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

Wireless n pci express desktop adapter
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  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Product Overview ...........3 Configure WEP ..............35 Package Contents ..............3 Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager .... 35 System Requirements ............3 Using the Windows Vista Utility ........37 ® Introduction ................ 4 Using the Windows XP Utility ........

  • Page 3: Product Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Product Overview Package Contents • D-Link DWA-556 Wireless N™ PCI Express Desktop Adapter • Manual and Warranty on CD • D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD System Requirements • A desktop computer with an available 64-bit PCI Express slot •...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    The D-Link Wireless 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 802.1x** and WPA - With the DWA-556 in your Desktop PC you can securely connect to a wireless network using 802.1x for wireless authentication, as well as WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) providing you a much higher level of security for your data and communication than has previously been available.

  • Page 6: Hardware Overview

    Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview LEDs ACT 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

    RF (radio frequency) noise in your home or business. 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...

  • Page 11: Adapter Installation

    Adapter Installation Note: 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 XP. The steps and screens are similar for the other Windows operating systems.
  • Page 12 Click Next to continue. Click Next 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 Section 2 - Installation Click Finish to continue. Click Finish The D-Link Configuration Wizard will now appear. If you are using Windows XP (SP2), you will have the option to use either the ® D-Link utility or the built-in Windows Wireless utility.
  • Page 14 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 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 15 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 Next to complete your setup. Click Next D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 16 Next. Click 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 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...
  • Page 17 When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to your wireless network. Click Finish to complete your setup. Click Finish Click Finish to continue. If you are prompted to reboot your computer, select Yes, I want to restart my computer now. Click Finish 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 the Windows ® Zero Configuration Utility and 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: Wi-Fi ® Protected Setup (Wps)

    “Personal Identification Number” (PIN) is a unique number generated randomly by the wireless adapter’s utility. Entering this number in the utility of the WPS-enabled wireless router or access point connects you with the intended wireless network. Refer to the next page for more information. D-Link DWA-556 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. Click Next D-Link DWA-556 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. Click Finish D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 23: 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 24: Add Profile

    Infrastructure. If you are connecting to another wireless client such as an adapter, select Ad Hoc. 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 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 Wireless Security section for more information. OK Button: Click OK to save your settings. D-Link DWA-556 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-556 User Manual...

  • Page 27: 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 28: Connect To A Wireless Network 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 29 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 30: Windows ® Xp Configuration Utility

    XP users may use the built-in wireless utility. The following instructions are for Service Pack 2 users. ® If you are using Windows 2000, you must use the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager. Please refer to page 18. ® If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility.

  • Page 31: Disabling The Windows ® Xp Utility

    Section 3 - Configuration Disabling The Windows XP Utility ® If you want to use the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager you must disable the Windows XP wireless utility. ® Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). Select View Available Wireless Networks.
  • Page 32 Section 3 - Configuration In the Wireless Network Connection Properties window, uncheck Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings and ® then click OK. Refer to page 15, on instructions for launching the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager. D-Link DWA-556 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-556 offers the following types of security: • WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) • WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) •...

  • Page 34: What Is Wpa

    WPA/WPA2 incorporates user authentication through the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). EAP is built on a more secure public key encryption system to ensure that only authorized network users can access the network. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 35: Configure Wep

    WEP key being used. 1. Open the Wireless Connection Manager by double-clicking on the D-Link icon on your desktop. From the list of available wireless networks, select the network you want to connect to and click Connect.
  • Page 36 WEP key exactly the same on all wireless devices. It is strongly recommended to set the authentication to Shared Key. 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 37: Using The Windows ® Vista Utility

    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 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-556 User Manual...

  • Page 39: Using The Windows ® Xp Utility

    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 40 It may take 20-30 seconds to connect to the wireless network. If the connection fails, please verify that the WEP settings are correct. The WEP key must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point. D-Link DWA-556 User Manual...

  • Page 41: Configure Wpa/Wpa2 Passphrase

    Passphrase ™ ™ Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager It is recommended to enable WPA-PSK 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-PSK passphrase being used.
  • Page 42 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 43: Using 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-556 User Manual...
  • Page 44 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 45: Using The Windows ® Xp Utility

    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 46 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-556 User Manual...

  • Page 47: 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 48: Configure 802.1X (Radius)

    802.1x is for advanced users who are familiar with using a RADIUS server and setting up certificates. 1. Open the Wireless Utility by double-clicking on the D-Link icon in your system tray (lower-right corner of screen). Click on New to create a new profile or highlight an existing profile and click Modify.

  • Page 49: 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 operating ®...
  • Page 50 Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop Adapter. Select Properties to check that the drivers are installed properly. D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop Adapter D-Link DWA-556 Wireless Desktop Adapter Look under Device Status to check that the device is working properly.
  • Page 51 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 adapter is exactly the same as the SSID on the Access Point or wireless router.
  • Page 52 ® 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 53 • 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 54: 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 55 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 56 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 57 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 58: Wireless Modes

    • Ad Hoc – Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer, such as two or more DWA-556 wireless network wireless desktop adapters. 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 59: Networking Basics

    Check your IP address After you install your new D-Link adapter, by default, the TCP/IP settings should be set to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server (i.e. wireless router) automatically. To verify your IP address, please follow the steps below.

  • Page 60: Statically Assign An Ip Address

    2000 - From the desktop, right-click My Network Places > Properties. ® Step 2 Right-click on the Local Area Connection which represents your D-Link network adapter and select Properties. Step 3 Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. Step 4 Click Use the following IP address and enter an IP address that is on the same subnet as your network or the LAN IP address on your router.

  • Page 61: Technical Specifications

    Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE Standard 802.11g and draft 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...

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