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Table of Contents Table of Contents Product Overview............................................................... 3 Package Contents.......................................................................... 3 System Requirements.................................................................. 3 Introduction.................................................................................... 4 Features.............................................................................................
Section 1 - Product Overview Product PackageOverview 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) CD-ROM Drive A 802.11ac (draft), 802.11n, 802.11g or 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The Wireless AC Dual Band USB Adapter (DWA-171) delivers powerful wireless AC technology to your desktop or notebook computer. Simply plug the adapter into an available USB port and connect to a wireless network to access a secure, high-speed internet connection – 2.4GHz (150Mbps) or 5GHz (up to 433Mbps). And with integrated Dual Band technology, you’ll have reduced Wi-Fi interference to maximize throughput for faster streaming, gaming, and Skype calls.
Section 1 - Product Overview Features • Draft IEEE 802.11ac, 802.11n, 802.11g and 802.11a Compliant • Dual Band N Technology for use in 2.
Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview 2 1 1 2 WPS Button Press the WPS button to automatically connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router or access point and establish connectivity. Refer to page 19. USB Connector Used to connect the DWA-171 to your computer.
Section 2 - Installation Installation This section will walk you through the installation process. If you have a built-in wireless adapter, please disable it in device manager before installing your D-Link adapter. Also, if you have previously installed another wireless adapter, please make sure any software is uninstalled.
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). From the desktop, right-click on the My Computer icon and select Properties. Click the Hardware tab and then click Device Manager. Scroll down the list and click the + sign to the left of Network Adapters.
Section 2 - Installation Click Yes to disable the adapter. 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.
Section 2 - Installation Wireless 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.
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. If the CD Autorun function does not automatically start on your computer, go to Start > Run. In the run box type “D:\autorun.exe” (where D: represents the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive). When the autorun screen appears, click Install Drivers.
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. Select the Program Files folder location and click Next.
Section 2 - Installation Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Next to continue. If the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, click Cancel. The drivers and software will now install. Please allow 1-2 minutes for this process to finish. 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.
Section 2 - Installation Push Button Configuration (PBC) To connect to your network using the WPS push button configuration method, click the virtual button as shown in the screenshot. Note: You may also connect to your network by pressing the WPS button on the adapter and holding for two seconds until the wizard screen comes up. Then, press the WPS button on the router/access point to continue. Press the WPS button on your access point or wireless router within 2 minutes to establish connectivity.
Section 2 - Installation To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually type your Network Name (SSID) and then 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 the Scan button to display a list of wireless networks (site survey). Click on the network name (SSID) and click Next.
Section 2 - Installation When this screen appears, you are successfully connected to your wireless network. Click Next 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.
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. Clicking on the Wireless Connection Manager icon on the desktop will start the Configuration.
Section 3 - Configuration Wireless Networks The Wireless Networks (Site Survey) page will display all wireless networks that are available in your area. To connect to a network, simply highlight the wireless network (SSID) and click Connect. SSID: The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. MAC: Displays the MAC address of the wireless device. Signal: Displays the Link Quality of the wireless connection.
Section 3 - Configuration Wi-Fi® Protected Setup (WPS) Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) System is designed for easy setup of security-enabled Wi-Fi networks. It is recommended to have the access point or wireless router nearby during setup. For more information on WPS, visit the Wi-Fi Alliance website at www.wi-fi.org. “Push Button Configuration” (PBC) is a virtual button in the utility that connects you to other WPS-enabled devices.
Section 3 - Configuration Push Button 1. To connect to your network, press the WPS button on the adapter and hold for two seconds until the wizard screen appears. 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.
Section 3 - Configuration Personal Identification Number (PIN) If you want to connect using the PBC method, refer to page 14. To use the PIN method, select PIN (Personal Identification Number) and click Next. Make sure your access point or wireless router is close by. Write down the number on the screen. Enter this number in your access point or wireless router. Please refer to the manufacture’s manual for instructions.
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.
Section 3 - Configuration My Wireless Networks The My Wireless Networks page will allow you to create, edit, and delete wireless network profiles. Every time you connect to a network using the Wireless Networks page, a profile will automatically be created. New Button: Click New to create a new wireless network profile (refer to page 24). Modify: Click Modify to edit a current profile (refer to page 25). Delete: Click Delete to remove a profile. Activate: Click Activate to use a profile.
Section 3 - Configuration Add Profile You may add a new network by clicking the New button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). SSID: Enter the SSID of the wireless network. Network Type: 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.
Section 3 - Configuration Modify Profile You may edit an existing profile by selecting the profile and clicking the Modify button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). SSID: 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.
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.
Section 3 - Configuration About The About screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWA-171.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 8 1. Click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). 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.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network 5. Click either to enable or disable file sharing. 6. You will now be connected to your wireless network. 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.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 7 If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility. or Left-click the wireless icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Windows Vista® If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility. or Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). Select Connect to a network. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
Section 4 - Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® XP If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility. or Right-click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lower-right corner next to the time). Select View Available Wireless Networks. The utility will display any available wireless networks in your area. Click on a network (displayed using the SSID) and click the Connect button.
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™? WPA™, or Wi-Fi® Protected Access, is a Wi-Fi standard that was designed to improve the security features of WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
Section 5 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2-Personal Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager 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. 2.
Section 5 - Wireless Security 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. 2. Select WPA/WPA2-Personal under Set Security Option. 3. Select TKIP, AES, or Auto. 4.
Section 5 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Windows® 7 It is recommended to enable wireless security (WPA™/WPA2™) 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 security key or passphrase being used. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security 3. Highlight the wireless network (SSID) you would like to connect to 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. 4. The following window appears while your computer tries to connect to the router.
Section 5 - Wireless Security 5. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. You can also connect by pushing the WPS button on the router. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security Windows Vista® It is recommended to enable wireless security (WPA™/WPA2™) 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 security key or passphrase being used. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security 3. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click Connect. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security Windows® XP 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 key being used. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security 3. The Wireless Network Connection box will appear. Enter the WPA/WPA2-Personal passphrase and click Connect. 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.
Section 5 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2-Enterprise Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager 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. 2. Select WPA/WPA2-Enterprise under Set Security Option and then select Auto, TKIP or AES. 3.
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 > My Computer > Properties > Hardware > Device Manager. Windows Vista/7 - Go to Start > Device Manager. Windows 8 - Press the Windows key and X together and then click Device Manager.
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. Click OK to continue.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting 2. The computer does not recognize the DWA-171 Wireless Adapter. Make sure that the DWA-171 Wireless Adapter is properly seated in the computer’s USB port. If Windows® does not detect the hardware upon insertion of the adapter, make sure to completely remove drivers that were previously loaded. 3. The computer with the DWA-171 installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting Windows® 7 Troubleshooting Go to Start > right-click Computer > Properties. Select the Device Manager.
Section 6 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link DWA-171 Wireless Desktop 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.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics 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.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics What is Wireless? Wireless or Wi-Fi® technology is another way of connecting your computer to the network without using wires. Wi-Fi uses radio frequency to connect wirelessly, so you have the freedom to connect computers anywhere in your home or office network. Why D-Link Wireless? 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.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics 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.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Where is wireless used? Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or the office. People like the freedom of mobility and it’s becoming so popular that more and more public facilities now provide wireless access to attract people. The wireless connection in public places is usually called “hotspots”.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Wireless Modes There are basically two modes of networking: • Infrastructure – All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router. • Ad-Hoc – Directly connecting to another computer, for peer-to-peer communication, using wireless network adapters on each computer. 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.
Appendix B - Networking Basics 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. Windows® XP Users • Click on Start > Run. In the run box type cmd and click OK. • At the prompt, type ipconfig and press Enter.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Statically Assign an IP Address If you are not using a DHCP capable gateway/router, or you need to assign a static IP address, please follow the steps below: Windows® XP Users • 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.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Windows® 7/Vista Users • Click on Start > Control Panel (make sure you are in Classic View). Double-click on the Network and Sharing Center icon. If you are using 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.
Appendix B - Networking Basics 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. • Click Use the following IP address and enter an IP address that is on the same subnet as your network or LAN IP address on your router or network.
Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards • IEEE 802.11ac (draft) • IEEE 802.11n • IEEE 802.11g • IEEE 802.11a Bus Type • USB 2.0 Security • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA™ & WPA2™) • Wi-Fi Protected Setup - PIN & PBC Current Consumption • 220 mA at continuous transmit mode Operating Voltage • 5.0 VDC +/- 10% Dimensions • 36.6mmx18.8mmx8mm (1.4x0.73x0.32 inches) Weight • 3.
