Access Point D-Link DWL-2100AP is a product of a well-known manufacturer of network equipment in the world. The device is aimed at those consumers who need to get something more than just an access point that works in the standard 802.11g. That is how the manufacturer positioned his decision at the time of the release of the device for sale.
It is worth noting the high quality of the solution, as well as its wide functionality, which allows it to successfully perform various tasks in computer networks today.
Popularity DWL-2100AP
It is worth noting that although today the D-Link DWL-2100AP access point is a morally obsolete product, its capabilities as a whole satisfy a huge number of users who entrust the device with quite a variety of tasks. A wide list of available functions, as well as a fairly simple procedure for setting up the DWL-2100AP, made this access point really popular and this product is in demand today, albeit in the market of used equipment.
Solution Benefits
The list of modes, as well as their settings in the DWL-2100AP, we will consider below, before you stop at some of the "highlights" of the model. So, the main advantages of the access point are the support for the Multi-SSID function, as well as the “turbo” IEEE 802.1g protocol.
Among other things, the manufacturer managed to increase productivity by applying special optimization methods when using ether, in particular data compression, as well as introducing the ability to expand the frequency range in which the DWL-2100AP operates.
These technologies were truly revolutionary for their time, and even after many years of operation, the dots make it possible to create a fast and stable wireless network at home and in enterprises.
Initial setup
Before proceeding with the configuration of the DWL-2100AP, you must upgrade the device software. During the life cycle of the device, the firmware was repeatedly updated by the manufacturer, which expanded the functionality and also simplified the process of user interaction with the device. In addition, the stability of the solution and the tools for customizing it increased. In particular, the improvements affected the web interface and the Windows configurator. The latest firmware versions are always available for download on the official D-Link website and the first thing to do is download the latest firmware file and then install it on the access point.
Firmware
To perform a firmware update, as well as other operations aimed at setting up the DWL-2100AP, you only need to perform a few steps. You need to connect the access point using a patch cord to the computer, and then go the following way.
Update Instructions
It is worth noting that during firmware the DWL-2100AP settings are not reset, so you can carry out the manipulations without worrying about the consequences if the device has been previously configured.
- Go to the web interface.
- Go to the Tools tab and select Firmware.
- Then follows the click on the "Browse" button located near the Update File field.
- We indicate to the configurator the path to the previously downloaded file with the firmware in the Explorer window and click OK.
- After the above, the data will be loaded into the internal memory of the device.
- In automatic mode, the System tab will be opened, after which it remains only to click the Restart button, which will lead to a reboot of the device.
- Thus, we get an updated version of the access point software. The firmware setup is almost complete.
- After replacing the firmware, it is advisable to update the configurator. The latest versions of the configuration tool are also available for download from D-Link servers. Links to them can be found on the official website of the company.
Customization methods
The tools used to configure the D-Link DWL-2100AP are represented by a Windows configurator, web interface, and telnet features.
Management of settings via telnet or the web interface is possible after a suitable IP address is set using the Windows configurator. Only the use of the latter makes it possible to detect access points on an Ethernet network using any IP addressing. And it is the configurator that allows you to set the necessary IP address for the DWL-2100AP. It will be useful to recall that the default IP address for the model in question is 192.168.0.50.
Which tool to choose?
It should be noted that the methods discussed above are characterized by various functionalities. A complete list of DWL-2100AP settings may be available only to users who use telnet. Most of the possible parameters are available for change through the web interface. As for the Windows configurator, this solution will not even give the opportunity to select some of the operating modes. Thus, when configuring the DWL-2100AP router, it is recommended that you initially refer to the capabilities of the configurator from under Windows to set the IP address, and then proceed to the configuration procedure via the web interface. The telnet features can be used by advanced users to solve complex problems.
Tip. A very convenient and time-saving configuration is to use the D-Link DWL-2100AP configuration wizard, which can be launched from the web interface immediately after logging in.
Modes of Operation D-Link DWL-2100AP
So, by setting the access point the desired IP address through the Windows configurator, you can refer to the capabilities of the model’s web interface to configure the most frequently used modes of operation by users. These modes are represented by the access point, bridge, client, and repeater.
Default mode
By default, the access point operates in the same mode. Access Point mode is used when it is necessary to create a wireless coverage, having at its disposal a network built with cables. To configure the mode, you need to determine in the LAN tab how the access point will receive an IP address. The available options are Static, manually prescribed, and Dynamic, automatically received by the point from the network. Then, the wireless settings are determined, represented by the definition of the wireless network name (SSID), the choice of encryption type, password setting, and so on. Changing all of these, as well as some other parameters, is available on the Wireless tab.
Bridge
One of the most popular features of the DWL-2100AP is the use of the "bridge" mode. This mode allows you to combine several local networks, resorting to the capabilities of two or more wireless access points to interact with each other. As for the DWL-2100AP, setting up an access point in bridge mode is done after going to the Advanced tab and pressing the Mode button on the left side of the setup page. Then we select one of two types of operation of the considered mode, setting the corresponding mark in the check box:
- PtP Bridge. This variety is used to connect only two networks (i.e. access points). In this embodiment, the wireless bridge can only function if a second DWL-2100AP is present on the network.
- PtMP Bridge. In this embodiment, it becomes possible to connect multiple networks to each other. At the same time, a DWL-2100AP must also be present in each wireless network.
After adding the MAC address of the root access point, save the settings using the Apply button. After rebooting the device, Bridge mode will be configured.
Client
This mode of operation allows you to connect to any of the wireless networks operating in the reach zone of the access point. For the DWL-2100AP, configuring the client is very simple - using the Advaced tabs in the web interface and the Mode button. After choosing AP Client mode, you need to enter the MAC address of the root access point, save the settings and reboot the device to be configured.
Repeater
The repeater (repeater) mode enables simple relaying of a signal distributed by another (root) access point, thus expanding the coverage of the wireless network. Like other modes in the DWL-2100AP, the repeater is configured after the transition along the Advanced - Mode path. Then select AP Repeater from the list of modes, and enter the MAC address of the root access point. Again, we should not forget about the need to save the changes made using the Apply button and reboot the DWL-2100AP.
Conclusion
As you can see, even relatively outdated products of the high-tech industry are sometimes able to successfully fulfill the tasks assigned to them. The DWL-2100AP is a somewhat amazing product. You can verify this only once by familiarizing yourself with the capabilities that this access point provides its users. Setting up the device discussed above usually does not cause any difficulties even for a user who does not have deep knowledge in the field of computer networks. It is important only to correctly determine the tasks and choose a mode of operation.