In this short article, the process of configuring the D-Link DIR-320 router will be described in detail. This network device is perfect for creating a local area network at home or in a small office. Moreover, with its help it is possible to implement both wireless connection of devices, and using twisted pair cable. In the latter case, a restriction is imposed: there are only 4 ports, that is how many devices can be connected.
Equipment
The following equipment boasts D-Link DIR-320:
user's manual;
router
power supply with fixed cord and plug;
meter twisted pair, crimped from both ends with the corresponding tips;
a disk with drivers and an electronic version of the documentation for the router.
Appearance and purpose of connection elements, indication and control
An information panel is displayed on the front of the device, which consists of the following LED indicators:
Power: during operation, it glows continuously and indicates that the device is connected to the network.
Status: during normal operation of the router, it constantly blinks. If it is lit continuously, an error has occurred and the device must be restarted.
Internet: it can simply glow continuously (if there is a connection, but in the absence of data exchange) or blink (if there is a connection and information transfer).
The following 4 ports are tied to wired. If there is a connection, they are lit continuously, and blink when exchanging data. If the port is not used during operation, the corresponding indicator is disabled.
The last LED is tied to the printer. It simply lights up continuously when a printing device is connected, and blinks while a document is being output.
The following communication and control elements are located on the back of the device:
wireless antenna
USB port for connecting a printer;
4 LAN ports for creating a wired LAN;
an input port for connecting a twisted pair cable from the provider;
power supply socket;
Reset button to reboot the router.
Selection of the installation location of the network device
At the first stage, we choose the right place to install the network device. And here, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. On the one hand, all wires should come to the installation site of the router, there should be a power outlet nearby for power supply. On the other hand, it is most correct to position the router in the center of the room: this will provide excellent speed of information transmission and reception, and a high level of Wi-Fi signal. The router can also not be located near metal sheets that can dampen the wireless network signal. Based on the above recommendations, you need to choose the location of the router.
D-Link DIR-320 router setup sequence
The order of this network device model is as follows:
we collect a temporary scheme for initial setup;
turn on the device and configure it properly;
disassemble the time scheme;
install the router in a permanent place;
we collect a constant scheme of a local area network;
turn on the router;
test the correct settings in the wired network segment;
We check the operability of the Wi-Fi wireless network.
The router can also be configured at a fixed location, provided that the computer is permanently connected to it by a wired method. Since this condition cannot always be fulfilled, it is recommended to do the setup in 2 stages.
Temporary connection for configuration
The next step in configuring the D-Link DIR-320 router is to collect a temporary circuit for configuring a network device. To do this, install it next to a PC or laptop. We use a complete crimped twisted pair to connect a computer and a router to each other. We install one end of it in the port of the PC network card, and the other in any of the 4-wire ports of the router (but not the one intended for data exchange with the provider's equipment). We install the power supply in any nearby free outlet, and the cord from it into the power socket of the router. The timeline is ready.
Set parameters
Now you need to set the program settings of the D-Link DIR-320. To do this, do the following:
turn on the connected computer and router;
We are waiting for the computer and network device to finish loading;
we launch any of the browsers available on the PC;
in the address bar of the browser, dial the combination of numbers 192.168.000.001 (this is the network address of our router) and press Enter;
In response, a request appears with a username and, of course, a password. In the first field, enter admin. The second field at the first start is left blank. If this is not the first run, then enter the password in the second field that was previously set;
in the opened configuration interface of the router, select the item “Connection setup wizard”;
then we set a new administrator password and confirm it, if necessary;
then you need to specify the time zone and save the changes;
at the next stage, you need to configure the connection to the network equipment of the provider. These data are provided by the Internet service provider; they are usually indicated in the contract. This includes the type of connection (for example, PPPoE or L2TP), login and password to establish a connection (if required), the network address is static or dynamic;
after making all the necessary settings, click the Connect button. Then the router will reboot;
after rebooting the router, go to the setup menu using the previously described method and select the “Wireless Network Setup Wizard” item;
then we set the name of the wireless network at our discretion;
choose the encryption method. It is recommended that you use the WPA2 method, which provides the best security for your wireless network;
the next step sets the password for the wireless network. Again at your discretion;
save the changes and force reboot the router.
The preset is finished, you can turn off the computer and network device and disassemble the temporary circuit.
Install the router in a permanent place and connect
Now we install the D-Link DIR-320 router in a permanent place that most optimally meets the previously given conditions. We pull here all the wired communications: a twisted pair cable from the provider and other devices that connect to the LAN in this way. We connect the incoming wire from the Internet service provider to the Internet port. In the remaining 4 ports, we connect the equipment that will use the wired connection. The power supply is installed in the outlet, its cord to the router socket. After the complete collection of the permanent circuit and verification of the connections, turn on the router.
Checking the wired LAN segment
After the D-Link DIR-320 NRU router boots up, you can test the wired part of the LAN. To do this, on any computer connected to the router using twisted pair, go to the network settings (Start \ Control Panel \ Network Connections). Next, create a new connection and save it. Close all windows. We launch any browser and enter any Internet address and press Enter. After that, the start page should open. If this does not happen, we check the network connection settings , which must be configured to automatically obtain a network address.
Testing the wireless part of the local area network
Next, you need to check the operability of the wireless WiFi connection. The D-Link DIR-320 router allows you to use it to transmit information at speeds up to 54 Mbps. The connection procedure in this case is as follows:
The router must be turned on and in operational mode, and not at the boot stage.
On any mobile device, activate the Wi-Fi transmitter.
We go into the "Settings" device, select the WLAN and click on the "Search" button. Upon completion, a complete list of all available wireless LANs will appear.
We select exactly the network whose name was set at the setup stage and connect to it. After the request to enter the password appears, enter it. It is important not to confuse the admin password for the D-Link DIR -320 and password to access the wireless network. It is necessary to introduce just the second, and they must be different.
In the future, the color of the Wi-Fi indicator should change: two triangles should appear on it.
Next, launch the browser and, just like in the previous case, test the connection.
Summary
After completing the configuration of the D-Link DIR-320 router, this network device will last you more than one year. This operation, as a rule, has to be performed only at the first start-up of equipment. In the future, it operates with the given values, and there should not be any problems with it.