Version 1.
Preface D-Link reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes in the content hereof without obligation to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes. Manual Revisions Revision 1.0 Date February 25, 2014 Description • Initial release for Revision A1 Trademarks D-Link and the D-Link logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of D-Link Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States or other countries.
Table of Contents Table of Contents Preface..........................................................................................2 Manual Revisions........................................................................... 2 Trademarks...................................................................................... 2 Using Windows® 7................................................................23 Using Windows Vista® ........................................................
Section 1 - Product Overview Product PackageOverview Contents • D-Link DWA-172 Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain USB Adapter • Manual and Warranty on CD • D-Link Wireless Connection Manager on CD • Quick Installation Guide 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, 802.11n, 802.11g or 802.
Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain USB Adapter (DWA-172) 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).
Section 1 - Product Overview Features • 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 WPS Button Press the WPS button to automatically connect to a WPS-enabled wireless router or access point and establish connectivity. D-Link DWA-172 User Manual USB Port Used to connect the DWA-172 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. 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.
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 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.
Section 2 - Installation Adapter Installation Warning: Do NOT install the DWA-172 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-172 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 InstallShield Wizard window will appear. Click Next Insert the adapter into an available USB port on your computer. Click Install Click Finish to complete your setup.
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 external button on the adapter 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 utility 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 Press the WPS button on the adapter and holding for two seconds until the utility screen comes up. Then, press the WPS button on the router/access point to continue. 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. WPS UI will save the wireless connection profile named “security.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Windows® 8 1. Click on the wireless computer icon in your system tray (lowerright 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.
Section 3 - Configuration 4. If the network is secure/encrypted, enter the Wi-Fi password (security key) and click Next. 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 3 - Configuration Using Windows® 7 Windows® 7 users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to the Windows® 7 utility as seen below. If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Using Windows Vista® Windows Vista® users may use the built-in wireless utility. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to the Windows Vista® utility as seen below. If you receive the Wireless Networks Detected bubble, click on the center of the bubble to access the utility.
Section 3 - Configuration Connect to a Wireless Network Using Windows® XP Windows® XP users may use the built-in wireless utility (Zero Configuration Utility). The following instructions are for Service Pack 2 users. If you are using another company’s utility, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help with connecting to a wireless network. Most utilities will have a “site survey” option similar to the Windows® XP utility as seen below.
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-172 offers the following types of security: • WPA2-PSK (Pre-Shared Key) • 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).
Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Using 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 4 - 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 4 - Wireless Security 5. Enter the same security key or passphrase that is on your router and click OK. 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 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Using 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 4 - 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 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Using the Windows® XP Utility 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 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 4 - Wireless Security 3. The Wireless Network Connection box will appear. Enter the WPA-PSK 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-PSK settings are correct. The WPA-PSK passphrase must be exactly the same as on the wireless router or access point.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-172. 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 computer will look similar to the following examples.) 1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly? Go to Start > My Computer > Properties. Select the Hardware Tab.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Click the + sign next to Network Adapters. Right-click on D-Link Wireless AC600 Dual Band High-Gain 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.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting 2. The computer does not recognize the DWA-172 Wireless Adapter. Make sure that the DWA-172 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-172 installed is unable to connect to the wireless network and/or the Internet.
Section 5 - Troubleshooting Check that the Network Connection for the wireless client is configured properly. Select AP (Infrastructure) when connecting to an access point. 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-172 and the access point. Double-click on the WLAN icon in the taskbar > click Encryption.
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 Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) Bluetooth is the industry standard wireless technology used for WPAN. Bluetooth devices in WPAN operate in a range up to 30 feet away. Compared to WLAN the speed and wireless operation range are both less than WLAN, but in return it doesn’t use nearly as much power which makes it ideal for personal devices, such as mobile phones, PDAs, headphones, laptops, speakers, and other devices that operate on batteries.
Appendix A - Wireless Basics Where is wireless used? Wireless technology is expanding everywhere not just at home or 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 Security Don’t let you next-door neighbors or intruders connect to your wireless network. Secure your wireless network by turning on the WPA or WEP security feature on the router. Refer to product manual for detail information on how to set it up. Wireless Modes There are basically two modes of networking: • Infrastructure – All wireless clients will connect to an access point or wireless router.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Check your IP address Networking Basics 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® 8 Users • Press the Windows key and R together. Type cmd in the box 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® 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.
Appendix B - Networking Basics Windows® 7/Windows 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® 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. • Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.
Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards • IEEE 802.11ac • IEEE 802.11n • IEEE 802.11g • IEEE 802.11a • IEEE 802.11b Bus Type • USB 2.0 Security • Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA™ & WPA2™) • Wi-Fi Protected Setup - PIN & PBC Current Consumption • 300 mA at continuous transmit mode Dimensions • 211.4mmx15mmx14.8mm (8.32x0.59x0.58 inches) Weight • 20.3 grams Certifications • FCC Class B • CE • C-Tick • IC • Wi-Fi • Wi-Fi Protected Setup Operating Voltage • 5.
