Page 2 - Table of Contents
2 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Table of Contents Product Overview ...................................................3 Package Contents ................................................................ 3 System Requirements ......................................................... 3 Introduction .........
Page 3 - System Requirements; Product Overview; Package Contents
3 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 1 - Product Overview • 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 • Windows ® 2000 (Service Pack 4)...
Page 4 - Introduction
4 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 1 - Product Overview Introduction The D-Link Wireless N™ Desktop Adapter (DWA-556) is a Draft 802.11n client device that delivers unrivaled wireless performance for your desktop computer. With the DWA-556, you can add or upgrade your Desktop PC’s wireless connect...
Page 5 - Features
5 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 1 - Product Overview • Faster Wireless Networking* - Enable wireless connectivity on your Desktop PC computer with the DWA-556. With the performance of D-Link’s Wireless N ™ line of wireless products, the DWA-556 delivers an unsurpassed wireless experience. Perfo...
Page 6 - Hardware Overview; LEDs
6 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 1 - Product Overview Hardware Overview LEDs ACT LED A solid light indicates that wireless is ready. This LED blinks during wireless data transmission.
Page 7 - Getting Started; Installation; Remove Existing Installations
7 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 2 - Installation Getting Started 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 a...
Page 8 - Disable Other Wireless Adapters
8 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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 sele...
Page 10 - Wireless Installation Considerations
10 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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, thickn...
Page 11 - Adapter Installation
11 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 2 - 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. If the...
Page 16 - Manual Connect
16 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 2 - Installation To manually connect to your wireless network, select Manually connect to a wireless network and then click Next . Click Next Enter the network name (SSID) manually. If you enter the SSID incorrectly, you will automatically be brought to the site...
Page 18 - Configuration; D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
18 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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 Auto Configuration. D-Link Wireless Connection Manager The...
Page 19 - Wireless Networks
19 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 3 - Configuration Wireless Networks The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the name of the wireless network. Displays the MAC address of the wireless device. D i s p l a y s t h e L i n k Q u a l i t y o f t h e w i r e l e s s connection. If there is a “lock” ico...
Page 23 - My Wireless Networks
23 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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: ...
Page 24 - Add Profile
24 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 3 - Configuration Add Profile You may add a new network by clicking the New button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: SSID: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). Enter the SSID of the wireless network. Select the network ...
Page 25 - Modify Profile
25 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 3 - Configuration Modify Profile You may edit an existing profile by clicking the Modify button from the My Wireless Networks page. Profile Name: SSID: Enter a name for your profile (e.g. Home, Office, Coffee Shop). Displays the SSID of the network. Displays the...
Page 26 - Support
26 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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.
Page 27 - About
27 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 3 - Configuration The About screen gives you information about the Firmware and Utility Versions of the DWA-556. About
Page 28 - Connect to a Wireless Network; Using Windows
28 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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 or Windows ® 2000, please refer to the user manual of your wireless adapter for help...
Page 30 - Windows
30 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 3 - Configuration Windows ® XP Configuration Utility Windows ® 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 r...
Page 31 - Disabling The Windows
31 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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)...
Page 35 - Configure WEP; Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager
35 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WEP Using the D-Link Wireless Connection Manager It is recommended to enable WEP 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 W...
Page 39 - Using the Windows
39 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WEP Using the Windows ® XP Utility It is recommended to enable WEP 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 WEP key being u...
Page 41 - Configure WPA
41 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure WPA ™ /WPA2 ™ 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, yo...
Page 48 - Using the D-Link Utility
48 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 4 - Wireless Security Configure 802.1x (RADIUS) Using the D-Link Utility 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 ...
Page 49 - Troubleshooting
49 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Section 5 - Troubleshooting 1. How do I know if my adapter is installed properly? Select the Hardware Tab. Troubleshooting This chapter provides solutions to problems that can occur during the installation and operation of the DWA-556. Read the following descriptions if...
Page 54 - Wireless Basics
54 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Appendix A - 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...
Page 55 - How does wireless work?
55 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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 hom...
Page 57 - Where is wireless used?; Tips
57 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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 peop...
Page 58 - Wireless Modes
58 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Appendix A - Wireless Basics Security Don’t let your 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...
Page 59 - Networking Basics; Check your IP address
59 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Appendix B - Networking Basics 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, pl...
Page 60 - Statically Assign an IP address
60 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual 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: Step 1 Windows ® XP - Click on Start > Control Panel > Network Connections ...
Page 61 - Technical Specifications
61 D-Link DWA-556 User Manual Appendix C - Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Standards* • IEEE 802.11b • IEEE 802.11g • IEEE 802.11n (draft) Security • WPA - Wi-Fi Protected Access • 64/128-bit WEP Frequency Range • 2.4GHz to 2.462GHz External Antenna Type • Dipole with detachable re...