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D-Link DWA-54 Quick Install Guide

Installation Considerations

The D-Link wireless adapter lets you access your network using a wireless 

connection from virtually anywhere within the operating range of your wireless 

network. Keep in mind, however, that the number, thickness and location of 

walls, ceilings, or other objects that the wireless signals must pass through, 

may limit the range. Typical ranges vary depending on the types of materials 

and background 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 of walls or ceilings is minimized.

2.

  Be aware of the direct line between network devices. A wall that 

is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters), at a 45-degree angle appears to be 

almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick. At a 2-degree angle it looks over 42 

feet (14 meters) thick! Position devices so that the signal will travel 

straight through a wall or ceiling (instead of at an angle) for better 

reception.

3.

  Building materials make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum 

studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position access 

points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes 

through  drywall  or  open  doorways.  Materials  and  objects  such 

as  glass,  steel,  metal,  walls  with  insulation,  water  (fish  tanks), 

mirrors, file cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless 

signal.

4.

  Keep  your  product  away  (at  least  3-6  feet  or  1-2  meters)  from 

electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.

5.

  If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products 

such  as  ceiling  fans,  lights,  and  home  security  systems),  your 

wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. 

Make sure your 2.4GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless 

devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the phone 

in not in use.

Summary of Contents for DWA-542

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...least 64MB of RAM An 802 11n1 or 802 11g access point for Infrastructure mode or another 802 11n or 802 11g wireless adapter for Ad Hoc networking mode 1 Maximum wireless signal rate derived from IEEE...

Page 3: ...D Link DWA 542 Quick Install Guide Hardware Overview WLAN LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready This LED blinks during wireless data transmission...

Page 4: ...t thick 5 meters at a 45 degree angle appears to be almost 3 feet 1 meter thick At a 2 degree angle it looks over 42 feet 14 meters thick Position devices so that the signal will travel straight throu...

Page 5: ...ert the D Link adapter into an available PCI slot Once inserted close the case and insert the power cable into the computer Turn on your computer Note Before installing write down the serial number an...

Page 6: ...k DWA 542 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 If the CD Autorun fu...

Page 7: ...rd window will appear Setup will install to the default location C Program Files D Link DWA 542 where C represents the drive letter of your hard drive To install to a different location click Browse a...

Page 8: ...Installation alert screen will appear Click Continue Anyway 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 L...

Page 9: ...o finalize the installation Click Finish 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...

Page 10: ...related to the wireless adapter After you have completed the installation of the DWA 542 the Wireless Connection Manager is loaded on your desktop Double click on the icon to start the Wireless Conne...

Page 11: ...the router or access point you are trying to connect to Please refer to the manual on the CD for more information on Wireless Security If the network you are connecting to is using WEP enter the WEP...

Page 12: ...12 D Link DWA 542 Quick Install Guide If the network you are connecting to is using WPA PSK2 enter the passphrase for the network and click OK...

Page 13: ...ccess the utility Windows XP Configuration Utility You may also right click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray lower right corner next to the time Select View Available Wireless Network...

Page 14: ...e 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 Disabling The Windows XP Uti...

Page 15: ...onnection Properties window uncheck Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings and then click OK You can now use the D Link Wireless Connection Manager to configure your wireless adapter Do...

Page 16: ...April 26 2006 Copyright 2006 D Link Corporation D Link Systems Inc All rights reserved D Link and the D Link logo are registered trademarks of D Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United Sta...

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