D-Links Wireless 22Mbps Access Point and PCCard

22Mbps wireless networking with

D-Link's DWL-650+ and DWL-900AP 

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Review Type : Hands On

Reviewer: Chris Kaminski 

Date: June 18, 2002

D-Link recently sent me their new AirPlus wireless networking products based on the new TI wireless networking chipset. These products are fully 11Mbps 802.11b compatible but include an enhanced 22Mbps mode when used with other AirPlus products. They also operate at 22Mbps with other TI based wireless products like US Robotics new networking equipment. I took a look at their new DWL-650+ PCCard for a laptop and their DWL-9000AP+ access point. Later, I will be looking at the DI-614+ router in another review.

D-Link's new AirPlus DWL-9000AP+ Wireless Access Point has more features packed into it than any other product in its price range. Along with its 22Mbps mode, it supports 64, 128 and 256bit encryption, has a nice web based 'wizard' for quick setups, and has an external antenna that can be upgraded.

D-Links AirPlus DWL-650+ PCCard is also on my recommended list due to its nice software and 22Mbps speed. The software allows you to scan for access points in your area and has a nice live speed and signal strength chart. In addition, the new chipset uses about 25% less power than most other 802.11b cards - that means a longer battery on your laptop!

D-Links new access point has an impressive range of features including the following:

  802.11b at 11Mbps connections

  2.4Ghz 22Mbps connections

  4 Modes of operation

  *  Access Point

  *  Wireless Client

  *  Wireless Bridge

  *  Wireless Multi-point bridge

  64/128/256 bit encryption

  External antenna with standard 'reverse SMA' connector

  Web Interface for setup and maintenance

  Easy access to advanced 'performance' settings

D-Link is pushing the market forward with this easy to use wireless access point. It's web interface and new setup wizard make installing this access point a breeze. Just plug it into the network and point your browser at http://192.168.0.50. From there, a wizard guides you through a 'basic' setup that will cover 90% or more implementations.

For those that have a network that uses a different setup, you will have to temporarily give one of your computers an IP address in the same subnet (like 192.168.0.50) before you can see the access point.

This access point operates in 4 distinct modes. These features are normally found only in higher priced access points.

Mode: Access Point: This is the basic mode that most people are familiar with. It operates as a communication point for wireless computers bridging them to your Ethernet LAN.

Mode: Wireless Client: This mode turns any Ethernet port into a wireless network client - it is used with an existing wireless access point. For instance, you could plug this into the Ethernet port of a ReplayTV4000 for connectivity to your wireless network so you don’t have to run cables! It can also be plugged into a hub or switch to provide wireless access to your LAN for a group of remote computers.

Wireless Bridge: With two of these devices, a dedicated bridge can be formed between two wired networks. This is most often used to bridge two buildings together. Plug one access point in each lan in BRIDGE mode and the two LAN's will appear to be a single lan.

Mode: Wireless Multi-point bridge: Same as above, but for connecting 3 or more wired LAN's.

Along with 64, 128 or 256bit encryption this access point also employs MAC filters. These filters let the access point specify what computers will be allowed to connect. Also, the Authentication selection in the advanced features allow you to select modes that make the access point invisible to anyone that is not specifically authorized. This is especially useful in densely populated areas like dorms or apartments where it is likely people will find your access point.

For advanced users, D-Link has provided access to the following settings: Beacon Interval, RTS Threshold, Fragmentation , DTIM interval, TX Rates , and Preamble Type. If you don't know what they are you probably don't need to change them - but it is nice to know you can.

Backing up your configuration Under the Tools>system page there is feature that allows you to backup your access point configuration to your hard drive

The performance of the D-Link 22Mbps products is nearly double that of most 802.11b 11Mbps products. Without encryption, I saw about 6.5 to 7Mbps. With 64 bit encryption enabled, there was little performance loss. With 128 or 256 WEP enabled, things slowed down to about 4.5 to 5Mbps. Your speeds may vary – my home is my lab.

 

Although 22Mbps 802.11b might sound like a hack, D-Link is using a new standard TI chipset that is staring to be used by other manufacturers. Because it is turning out to be a multi-vendor solution, I think it is safe to adopt this technology without worrying about future product support.

While these speeds will probably not make you run out and replace an existing wireless LAN, they do offer ‘more for the money’ to people purchasing a new wireless LAN. The price difference between these new 22Mbps products and the old 11Mbps products are nearly indistinguishable and the speeds are noticeably improved. I would whole-heartedly suggest that new wireless installs be based on these 22Mbps products.

D-Links Wireless 22Mbps Access Point and PCCard