| D-Link DWL-520 Wireless PCI Adapter, 802.11b, 11Mbps |
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Model: DWL-520
Brand: D-Link
Manufacturer: D-Link
Average Rating: 
(submit your review here)
Total Reviews: 24
Form factor: Plug-in card
Hardware platform: PC
Data link protocol: IEEE 802.11b
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| Features: |
Uses PCI interface
Supports 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, and 1 Mbps data rates with automatic fallback
Up to 128-bit encryption
Uses 2.4 GHz frequency and direct sequence spread spectrum technology
Indoor range of up to 328 feet |
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| Description: |
| The D-Link Air DWL-520 is an IEEE 802.11b, Wi-Fi compatible wireless PCI adapter. The DWL-520 provides an integrated PCI solution that will operate within the 2.4 GHz Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) for wireless networks in the home or office environment. Along with the advanced wireless technology that is incorporated into the DWL-520, wide range motherboard support is assured by compliance to the latest PCI 2.2 standard interface. The DWL-520 is the solution for users and network administrators looking for the convenience offered by a wireless connection. The D-Link DWL-520 can operate in either Ad-Hoc mode (Peer-to-Peer networking without an access point) or Infrastructure mode (Peer-to-Peer networking using an access point). In Infrastructure mode, the DWL-520 can be connected to a wireless residential gateway with a broadband connection to enable wireless sharing of the High-speed Internet access. The DWL-520 can transmit data at rates of 11 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps per channel. With its detachable antenna using a reverse SMA connector, the DWL-520 has an effective range of up to 70 m for indoor use and up to 300 m in an outdoor environment. In addition, the DWL-520 supports 64/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) Encryption for network security. |
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| User Reviews (24 total): |
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Go for the 520+, December 2, 2002
By beamthis (Croton-on-Hudson, NY USA)
The NIC seems to be fine, getting good signals; however, the 2.4Ghz frequency does intefere with our 2.4Ghz cordless phones (a lot of crackling). Try not to transfer data while you're on the phone (surfing, downloading, backup). Another option is to keep an extra corded handset connected or get a 900Mhz phone just in case so you can talk and transfer data at the same time.As for the title of this review, I have the D-Link 900AP+ as my access point, capable of 22Mbps. I wish I had opted for the extra few dollars to get to 22Mbps DWL-520+ as backing up over the 11Mbps takes forever and cutting that time in half would be nice. Also, using the same brand access point/router and NIC makes enabling WEP (encryption) much easier. I have had many issues in having to downgrade WEP strength when mixing brands. If you're just sharing an Internet connection, this speed is fine, but make sure to keep your router or access point high up or you tend to lose quite a bit of range. Consider the top of a 6 foot bookshelf or some other higher open location.
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No problems with Linux., September 4, 2002
By unknown
I installed a DWL-520 in my wife's Linux workstation to connect to my homebrew access point with no real issues besides having to download and install the wlan-ng drivers, which is probably not for the novice. The only two notes would be:- Must be a recent (post Pentium II?/Athlon) motherboard that supports PCI v2.2 The IWILL Athlon motherboard that is in my wife's computer worked just fine. If the green LED on the back of the card comes on when you turn on your system, your motherboard should be okay. If not, you may be out of luck. - MUST have it's own system interrupt (IRQ). Some PCI slots share interrupts with other slots or built in devices. If the card doesn't work, try moving it to another slot. Other than that, it's been rock solid under Linux. Unfortunately, I believe this card has been discontinued in favor of the DWL-520+ card, which uses a different chipset and is incompatible with Linux.
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Excellent connection, easy install., August 23, 2002
By Chad Zenner (Tigard, OR United States)
I have used the DWL-520 for a month now and I have nothing but gleeming satisfaction for it's ability. The card installed quickly and setup was quick and painless. For first time users who have limited understandings of home networks, this is a great buy. Especially for the price!
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Is not compatible with many computers, May 4, 2002
By James Sandomierski (Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin)
The following answer on the D-Link tech support site says it all: "The DWL-520 requires a PCI 2.2 compliant motherboard (3.3v) in order to function. If your PCI slot is 2.1 compliant, or if the PCI slot is using 5v, then the card won't be detected by Windows and unfortunately will not work." And how will you know if you have a PCI 2.2 compliant board? Essentially, you won't, until you try the card or dig deep into the specs on your computer's motherboard. I have a very reputable ASUS Pentium III motherboard, that won't recognize this card. Very frustrating...
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