D-Link DWA-121 User Manual
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D-Link DWA-121 User Manual

Wireless n 150 pico usb adapter
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Summary of Contents for D-Link DWA-121

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Wireless Security ..............33 Introduction ...................... 4 What is WPA? ....................33 Features ......................5 Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase ............34 Hardware Overview ..................6 Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager ......34 Installation ..................7 Using Windows 7 .................36 ® Getting Started ....................7 Using Windows Vista ................39...

  • Page 3: Product Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Product Overview Package Contents D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter Manual and Software on CD Quick Installation Guide System Requirements • A computer or laptop with an available USB 2.0 port • Windows 7, Vista , XP (Service Pack 2) ® ®...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter is a convenient wireless connectivity solution for desktop or notebook PCs. Instead of stringing Ethernet cables to your PC or dismantling your desktop computer case, the DWA-121 can enable 802.11n wireless connectivity by simply utilizing your desktop or notebook PC’s USB port. Powered by Wireless N 150 technology, the DWA-121 provides a faster wireless connection and superior reception than 802.11g*. The DWA-121 is designed for use in bigger homes and for those that demand higher bandwidth networking. Maximize wireless performance by connecting this...

  • Page 5: Features

    • USB 2.0 standard • You can securely connect to a wireless network using WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available. • Position the DWA-121 almost anywhere in your workspace to achieve the best reception possible • Supports Infrastructure networks via an access point • User-friendly configuration and diagnostic utilities * Using a USB 1.1 port will adversely affect throughput. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 6: Hardware Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-121 to your computer. D-Link DWA-121 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 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-121 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

    Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter into your computer before installing the driver software from the D-Link CD. Turn on the computer and Insert the D-Link DWA-121 Driver CD in the CD-ROM drive.
  • Page 12 Section 2 - Installation Please select your language from the list and click Next to continue. The InstallShield Wizard window will appear. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 13 Section 2 - Installation Select the new folder or an existing folder that you would like the installation Wizard to add program icons to and then click Next. Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 14 Section 2 - Installation Please wait while the installation wizard configures your new software installation. To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a wireless network and then click Next. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 15 Next. Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID incorrectly, you will be directed to the site survey page. Click Scan to display the site survey page or click Next to continue. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 16 Click the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 17: Wi-Fi Protected Setup (Wps)

    For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at www.wi-fi.org. To begin the WPS setup, select the option the Use the WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) wizard for simplified Wireless connection and click Next. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 18 Section 2 - Installation Press the WPS button located on the right side of the Router/ Access point until it is lit and click on the virtual Connect Now button. Please wait while the Router/ Access point establishes connection. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 19 When this screen appears, you have successfully established connectivity. Click Finish to complete your setup. Press the WPS button located on the right side of the Router/Access point until it is lit and click on the virtual Connect Now button. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 20: 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 the Windows XP Zero Configuration ® Utility and Vista WLAN Autoconfiguration. D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The D-Link DWA-121 uses the Wireless Connection Manager as the management software.

  • Page 21: Wireless Networks

    (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-121 User Manual...
  • Page 22 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 two minutes to enter this number in your access point or wireless router. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 23 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-121 User Manual...
  • Page 24 Section 3 - Configuration Press the WPS button located on the right side of the Router/Access point until it is lit and click on the virtual Connect Now button. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 25: 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 26: Add Profile

    Infrastructure. (Ad-hoc mode is not supported) Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Wireless Security Type: Security section for more information. OK Button: Click OK to save your settings. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 27: Modify Profile

    Displays the SSID of the network. Displays the network type. Network Type: Select the type of security used. Please refer to the Security Type: Wireless Security section for more information. Click OK to save your settings. OK Button: D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 28: 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 29: About

    Section 3 - Configuration About The About screen gives you information about the Driver and Utility Versions of the DWA-121. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 30: Connect To A Wireless Network

    (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check you TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 31: Connect To A Wireless Network

    (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check you TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 32: Using Windows ® Xp

    (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button. If you get a good signal but cannot access the Internet, check you TCP/IP settings for your wireless adapter. Refer to the Networking Basics section in this manual for more information. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 33: 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-121 offers the following types of security: • WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) • WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) • WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) • WPA-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) What is WPA? WPA, or Wi-Fi Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).

  • Page 34: Configure Wpa/Wpa2 Passphrase

    WPA-PSK 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. If the network is using WPA-PSK, the screen (as shown to the bottom-right) will appear.
  • Page 35 It is recommended to enable WPA-PSK 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: Using 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-121 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-121 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 39: 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-121 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 41: Using The Windows Xp Utility

    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-121 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-PSK settings are correct. The WPA-PSK passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 43: Configure Wpa/Wpa2 (Radius)

    WPA and WPA2 are 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 5 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-121. Read the following descriptions if you are having problems. (The examples below are illustrated in Windows XP. If you have a different operating system, the screenshots on your ®...
  • Page 45 Right-click on D-Link DWA-121 USB Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly. Click OK to continue.
  • Page 46 2. The computer does not recognize the DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico USB Adapter. Make sure that the DWA-121 Wireless USB Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s USB port. If Windows does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, try a different port. Also, make sure to completely remove the drivers that were previously loaded.
  • Page 47 Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click on Configuration to change the settings for the wireless adapter. If Security is enabled, make sure that the correct encryption keys are entered on both the DWA-121 and the access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar >...

  • Page 48: Windows ® 7 Troubleshooting

    Section 5 - Troubleshooting Windows 7 Troubleshooting ® Go to Start > Computer > Properties. Select the Device Manager D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 49 Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-121 Wireless N 150 Pico 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 50: 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 51 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 52 Appendix A - Wireless Basics 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 • Surf the web, check email, instant message, and etc • Gets rid of the cables around the house • Simple and easy to use...
  • Page 53 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 54: Wireless Modes

    • Ad-Hoc – Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer. Unfortunately 802.11g/n products such as the DWA-121 do not support ad-hoc mode. 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.

  • Page 55: 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 56: 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. Windows 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.

  • Page 57: 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 Wireless Network Connection 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 802.11n 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-121 User Manual...

  • Page 59: Contacting Technical Support

    Before you contact technical support, please have the following ready: • Model number of the product (e.g. DWA-121) • 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. For customers within the United States: For customers within Canada: Phone Support: Phone Support: (877) 453-5465 (800) 361-5265 Internet Support: Internet Support: http://support.dlink.com http://support.dlink.ca D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

  • Page 60: Limited Warranty

    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 61 Software or to refund the portion of the actual purchase price paid that is attributable to the Software. Except as otherwise agreed by D-Link in writing, the replacement Software is provided only to the original licensee, and is subject to the terms and conditions of the license granted by D-Link for the Software.
  • Page 62 D-Link Systems, Inc., 17595 Mt. Herrmann, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. D-Link will not be held responsible for any packages that are lost in transit to D-Link. The repaired or replaced packages will be shipped to the customer via UPS Ground or any common carrier selected by D-Link.

  • Page 63: Limitation Of Liability

    Limited Warranty provides specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Trademarks: D-Link is a registered trademark of D-Link Corporation/D-Link Systems, Inc. Other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
  • Page 64 IEEE 802.11g operation of this product in the U.S.A. is firmware-limited to channels 1 through 11. This equipment has been SAR- evaluated for use in laptops (notebooks) with side slot configuration. For detailed warranty information applicable to products purchased outside the United States, please contact the corresponding local D-Link office.
  • Page 65 Règlement d’Industry Canada Les conditions de fonctionnement sont sujettes à deux conditions: (1)Ce périphérique ne doit pas causer d’interférence et. (2)Ce périphérique doit accepter toute interférence, y compris les interférences pouvant perturber le bon fonctionnement de ce périphérique. D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...
  • Page 66 Appendix F - Registration Registration Product registration is entirely voluntary and failure to complete or return this form will not diminish your warranty rights. Version 1.0 October 5, 2010 D-Link DWA-121 User Manual...

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