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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. D-Link has all the products you need to build your network.

D-Link DIR-655 products provide 14x faster and 6x farther range than 802.11g. In simple terms: a noticeably stronger connection at distance.

D-Link DIR-655 Wireless Settings:

Login the DIR-655 and Choose the Wireless Options：

Enable Wireless:

Check the box to enable the wireless function. If you do not want to use wireless, uncheck the box to disable all the wireless functions.

Schedule:

The schedule of time when the wireless settings rules will be enabled. The schedule may be set to Always, which will allow the particular service to always be enabled. You can create your own times in the Tools > Schedules section.

Wireless Network Name:

Service Set Identifier (SSID) is the name of your wireless network. Create a name using up to 32 characters. The SSID is case-sensitive.

Enable Auto Channel Scan:

The Auto Channel Scan setting can be selected to allow the DIR-655 to choose the channel with the least amount of interference.

Wireless Channel:

Indicates the channel setting for the DIR-655. By default the channel is set to 6. The Channel can be changed to fit the channel setting for an existing wireless network or to customize the wireless network. If you enable Auto Channel Scan, this option will be greyed out.

802.11 Mode:

Select one of the following:

802.11g Only – Select if all of your wireless clients are 802.11g.
802.11n Only – Select only if all of your wireless clients are 802.11n.
Mixed 802.11n and 802.11g – Select if you are using a mix of 802.11n and 11g wireless clients.

Channel Width:

Select the Channel Width:
Auto 20/40 – This is the default setting. Select if you are using both 802.11n and non-802.11n wireless devices.
20MHz – Select if you are not using any 802.11n wireless clients.
40MHz – Select if using only 802.11n wireless clients.

Transmission Rate:

Select the transmit rate. It is strongly suggested to select Best (Auto) for best performance.

Visibility Status:

Select Invisible if you do not want the SSID of your wireless network to be broadcasted by the DIR-655. If Invisible is selected, the SSID of the D-Link DIR-655 will not be seen by Site Survey utilities so your wireless clients will have to know the SSID of your DIR-655

Tags: DIR-655, wireless router, Wireless Settings

A firewall protects your network from the outside world. The D-Link DIR-655 offers a firewall type functionality. The SPI feature helps prevent cyber attacks. Sometimes you may want a computer exposed to the outside world for certain types of applications. If you choose to expose a computer, you cam enable DMZ. DMZ is short for Demilitarized Zone. This option will expose the chosen computer completely to the outside world.

Enable SPI:

SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection, also known as dynamic packet filtering) helps to prevent cyber attacks by tracking more state per session. It validates that the traffic passing through the session conforms to the protocol.

NAT Endpoint Filtering:

Select one of the following for TCP and UDP ports:

Endpoint Independent – Any incoming traffic sent to an open port will be forwarded to the application that opened the port. The port will close if idle for 5 minutes.

Address Restricted – Incoming traffic must match the IP address of the outgoing connection.

Address + Port Restriction – Incoming traffic must match the IP address and port of the outgoing connection.

Enable DMZ Host:

If an application has trouble working from behind the D-Link router, you can expose one computer to the Internet and run the application on that computer.

Note: Placing a computer in the DMZ may expose that computer to a variety of security risks. Use of this option is only recommended as a last resort.

IP Address:

Specify the IP address of the computer on the LAN that you want to have unrestricted Internet communication. If this computer obtains it’s IP address automatically using DHCP, be sure to make a static reservation on the Basic > DHCP page so that the IP address of the DMZ machine does not change.

Tags: DIR-655, Firewall

Befor you update D-Link DIR-655 Firmware:

1.Do NOT upgrade firmware on any D-Link product over a wireless connection. Failure of the device may result. Use only hard-wired network connections.

2.This firmware is engineered for North American products only.Using this firmware on a device outside of North America will void your warranty and may render the device unusable.

Firmware Version: 2.03NA

Firmware Date:7/07/2011

Revision Info:

¤ Address an issue with some Sony TV’s connecting to the router in n mode with security enabled.
¤ AdvanceDNS default enable.
¤ TOOLS DDNS add IPv6 DDNS.
¤ Support DNSSL (RFC6106).
¤ Support D-Link Router IPv6 Specification v1.16R.
¤ Add status IPv6 routing table.

Download Site:

ftp://ftp.dlink.com/Gateway/dir655_revB/Firmware/dir655_revB_FW_203NA.zip

Tags: DIR-655, Firmware

D-Link on Monday confirmed several updates to its channel program as it looks to convince skeptical solution providers that it won’t lose channel momentum following a major shakeup in its North America executive ranks.

Several key architects of D-Link’s current go-to-market strategy left the company starting in the fall of 2011. The exits included Nick Tidd, former D-Link North America president, and two of his top sales executives, Pat Piwowarczyk, former vice president, U.S. enterprise and channel sales, and Rod St. Michel, D-Link’s vice president of consumer sales.

Several more D-Link executives have also departed since then, CRN has learned, including Mark Ciprietti, vice president and general manager, business solutions division, D-Link Canada and also vice president, North American Channel DMR.

Partners have voiced concerns that the loss of so much channel acumen spells doom for D-Link’s program, but Steve Ryan, director of North American channel programs for D-Link, says that isn’t the case.

“We haven’t heard of any partners saying they’ll pull projects or stop selling D-Link product,” Ryan said. “They’ve obviously got one eye raised open watching whether we’re going to do what we’ll say we’ll do. But we maintain our commitment to the channel and we’re not making any changes to the program in a negative way.”

All of the current updates to D-Link’s channel program were developed starting last summer, before the executive departures began, Ryan said. Among the changes are that D-Link’s Value In Partnership (VIP) program has been renamed VIP+.

D-Link has a new partner portal that’s easier to navigate, Ryan said, as well as an easier claim process for D-Link sales rewards thanks in part to a new back-end supplier D-Link hired to manage administration of the program. D-Link is also providing an e-learning program through which partners can earn rewards for completion, and a new campaigns tool for providing D-Link partners access to customizable marketing material.

The program itself remains constitutionally the same. D-Link’s partnership tiers are Gold, Silver and Registered and it provides technology specializations within VIP+ for partners that focus on a particular segment of the D-Link line card: Storage Preferred, IP Surveillance Preferred and Security Preferred.

Partner certification will also remain free, Ryan said. D-Link is offering certification in three categories: D-Link Sales Specialist, for sales professionals; D-Link Certified Specialist, designed for pre-sales technical professionals; and D-Link Certified Professional, designed for network engineers. All of the course materials will still be downloadable on-demand, and the courses themselves self-paced.

“One thing I’ve constantly heard from partners in the past is, why would you charge me for training? Why would you charge me if I’m going to invest the time to learn about your products and solutions?” Ryan said. “Well, at D-Link, we agree with them.”

D-Link is continuing to solicit partner feedback, Ryan said. It will communicate VIP+ changes through VAR resources like its quarterly town hall-style meetings with partners.

“I’m asking them to reach out to me as well as getting the feedback from our channel account managers,” Ryan said. “Pretty much everything is driven by partner feedback and it’ll continue to be that way.

The VIP+ program will also be launching in Europe in February, Ryan said. VIP+ changes will take effect for North America partners on Feb. 7.

Tags: channel, D-Link

D-Link DIR-412 Installation

Before you Begin

• Please configure the D-Link router with the computer that was last connected directly to your modem.

• You can only use the Ethernet port or 3G adapter. If you were using an USB broadband modem before using the router, then you must turn off your modem, disconnect the USB cable and connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the router, and then turn the modem back on. In some cases, you may need to call your ISP to change connection types (USB to Ethernet).

• If you have DSL and are connecting via PPPoE, make sure you disable or uninstall any PPPoE software such as WinPoet, Broadjump, or Enternet 300 from your computer or you will not be able to connect to the Internet.

Wireless Installation Considerations

The D-Link wireless router 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. 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:

1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the D-Link router and other network devices to a minimum – each wall or ceiling can reduce your adapter’s range from 3-90 feet (1-30 meters.) Position your devices so that the number of walls or ceilings is minimized.

2. 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.

3. Building Materials make a difference. A solid metal door or aluminum studs may have a negative effect on range. Try to position access points, wireless routers, and computers so that the signal passes through drywall or open doorways. Materials and objects such as glass, steel, metal, walls with insulation, water (fish tanks), mirrors, file cabinets, brick, and concrete will degrade your wireless signal.

4. Keep your product away (at least 3-6 feet or 1-2 meters) from electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.

5. If you are using 2.4GHz cordless phones or X-10 (wireless products such as ceiling fans, lights, and home security systems), your wireless connection may degrade dramatically or drop completely. Make sure your 2.4GHz phone base is as far away from your wireless devices as possible. The base transmits a signal even if the phone in not in use.

Connect to Cable/DSL (WAN Mode)

If your Internet connection is provided using a cable/DSL/satellite modem, follow the steps below before connecting the router to a cable/DSL/satellite modem:

• If you are using the DIR-412 for the first time, please select the 3G Router mode first to configure your wireless settings. Refer to the Wireless Settings section for more information.

• After configuring the wireless settings, move the switch to the WAN Mode position and wait for the device to reboot.
To connect to a broadband modem, or an Ethernet Internet connection such as in a hotel, please follow the steps below:

1. Unplug the Ethernet cable (that connects your computer to your modem) from your computer and place it into the Ethernet port on the router, or connect an Ethernet cable from the Internet port to the Ethernet port on the router.

2. Plug the power adapter into the router and connect it to an outlet or power strip. Wait about 50 seconds for the router to boot.

3. Connect the DIR-412 to your computer wirelessly using the settings (SSID, encryption key) you configured previously.

4. Verify the link lights on the router. The power light, Internet light, and the Wireless LAN light should be lit. If not, make sure your computer, modem, and router are powered on and verify the cable connections are correct.

Connect to a 3G Internet Service

If you are using a 3G USB adapter to connect to the Internet, please follow the steps below:

1. Move the toggle switch to the 3G Router mode position and wait for the DIR-412 to reboot.

2. Insert your 3G USB adapter into the DIR-412’s 3G USB port. In most cases, the 3G adapter will automatically configure and connect to the Internet. This process may take up to one minute. Refer to http://www.dlink.com/DIR-412 for a compatiblility list of supported 3G adapters.

3. Plug one end of Ethernet cable into the DIR-412 and the other end into your computer.

4. Verify the link lights on the router. The power light, Internet light, and the Wireless LAN light should be lit. If not, make sure your computer and router are powered on and verify the cable connections are correct.

Note: The 3G default setting for the D-Link DIR-412 is auto-config and always-on reconnect mode. With this setting, the DIR-412 will connect to the Internet automatically. If you do not want the DIR-412 to connect automatically, please disable auto-config and change the reconnect mode to manual.

Tags: 3G adapter, 3G Router, DIR-412, Wireless Setup