapter’s utility.
  • Page 20 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. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 21 Enter this number in your access point or wireless router. Please refer to the manufacture’s manual for instructions. Once you click Next, you will have 2 minutes to enter this number in your access point or wireless router. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 22 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. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 23: My Wireless Networks

    Click Activate to use a profile. Allow up to 30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. Profile Details: The Profile Details section will display information about the wireless network such as the network name (SSID), network type (Infrastructure), and if the network is secured. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 24: Add Profile

    Select the network type. If you are connecting to a wireless router or access point, select Infrastructure. Set Security Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Option: Wireless Security section for more information. OK Button: Click OK to save your settings. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 25: 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 Option: Wireless Security section for more information. OK Button: Click OK to save your settings. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 26: 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 27: About

    Section 3 - Configuration About The About screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWA-171. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 28: Connect To A Wireless Network

    2. A list of available wireless networks will appear. 3. Click the wireless network (SSID) you want to connect to and then click Connect. 4. If the network is secure/encrypted, enter the Wi-Fi password (security key) and click Next. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 29 If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, confirm the encryption by reviewing the profile or check the TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 30: Windows® 7

    (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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 31: Windows Vista

    If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, confirm the encryption by reviewing the profile or check the TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 32: Windows® Xp

    (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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 33: Wireless Security

    Section 5 - 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-171 offers the following types of security: • WPA/WPA2-Personal • WPA/WPA2-Enterprise What is WPA ™...
  • Page 34: Configure Wpa/Wpa2-Personal

    It is recommended to enable WPA/WPA2-Personal 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/WPA2-Personal passphrase being used. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop.
  • Page 35 It is recommended to enable WPA/WPA2-Personal 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.
  • Page 36: Windows® 7

    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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 37 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 38 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 39: Windows Vista

    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. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click Connect. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 40 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 41: Windows® Xp

    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. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to and click Connect. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 42 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 43: 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 44: Troubleshooting

    Section 6 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-171. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. 1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly? Windows XP - Go to Start >...
  • Page 45 Section 6 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly.
  • Page 46 • In Infrastructure mode, make sure the same Service Set Identifier (SSID) is specified on the settings for the wireless clients and access points. By default, the SSID factory setting for D-Link products is blank. (Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar. The Link Info screen will display the SSID setting.)
  • Page 47: Windows® 7 Troubleshooting

    Section 6 - Troubleshooting Windows® 7 Troubleshooting Go to Start > right-click Computer > Properties. Select the Device Manager. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 48 Section 6 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-171 Wireless AC Dual Band USB 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 49: 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.
  • Page 50 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 51 Who uses wireless? Wireless technology has become so popular in recent years that almost everyone is using it, whether it’s for home, office, or business, D-Link has a wireless solution for it. Home • Gives everyone at home broadband access •...
  • Page 52 The wireless connection in public places is usually called “hotspots”. Using a D-Link USB Adapter with your laptop, you can access the hotspot to connect to the Internet from remote locations like: Airports, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Libraries, Restaurants, and Convention Centers.
  • Page 53: Wireless Modes

    An Infrastructure network contains an Access Point or wireless router. All the wireless devices, or clients, will connect to the wireless router or access point. An Ad-Hoc network contains only clients, such as laptops with wireless USB Adapters. All the adapters must be in Ad-Hoc mode to communicate. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 54: 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 55: Statically Assign An Ip Address

    • 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.
  • Page 56: 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 57: Windows® 8 Users

    Windows® 8 Users • Press the Windows key and then type IP. Click Settings on the right side and then click View Network Connections. • Right-click on the adapter which represents your D-Link wireless network adapter. • Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP /IPv4) and click Properties.
  • Page 58: Technical Specifications

    * Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11ac (draft), 802.11n and 802.11g 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-171 User Manual...
  • Page 59: Warranty

    The further RF exposure reduction can be achieved if the product can be kept as far as possible from the user body or set the device to lower output power if such function is available. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 60 The further RF exposure reduction can be achieved if the product can be kept as far as possible from the user body or set the device to lower output power if such function is available. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...
  • Page 61 Por favor asegúrese de que los canales 36/40/44/48 en la banda de 5 GHz estén sin licencia y sin restricciones de uso en su país de residencia antes de utilizarlos. Cualquier uso ilegal de estos canales es responsabilidad del usuario. D-Link DWA-171 User Manual...

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