6

Wireless Basics

Wireless users can use the same applications they use on a wired network. Wireless

adapter cards used on laptop and desktop systems support the same protocols as

Ethernet adapter cards.

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. D-Link wireless products will allow you access to the data you want,

when and where you want it. You will be able to enjoy the freedom that wireless networking

brings.

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a computer network that transmits and receives

data with radio signals instead of wires. WLANs are used increasingly in both home and

office environments, and public areas such as airports, coffee shops and universities.

Innovative ways to utilize WLAN technology are helping people to work and communicate

more efficiently. Increased mobility and the absence of cabling and other fixed

infrastructure have proven to be beneficial for many users.

People use WLAN technology for many different purposes:

Mobility

- Productivity increases when people have access to data in any location

within the operating range of the WLAN. Management decisions based on real-time

information can significantly improve worker efficiency.

Low Implementation Costs

- WLANs are easy to set up, manage, change and

relocate. Networks that frequently change can benefit from WLANs ease of

implementation. WLANs can operate in locations where installation of wiring may be

impractical.

Installation and Network Expansion

- Installing a WLAN system can be fast and

easy and can eliminate the need to pull cable through walls and ceilings. Wireless

technology allows the network to go where wires cannot go - even outside the home or

office.

Inexpensive Solution

- Wireless network devices are as competitively priced as

conventional Ethernet network devices. The DWL-G820 saves money by providing

multi-functionality, configurable in one of four different modes.

Scalability

- WLANs can be configured in a variety of ways to meet the needs of

specific applications and installations. Configurations are easily changed and range

from Peer-to-Peer networks suitable for a small number of users to larger Infrastructure

networks to accommodate hundreds or thousands of users, depending on the number

of wireless devices deployed.

7

The DWL-G820 is also interoperable with other 802.11g and 802.11b

standards-compliant devices.

Wireless Basics

(continued)

Standards-Based Technology

The DWL-G820 Wireless Gaming Adapter utilizes the

802.11b

and the

802.11g

standards.

The IEEE

802.11g

standard is an extension of the

802.11b

standard. It increases the

data rate up to 54Mbps (108Mbps in Super G mode) within the 2.4GHz band, utilizing

OFDM technology.

This means that in most environments, within the specified range of this device, you will

be able to transfer large files quickly or even watch a movie in MPEG format over your

network without noticeable delays. This technology works by transmitting high-speed

digital data over a radio wave utilizing

OFDM

(

O

rthogonal

F

requency

D

ivision

M

ultiplexing)

technology.

OFDM

works by splitting the radio signal into multiple smaller sub-signals

that are then transmitted simultaneously at different frequencies to the receiver.

OFDM

reduces the amount of

crosstalk

(interference) in signal transmissions. The D-Link DWL-G820

will automatically sense the best possible connection speed to ensure the greatest

speed and range possible.

802.11g offers WPA,

the most advanced network security features available today.

The DWL-G820 is compatible, in default mode, with the following wireless products

:

D-Link

Air

Plus

Xtreme G

DWL-G650

Wireless Cardbus Adapters used with laptop computers

D-Link

Air

Plus

Xtreme G

DWL-G520

Wireless PCI cards used with desktop computers

±

±

TM

TM

±

D-Link

Air

Plus

Xtreme G

DI-624

Wireless Broadband Router

D-Link

Air

Plus

Xtreme G

DWL-2100AP

Wireless Access Point

±

±

TM

TM

8

Wireless Basics

(continued)

Installation Considerations

The D-Link

Air

Plus

Xtreme G

DWL-G820 lets you access your network, using a

wireless connection, from virtually anywhere within its operating range. 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:

TM

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

or appliances that generate RF noise.

4

Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the DWL-G820 and other network

devices

to a minimum - each wall or ceiling can reduce your DWL-G820’s range

from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls

or ceilings is minimized.

1

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.

2

Building materials can impede the wireless signal - a solid metal door or aluminum

studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position wireless devices and

computers with wireless adapters so that the signal passes through drywall or

open doorways and not other materials.

3

9

Getting Started

With its default settings, the DWL-G820, when activated, will connect

with other D-Link

Air

Plus Xtreme G

products, right out of the box.

There are basically two modes of networking:

Infrastructure

– using an access point or router

Ad-Hoc

– communicating with another console, for Head to Head or

Peer-to-Peer communication, using wireless network adapters, such

as two or more DWL-G820 Wireless Gaming

Adapters, on

each gaming console.

±

±

TM

This example illustrates an

Ad-Hoc

setup. Simply connect the DWL-G820 (

refer to the

Quick Installation Guide

) to your Ethernet-capable network device

(in this case, a gaming

console

) and you will be able to connect wirelessly with other gaming consoles also

connected to DWL-G820s.

10

Getting Started (continued)

This example illustrates an

Infrastructure

setup. To connect the DWL-G820

to a wireless

network with a wireless router or access point, please refer to the printed Quick Installation

Guide included with the product.

Web configuration is required to connect the DWL-G820.

Infrastructure Mode

Some game consoles may require an additional Ethernet adapter.