Introduction

The D-Link Air DWL-122 Wireless USB Adapter is a convenient Plug & Play USB 1.1 solution that brings wireless networking to your laptop or desktop PC.

With transfer rates up to 11Mbps you can connect to a wireless network at home, at the office or at any wireless hotspot. Now you can stay connected wherever you are and wherever you go.

The DWL-122 is Wi-Fi compliant, meaning that it can connect and interoperate with other 802.11b Wi-Fi-compliant wireless routers, access points and adapters. The DWL-122 connects to any available USB port on a laptop or desktop Windows and Macintosh-based computer and also includes a standard USB extension cable. With the optional USB extension cable, the DWL-122 can be positioned virtually anywhere at a workstation to achieve the best available wireless signal reception - whether that workstation is in your office, on your deck or patio, by the pool, at the local coffee shop, or in an airport terminal while waiting to board your next flight.

The adapter works with Apple Mac OS X (10.2x or later) Jaguar, Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000 and other Windows operating systems to ensure that you’ll be up and running on a wireless network in just a matter of seconds. The DWL-122 also features 64 or 128-bit WEP encryption providing a level of security for the data that you wirelessly transmit.

Using its default settings, the DWL-122 automatically connects to other D-Link Wireless products as soon as it’s active.

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D-Link DWL-122 manual Introduction

DWL-122 specifications

The D-Link DWL-122 is a wireless USB adapter that gained popularity due to its compact design, reliability, and robust performance. Designed for users who require a portable solution to connect their devices to wireless networks, this device offers considerable flexibility in enhancing connectivity.

One of the main features of the D-Link DWL-122 is its compliance with the 802.11b wireless standard. This allows for data transfer rates of up to 11 Mbps. While this speed may seem modest by today's standards, it was quite impressive at the time of its release, making it a suitable option for basic web browsing, email, and streaming. The adapter operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is known for its ability to penetrate walls and obstacles effectively.

The DWL-122 employs a user-friendly design, featuring a plug-and-play setup that simplifies installation. Users can connect the adapter to a USB port, and with the included drivers, they can quickly enable wireless functionality on their laptops or desktop computers. The adapter is compatible with a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Security is another critical aspect of the D-Link DWL-122. It supports WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy), providing users with an essential level of data encryption to safeguard their connections from unauthorized access. Although WEP has been largely superseded by more advanced security protocols, such as WPA and WPA2, it represented a step forward in securing wireless communications in its time.

The adapter also features a compact and lightweight design, making it perfectly portable for users on the go. This is especially beneficial for laptop users who may need to connect to various networks in different locations. The external antenna enhances signal reception and transmission capabilities, ensuring a stable connection even in areas with weaker signals.

In summary, the D-Link DWL-122 remains a noteworthy solution for users seeking basic wireless connectivity in a portable format. Its simplicity, reliability, and user-friendly setup cater to a broad audience, making it a memorable product in the evolution of wireless technology. Although modern advancements might overshadow its features today, it laid the groundwork for subsequent wireless devices.